Sozopol

SOZOPOL Situated 34 kilometers south of Bourgas upon a small peninsula, Sozopol is the oldest town at the Bulgarian seaside. Founded in the year 610 B.C. by the Greeks, the colony called Apolonia flourished as a mediator between the world of the Greek and the world of the noble Thracian tribes. Today, that fascinating place is a large tourist center, remarkable for its unique stone and wooden houses, that date as far back as the 19th century. Some of them (about 45) are even declared National Cultural Monuments. But it is not only them that attract tourists, but also the two beaches with fine sand and especially the local peoples hospitality. In July and August Sozopol resembles a beehive, filled with tourists and during the winter, it turns again into a quiet and romantic fishing settlement. That seems to attract a lot of artists, writers, actors, etc. If you take a walk along the narrow winding lanes, you could notice a great number of houses, dating from the Bulgarian Renaissance. Then, most of the houses with stone foundations, roomy second floors and roofs covered with Mediterranean tiles were built up. Small restaurants and cafes are to be found along the coastal Morski Skali and Milet lanes, which tourists might visit to taste Sozopol specialties meals of local mussels and dried mackerels, prepared in a number of different ways.� Apart from the delicious meals, these tiny restaurants offer to their guests a magnificent view to the offing and the port. The small port is the ideal place where one could take a look at the anglers, who demonstrate their skills of the that ancient means of livelihood- fishing. Nearby the port one could visit the unique Sozopol tavern, which is one of the evening attractions of the town. Its program includes folk songs and dances. The high point in the program is the Bulgarian ring dance, done by dancers dressed in national costumes, who invite the guests to take part in that lovely diversion. Sozopol, however is not simply an amusement center, it is a historical settlement with a lot of landmarks dating back to ancient times , as well as to recent times. One of the most spectacular sights is the Sveta Bogoroditza church, which is located in the old part of the town. It dates as far back as the 17th century and half of it was erected under the ground, because the Turkish conquerors had imposed a ban on the erection of high Bulgarian Christian temples. Another famous landmark is the archeological museum, where tourists could take a look at a rich collection of amphoras, stone anchors and models of ships used by the Greeks, the Phoenicians and other ancient peoples, which the population of Sozopol kept in touch with. The modern part of the town is located nearby the old one. One of the 2 beaches is situated there- on the eastern part of Harmanite cape. Numerous cafes, discotheques and suchlike await guests along the high street \\\"Republicanska\\\'. Apolonia- the colony that once existed here was not just an important trade center, but also a seat of culture and art, a great tradition that has been preserved up to now thanks to the annual festival, which takes place in September. It lasts 10 sleepless days and nights, filled with music, dancing, all sorts of performances, films, exhibitions, etc. The loveliest beach nearby Sozopol is the one at the Dyuni vacation center. After Dyuni, the seaside road passes by the exotic marsh area called \\\"Arkutino\\\". That area covers a territory of 62 ha, where tourists have the opportunity to see some rare plant species, such as water- lilies, irises and creeping lianas. A few kilometers south of the marsh area, the Ropotamo river is to be seen, which was declared a natural reserve. River navigation is another tourist attraction, which is a must. And as far as transport to Sozopol is concerned, it is well- organized and realized through private or state- owned transport firms.