The Burgas Region: A Blessed Land

With a population of over 200,000, Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, the second largest on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is located at the westernmost point of the Black Sea and surrounded by the Burgas Lakes and the large Burgas bay. It is the largest and most important Bulgarian port.

Burgas succeeded from the ancient Greek city of Pyrgos. It was used by colonists from Apolonia as a military post against Mesembria, another important settlement on the region. Under Roman rule, Burgas was known as Deultum. Later, it became a major center of the southern Black Sea coast and became a city of well-developed industry and trade built on oil, chemical works, salt, and iron. In 1903, the railway became fully operational, boosting the city's expansion.

One of the most impressive tourist sights in the city is the District Museum of History. Founded in 1925, it houses a rich collection of items dating back to ancient colonies along the Black Sea coast. There are many churches but the most notable would be the St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. It has marvellous frescoes and a wooden altar. Away from the bustle of the city is the Sea Garden built on a hill next to the coast. Aside from being rich in flowers and trees, the park also has a casino, a zoo, and an open-air theater where the annual International Folklore Festival is held. A beautiful forked staircase leads to the beach. The sand's dark colour is attributed to the various alloys of magnetite.

The region itself offers an array of beautiful sights and interesting culture. A sacred place for every Bulgarian, the Petrova Niva is the place where the Preobrazhenie Uprising started. Located in the national park of the southern Strandzha Mountain, Silistar is home to various animals, birds, and insects. The Sungurlare is a settlement famous for its marvellous wines. One of Ahtopol's two beautiful beaches is a haven for nudists. The central cape of the Stara Planana Mountain, Emine is the most impressive of all Bulgarian capes at the Black Sea coast. The cape is a sixty-meter long rock that dives into the sea, offering a stunning view to those travelling by water. The old settlement of Aitos offer mineral baths. The mineral water is good for drinking and curing stomach, gastric, and liver diseases. Silkosia Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Bulgaria, having been established in 1933. Originating from springs 50 kilometres away, the Ropotamo River is particularly famous for its tender water lilies and other rare flora. It is also home to exotic fauna like enormous white-tailed eagles and eagle owls. There are also numerous beach resorts along the coasts, most notably Chernomoretz, Zlatna Ribka, St. Vlas, and Sunny Beach.

Indeed, Burgas is a place that exudes richness. It's rich in industry, rich in culture, and most especially, rich in beauty.