Nessebar (also called Nesebar, so I will use the names interchangeably in the entry) is sometimes referred to as the pearl of the Black Sea. This doesn’t surprise me at all, as it is a truly beautiful and charming town. It captivates visitors with its historic old town and ancient buildings, and its ancient part was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. I visited Nessebar in autumn when the weather on the coast was perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the views. Additionally, the sunsets at this time of year were phenomenal.
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History of Nessebar:
The ancient part was once a separate island. When visiting, you will come across many attractions. You will have the opportunity to observe traditional Bulgarian architecture, visit interesting museums, and buy lovely souvenirs.
What is the history of this charming town?
Initially, the town was a Thracian settlement. Later, it became a Greek colony and was called Mesembria. The Romans then took over the town, and in the 5th century AD, it was under Byzantine rule. The name Nessebar began to be used only from the 11th century AD.
In the meantime, the Bulgarians managed to reclaim their land, but in 1453 they lost control of the town again. Nessebar was taken over by the Turks, which was by far the worst period for the town, as it began to decline. However, there are a few remnants from this period, including Turkish baths and a traditional well. Some of the architecture is also associated with Turkey.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the town began to take on its present-day character. New buildings in the characteristic Bulgarian style were erected, and the town began to grow. Consequently, the 20th century was a period of intense growth and development for Nessebar. It was during this time that this seaside town became one of the main tourist destinations on the Black Sea.
Attractions in Nessebar
What is worth seeing in Nessebar? Certainly, a lot of historical buildings. In my opinion, it is simply pleasant to walk around this town. You will undoubtedly be delighted by the numerous Orthodox churches. This Bulgarian resort has even earned the nickname “city of 40 churches”. I recommend visiting, among others, the Church of St. John Aliturgetos, the Church of St. Stephen, which today houses a museum, or one of the most beautiful in the city – the Church of St. John the Baptist. The ruins of the Church of St. Sophia are also a must-see; it is the oldest church preserved in Nessebar.
Church of Christ Pantocrator:
Another place worth visiting is the Church of Christ Pantocrator, which is one of the best-preserved buildings in the city and is truly impressive. There is a museum inside, and the entire building is surrounded by an unusually colorful garden full of various species of flowers.
Ruins of St. Sophia Orthodox Church
Church of the Holy Mother of God
One of the more contemporary religious buildings in the city is the Church of the Holy Mother of God. Regular services are still held here. Inside, you will be delighted to see, among other things, a typical Orthodox altar, as well as paintings and frescoes. The walls of the building are surrounded by abundant vegetation, which looks quite interesting.
Historic Mill
The symbol of the city is the historic mill, located on the isthmus connecting the modern part of the city with the ancient one. The historic mill (The Windmill) can only be admired from the outside, but it remains an attraction. Next to it, there is a beautiful view of the Sunny Beach coast. It’s not far from the main city gate and the remains of the walls that once surrounded the entire city.
Archaeological Museum
Also noteworthy are the Archaeological Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. In the former, you will find an interesting and extremely valuable collection of icons for which Nessebar is famous. In the latter, you can admire an exhibition introducing the customs and traditions associated with Macedonian settlers.
Nessebar – Atmospheric Streets
The undoubted attraction of the town is simply the local streets, where locals display their souvenir stalls. In the low season, they are incredibly photogenic.
Walking along the streets, at every step, you can come across very characteristic houses. There are many of them here! They have a stone first floor and an upper floor with a wooden, slightly protruding structure. One gets the impression that this part hangs over the street. Such a solution is extremely practical, as it provides a lot of shade on a hot day.
Promenade
Lastly, I recommend taking a walk along the promenade, which runs along the sea and around the old town. From it, you can enjoy beautiful views of the coastline and the old town. It’s definitely worth a trip here at sunset.
Accommodations in Nessebar:
Nessebar offers a wide range of accommodations. You can find both beachfront hotels with sea views and accommodations in the ancient part of the city. Surrounded by remarkable monuments and architectural treasures, just 20 meters from the coast, is the highly-rated Saint John Baptist Nessebar Hotel.
The hotel’s interiors combine modern amenities with traditional architectural elements, and inside you’ll find steam baths and saunas, among other facilities.
Other places in this historic part of the city are also worth checking out. Staying overnight in such interesting old buildings can be a unique attraction. You can find recommended, well-rated accommodations below:
For a great hotel right on the beach with sea view rooms, click here.
To discover an apartment in a modern building with a swimming pool, follow this link.
To see and book a beautiful, atmospheric boutique hotel, visit this page.
When visiting Bulgarian resorts, you can’t pass by Nessebar indifferently – this town truly delights, and its ancient part will surely stay in your memory for a long time. The town attracts many tourists in high season, so if you don’t like crowds, I recommend strolling the picturesque streets early in the morning.
See also:
Sightseeing in Bourgas – a Guide To The Most Beautiful Attractions
