Varna’s iconic Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is the world’s largest Bulgarian Orthodox church. It opened 100 years ago and looms proudly over the city centre; however, there are several other notable churches in town. A range of attractions are found in the Sea Garden, namely the Naval Museum, the Dolphinarium and the Planetarium. For a journey into the region’s past, head to one of the rock monasteries in the countryside. These fascinating structures were hewn from massive rock faces and served as places of worship for many centuries.

Balchik
This neighbouring town is best known for its botanical garden on the grounds of the Balchik Palace. The cactus garden, with its 250 species, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and there is also a lovely rose garden onsite. In all, there are more than 3,000 plant species in the garden complex. Most of the botanical species represent the Black Sea coastal region though there are several exotic species sourced from around the world.

Clock Tower
Historical references to a clock tower in Varna go back to the 1700s, but the tower that stands today was built in the late 1800s. The clock itself was purchased from England and continues to work today. It stands 214 metres in the city park. In years past, fireman took advantage of the tower’s high vantage point to watch for fires in the city.

Kaliakra Cape
No visit to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is complete without a visit to Kaliakra Cape. which, boasts sheer, colourful cliffs. A fortress was built on the cape in ancient times and it gained importance in the 1300s. As the story goes, the fortress was sacked by Turks in the 1300s and the few dozen surviving women chose to jump to their deaths into the Black Sea.

Rock Monasteries
Several rock monasteries dot the surrounding countryside. Aladja (Aladzha) Monastery is the most impressive and it’s located only a few miles from the city centre. Used in the days of the Byzantine Empire and abandoned in the 1700s, Aladja (Aladzha) Monastery is comprised of a series of worship facilities and monks quarters carved into a sandstone rock face. Specific rooms are set aside for dining and interment of the dead.

Sea Garden
The Sea Garden is a favourite tourist attraction in Varna. It opened in the early 1900s and hosts the Dolphinarium, the Planetarium and the Naval Museum. The garden is a nice place to spend an hour or two near the sea. There is a recreational area for children, a zoo and a spa facility on the beach. The canal is open for rowing. The numerous restaurants and nightclubs here keep the garden alive after nightfall.

Varna Cathedral
Varna’s most famous cathedral looms over the city centre. Begun in the 1880s, the cathedral was built relatively quickly though it wasn’t officially opened until the early 1900s. Highlights in the cathedral include the bishop’s throne, the stained glass windows and a collection of murals. Ascend 133 steps to the top of the bell tower for a sweeping panorama of the city.