Bourgas

Bourgas is the 4th largest city in Bulgaria and is situated in the south-eastern part of the country. The climate is continental, influenced by the Black Sea. Due to its location, Bourgas has developed into a trade and tourism centre. The coast is obviously one of the major attractions of Bourgas and the city is the main starting point for coastal holidays. Most visitors arrive at the international airport.

The Port of Bourgas is the largest seaport in Bulgaria. Bourgas is also known as the industrial centre of Bulgaria. One of the biggest industrial plants on the Balkan Peninsula, Neftochim-EAD, is located in the vicinity of the city. A Duty Free Zone was established in 1989 with the objective to create most attractive conditions for foreign investors.

What to see in Bourgas
The Art Gallery of Bourgas is one of the oldest in Bulgaria and is located in the former Jewish synagogue, a fabulous architectural monument built in the period from 1905 to 1910 by Ricardo Toscani, an Italian architect. The gallery was originally founded in 1945 with the joint participation of prominent public figures and artists. "The Picture Gallery and Museum" was ceremoniously opened in the Stock Exchange Hall of the Chamber of Commerce on April 7th,1947. Today the Art Gallery of Bourgas is an important cultural centre of the city. It is a popular venue for lectures, holding meetings with famous artists, recitals and concerts.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral was built in 1894-1905 with donations from prominent citizens of Bourgas. Cyril and Methodius were brothers who created the Slavonic alphabet and are depicted in an impressive stained glass work at the main entrance to the cathedral. Other sites to visit include, the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Holy Virgin (Sveta Bogoroditsa), the two Catholic Churches, the Armenian Church and the Natural Science Museum. Other museums include the Ethnographic Museum and the Natural Science Museum.

20km north of the city is Lake Pomorie, surrounded by salt mines. Other lakes in the area include Atanassovo Lake, between the airport and the city, Bourgas Lake and the Mandren Lake 10km south of the city. They are all important nature reserves with a wealth of wildlife.

The St.Anastassia Island is 3 nautical miles east of the city. The island has a well preserved old church and was used for the exile of left-wing revolutionaries in 1923-1925, and anti-Fascists in 1943-1944. That is why the island was named Bolshevik for some years during communist times.

Infrastructure
Each year Bourgas is visited by over 180,000 foreign and Bulgarian tourists. On the territory of Bourgas municipality there are 2 universities and 4 colleges comprising more than 6,200 Bulgarian and foreign students. In the Municipality of Bourgas there are 27 primary schools, 28 secondary and high schools. In the city are 13 clinics and hospitals and about 220 private medical practice institutes.

Festivals and holidays
The Bourgas International Folklore Festival takes place each year. It was created in 1965 and since then it has gained international prestige as a result of its high professionalism and the authenticity of the peoples' traditionals. The festival includes concerts, displays, craft fairs and much more.

The town celebrates its patron saint, St. Nicholas the Miracle Maker, on December 6. According to local tradition, he was the protector of the families of sailors and fishermen.

Around Bourgas
The village of Kraimorie (once named Kafka) is located to the south of Bourgas on the way to the old fortress of Pirgos. There is a beautiful beach near the village.

Our visits to Bourgas
We have visited Bourgas on two occasions now and each time we have received a warm welcome from the local people. During our second visit we were introduced to the Mayor who made us very welcome. Bourgas is a modern city and very busy yet the streets and squares are so quiet. The shopping is great, with a wide choice at low prices. The Sea Gardens are a must see and make sure you try some of the quality restaurants. The nightlife is wonderful and eveyone is well behaved. It appears to be safe to walk the streets at night.