General Information

Nessebar (Messambria, Messemvria) is one of the most picturesque sea places on Earth. It impresses with its location – a small craggy peninsula connected to the land by a narrow neck about 400 meters long.

Situated 20 kilometers from the international airport of Burgas and 36 kilometers north-east from the city of Burgas, and 427 kilometers east from Sofia. On the north, Nessebar has almost merged with the ´Riviera´ of the Black Sea coast – Sunny Beach.

Today Nessebar is populated by about 9,500 people, which inhabit its old and new part.

Nessebar is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was inhabited by the Thracians more than three thousand years ago, in the end of the Bronze Age. It was called Messambria, Messemvria and later – Nessebar.

 

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Sights

Visit the old town of Nessebar and you will enjoy:

• 80 restored two-story wooden houses with many windows facing the sea, typical for the Black Sea coast, which give the town unordinary beauty;
• Medieval churches dated from Roman time, which are remarkable monuments of the architecture. It is told that they were 41, but to the present are preserved:
• The ´St. Ivan Baptiski´ church which is an art gallery today;
• The ´St. Stephan´ church which has preserved wall-paintings dated from X – XII c.;
• The ´Hristos Pantokrator´ church dated from XCV c. which has preserved polished ceramic mosaics;
• The ´St. Ioan Aliturgetos´ church which is situated near the harbor and is a peak for the Bulgarian architectural and artistic style;
• The medieval fortress wall of the city;
• A windmill dated from XVIII – XIX c. located at the neck which invites the casual passer-by to visit the beautiful Nessebar;
• A museum with fine archaeological display;
• An ethnographical museum. You can have a look at the national costumes, interior house furniture, craftsman´s and other creations from this area;
• The new city which will welcome you with its lovely accommodations – over 200 hotels, 630 private apartments and over 1000 bars and restaurants.

History

Nessebar was declared as architectural and archaeological preserve in 1956. The cultural monuments in the city were added to the list of world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1983.

The city is founded 3000 years b.c. by the Thracians and is considered as the richest city of architectural monuments dated from Medieval Bulgaria. It has 23 churches and monuments. Two of them are the Early-Christian basilica and the domed Byzantine church, showing the architectural and artistic influences of the Greek, Roman and Byzantine times. The city has the romantic spirit of the old Messemvria.

The city is an exquisite resort today. Tourism has become the main occupation in Nessebar. The new city has a wonderful beach, many restaurants, private hotels and villas. Every visitor has something to see in the city.

 

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Entertainment

You can Enjoy

• The international festival of children´s art ´Sun, joy, beauty´;
• The festivals of ´Messemvria´;
• The international festival of Christian arts and culture
• The international day of the museums.

You can also enjoy:

• The variety of beautiful and stylish hotels;
• The numerous private villas and houses which show the Bulgarian style of life;
• The numerous cool and beautiful restaurants with wonderful various Bulgarian and foreign cuisines.

Tourists can participate in:

• the many tours around the country and abroad;
• Transport to Sunny beach and Burgas by bus, private minibuses, route-buses and ordinary taxies. There is a regular water ride from Sunny Beach and Burgas to Nessebar;
• A walk by a jet-ski or boat on rent gives you ability to enjoy the fascinating look from the sea to the city.

 

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Sports

• You can participate or just watch the sports program of ´Nessebar Moto´ club;
• The ones that like to sport can visit the Sunny Beach resort which has almost merged with Nessebar. Water sports, horseback riding, tennis courts, bowling, mini-golf, volleyball and other beach sports, shooting grounds, etc. are offered. Visit also Sunny Beach