Within the South East corner of Central Europe you will find the unspoilt land of Bulgaria, where for the visitor time often seems to stand still while they explore the fabulous sun drenched golden sands of the Black Sea Coast, the clean air and natural beauty of the countryside, and the wonderful spirit that is Bulgaria.

Varna itself is a district City, situated on Varna Bay on the Black Sea, 469 km north-east of Sofia; a seaside resort. Population of 334 000. Third in population after Sofia and Plovdiv, called the seaside capital of Bulgaria. Terminal station on the railway lines Sofia-Varna and Rouse-Varna, a sea port, an international airport, second in traffic after Sofia.

With its over 30 km long beaches the city reminds of Florida or Cote d'Azure and it impresses with its interesting link between different cultural epochs. Festivals with international participation and significance are held in the city, the International Choir Fair, organized at the end of May, being one of the most popular. In June the International Theatre Festival is held as a part of the Varna Summer Festival.

History finds of flint and mesolith subjects, remnants of the first inhabitants of our lands, date back to 12 000 years ago. At the end of the Stone-Copper Age new tribes come and settled from the North. They were more experienced in stock breeding and agriculture, they knew the lead, tin and bronze. The chalcolith Necropolis, discovered in 1972 in the region of Varna, dates back to the same period. Situated only a few meters away from the northern bank of Varna lake, the oldest gold in the world processed by human hands was discovered in its tombs. The numerous trimmings and objects indicate high cultural development of the ancient civilization, inhabiting these lands.

Towards the end of the V century BC king Sitalk united the Thracian tribes into one country. It included the towns on the coast, as well as Odessus (Now Varna).

The name Odessus was first mentioned by Strabon. Situated in the old part of contemporary Varna, the town was one of the most significant colonies on the coast. It rapidly developed as a trade centre. We haven't got much information about the first days of the new colony. Our knowledge comes mainly from the records of ancient historians, who have described the military feats of ancient rulers. In the years following the conquest of the daki tribes, in the period from II - III century AD, the town was well planned and provided and the fortress walls were fortified.

A theatre, as well as numerous temples of Apollo and other deities, was built in the town. New roads were built leading to the town, and the newly constructed water-conduit was feeding the majestic Odessus baths. Another sign of the town's prosperity was the resumed coinage of coins with the name of Odessus. Rapid penetration of Islam into Europe disturbed western feudal lords and the catholic church. With the purpose to save Byzantium and to unite the Christian world, Pope Eugene IV declared a new Crusade against the Turks. This task was set to the king of Poland and Hungary Vladislav III Jagiello. In the autumn of 1443 the crusaders entered Bulgaria and after the battle of Nish they entered Sofia.

The following 1444 the knights entered Bulgaria once again. On 9th November the troops reached Varna and pitched their camp there. Varna and the nearby towns solemnly surrendered the town keys. But while they were expecting help to come from the sea, a big Turkish army surrounded the crusaders. The battle started early in the morning of 10th November 1444 to the west of the town. The battle started well for the crusaders and the Turks were gradually losing strength. King Vladislav III was already seeing his triumph, when suddenly he was knocked down from his horse and was killed. His death weakened the crusaders. The troops of sultan Murad II took advantage of the confusion and attacked and chased the withdrawing crusaders. A small number of them managed to escape. To honour his courage, Vladislav III Jagiello was called Varnenchik. Turkish rule was finally set over Varna and Bulgaria.

During the war between Russia and Turkey in 1877-78 there were no active military actions in Varna. A peace treaty was signed in San Stefano on 3rd March and according to it the fortress had to be surrendered to the Russians. But using the pretext that they had not received orders to surrender the town, Turkish authorities kept it for 5 months more. Finally, after the personal interference of General Stolipin, Varna was freed on 27 July 1878.
The history of the City and surrounding districts is something we feel that kindles the spirit into wanting to know more and more, which is why we are beginning ourselves a journey of exploration and awareness in our new task of formulating Varna’s wonderful history on Varnaplan.

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