weather
| Varna |  | 10°C |
| Sofia | | 10°C |
| Burgas | | 11°C |
| Dobrich | | 11°C |
| Balchik | | 9°C |
| 1.66 |
| 2.19 |
| 1.96 |
| 1.67 |
Culture life in Varna
CHURCHES IN VARNA
Cathedral of the Holy Mother
In the very first years following the Liberation of the country the Orthodox Bulgarian population in Varna increased rapidly. To confirm their close ties with Russian Orthodox faith and to manifest their separation from Greek Patriarchate, on his first visit to the town prince Dondukov-Korsakov was invited by the local municipality members to attend the official religious service at the Bulgarian St. Archangel Mikhail church. He was, however, disappointed with the state of the temple and declared that the town deserved an impressive church, the only one of its kind in the country. And he was ready to help. Soon a committee was elected and its task was to choose the place and raise the funds for the construction. The financial aspect was settled through donations, lottery and a governmental loan. The town's surrounding area offered building materials - hewn stones in good shape from the already ruined fortress were used in the construction process. Copper sheet plates from England were used for the roof of the church. Two lifting cranes for the heavy stone blocks were also shipped from England. The honour to lay the main stone of the future temple fell to prince Alexander I Batenberg who arrived to Varna on 4th August. The official ceremony took place on 22nd August 1880. The chosen name Uspenie Presvyatiya Bogoroditzi (the Assumption) was to commemorate the recently deceased all-Russian empress Maria Alexandrovna - a Bulgarian benefactress and aunt of the prince. No time was wasted and the building works started right away. It took 6 years for the temple to be completed. The project imitated the style of the Peterhoff temple in Petersburg. The church was planned to reach the size of 35 x 35 metres, with a three-nave basilica, the main altar dedicated to the Assumption, the northern one - to the faithful prince St. Alexander Nevsky, the southern - to St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker. Located in the very centre of Varna, the present-day Cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in the city. A religious temple for the citizens, a must-see for the tourists, the cathedral is one of the symbols of Varna. Once you overcome the 133 narrow winding steps of the bell-tower you will be rewarded by the magnificent view over the town.
Orthodox church “St. Nikolai”
The sea temple “St. Nikolai” was built in 1865. It is the only sea temple in Bulgaria. There is a story, according to which the reason for the building of the temple was a vow, given to the protector of the sailors – St. Nikolai from a tradesman in sea distress. He promised that he would build a church and a hospital in honor of saint Nikolai if the ship arrived, undamaged to the harbor. Some people affirm that there is no other church, built with donations of only one man. The construction began in 1859 and continued 6 years. Trough all these years the church “St. Nikolai” was considered a Greek Church.
“St. Atanasii” church
The “St. Atanasii” church is situated in the proper center of Varna town, near Roman Spa, a sight of tourist and archaeological interest and restaurant Studen Kladenets.
The church has very interesting wall paintings and ancient icons by masters, belonging to various icon-paintings schools in Bulgaria. Different rituals are performed in the church like weddings, christenings and others.
The church has very interesting wall paintings and ancient icons by masters, belonging to various icon-paintings schools in Bulgaria. Different rituals are performed in the church like weddings, christenings and others.
”The Holy Virgin Panagiq” Church
The Holy Virgin Church Panagia or the “Small Virgin” church, as it is known by the citizens of Varna is located in the Greek quarter in proximity to the Roman thermals.
The historic data for this temple date back to 1602, when the church was actually built. The church distinguishes itself with its builidng art, as it is build deep into the ground, due to the then imposed interdictions on the Christian churches to exceed two meters over the ground.
Typical for the church are its icons, which images face south, not to the west, which is in contradiction with the church's canons. Experts value those icons as great treasure, such that only few churches could praise with
The historic data for this temple date back to 1602, when the church was actually built. The church distinguishes itself with its builidng art, as it is build deep into the ground, due to the then imposed interdictions on the Christian churches to exceed two meters over the ground.
Typical for the church are its icons, which images face south, not to the west, which is in contradiction with the church's canons. Experts value those icons as great treasure, such that only few churches could praise with
”Holly Parasceva Petka “ Church
“Holly Petka” is located in the central part of the city. The building of the church had began in 1901 and finished in 1906, but it was consecrate way later by bishop Yosif.
In contrast to most of the churches in Varna “The Holly Petka” is one of the few, which has never been demolished.
In 1928 an annex to the church was added, nowadays known as the Baptize. Till 1945 it was used as kitchen for the poor ones.
In contrast to most of the churches in Varna “The Holly Petka” is one of the few, which has never been demolished.
In 1928 an annex to the church was added, nowadays known as the Baptize. Till 1945 it was used as kitchen for the poor ones.
Armenian orthodox chucrh “Saint Sarcis”
The Armenian church is located in the central part of the town, close to the Shishkovata garden.
The history takes notes, that on this place there was a small semi-ground church buuilt in the 17th century, which wa devoured in 1843. A year later, the already built new church was consecrate on 1st of January 1844.
Interesting is the fact, that seen from above the church has the form of a cross with polyhedral pyramid dome of the bell tower. The style of the domes could be seen only in the Armenian and Grusian churches.
The history takes notes, that on this place there was a small semi-ground church buuilt in the 17th century, which wa devoured in 1843. A year later, the already built new church was consecrate on 1st of January 1844.
Interesting is the fact, that seen from above the church has the form of a cross with polyhedral pyramid dome of the bell tower. The style of the domes could be seen only in the Armenian and Grusian churches.
Protestant Church
Evangelical Pentecostal Church
Evangelical Pentecostal Church - Varna is a protestant church, founded in 1921 by Russian missionaries. The first leader of the church in Varna, though she was not an ordained minister, was the mother of Yoncho Dryanov a lady called Sijka Dryanova. A woman of strong will and great potential, she attracted people from the streets to come and hear the Good News of salvation. Together with her husband Nikola they built a hall in the yard of their house, where they held the first meetings of the young church. Sijka lead the church for 17 years and set an incredible example of Christian character and dedication.
Azizie Mosque
The Azazie mosque is settled in the nowadays “Angel Georgiev” street. There is no information about the date of its erection. According to some information the mosque was built in 1795. As the most mosques and this one the praying hall are towards Meka. The mosque is low building with a small back yard in the middle. The minaret is at the west - side, to the right of the entrance. The minaret is with square base.
There was a reconstruction of the mosque. The interior is slightly formed, but according to the religious statues. Before the entrance of the pray hall there is a small premises for ritual washing and a place for the shoes. On the analogy of the Christian altar, there is a praying niche. This mosque is the only one decorated niche with “gold door” from Meka.
There is a terrace at the entrance colon, behind at which is the place for the women.
There was a reconstruction of the mosque. The interior is slightly formed, but according to the religious statues. Before the entrance of the pray hall there is a small premises for ritual washing and a place for the shoes. On the analogy of the Christian altar, there is a praying niche. This mosque is the only one decorated niche with “gold door” from Meka.
There is a terrace at the entrance colon, behind at which is the place for the women.
MUSEUMS IN VARNA
Archaeological Museum
On 12 December 1901 a group of public men and teachers established the Varna Archaeological Society which from then was the basic motive power for the interest and the study of the past of Varna, the Varna region and Northeast Bulgaria. On June 11, 1906 the exhibition of the museum was officially inaugurated in a room of the Girl’s High School (now the Archaeological Museum). In 1952 a school building was specially granted and the exhibition was moved into it.
From March 3, 1983 the Museum is situated in the present building, which is the only one offering complete possibilities for exhibiting and preserving its riches. During the whole period of its existence which is more than 120 years the Varna Archaeological Museum has constantly carried out archaeological investigations and excavations on various sites all over Northeast Bulgaria thus enriching its funds. The Varna Archaeological Museum keeps more than 100 000 objects-monuments of past epochs from Varna, the Region and Northeast Bulgaria.
From March 3, 1983 the Museum is situated in the present building, which is the only one offering complete possibilities for exhibiting and preserving its riches. During the whole period of its existence which is more than 120 years the Varna Archaeological Museum has constantly carried out archaeological investigations and excavations on various sites all over Northeast Bulgaria thus enriching its funds. The Varna Archaeological Museum keeps more than 100 000 objects-monuments of past epochs from Varna, the Region and Northeast Bulgaria.
In the Archeological museum is exhibited the oldest golden treasure in the world. The Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis was accidentally found in October 1972. It is situated about 500 m north of the Varna Lake and about 4 km west of the downtown of Varna. Area from about 7 500 sq. m. was explored and were found more than 3000 golden objects dating back 6000 years ago were discovered in 294 graves.
Naval museum
Nowadays the Naval Museum due to space limitations consists of expositions in two buildings. The building which houses the Naval Museum was built at the end of the last century. It is an architectural monument with Renaissance elements and some baroque borrowings.
THE MUSEUM EXPOSITION
On two floors, models of the Bulgarian battle ships are exposed as well as original torpedoes and a collection lighthouse optics. There are also collection of ancient anchors, figureheads, mines and uniforms of naval officers and navy men.
Aspecial showroom is dedicated to the participation of the Bulgarian Navy in the Balkan War (1912-1913) and to its glorious victory.
In the open-air exposition of the museum there are collections of mines and ancient anchors, guns from coast guard system, a working periscope from a submarine, a working lighthouse from Varna port, the Cor Caroli yacht with which Bulgarian seafarer made the first in Bulgarian history solitary sailing around the world. The torpedo-boat Druzki in its original is turned into a museum ship. She is the last surviving example of a warship type once very common to the world’s navies, particularly the French.
The development of the sea activities in Bulgaria are displayed in the second museum exposition which is in another building. Sea culture around the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is presented by original exhibits, documents and photographs. There is the biggest collection of ship models in the country.
Natural – science museum
Natural – science museum in Varna studies and popularizes the organic world of the Black Sea and along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. From scientifically point of view the exhibition is based on the evolution principle and it is differentiated in three parts : Geology, Verdure, Animals world.
Ethnographical museum
The Ethnographical museum in Varna is in a house built about 1860 as well as in an annex which is harmoniously connected with the old building.
The collection of exhibits gives a true idea of the rich variety in the way of living and culture of the population inhabiting Varna district during the last years of the 19 th and the beginning of the 20 th century.
On the first floor are displayed the main means of livelihood: farming, stock-breeding, fishing, apiculture , vine-growing and wine-producing. Various tools and products of certain occupations typical for the district of Varna are illustrated e.g. brazier’s produce, leather manufacture, homespun tailoring, cooperage.
TRADITIONS
The national costumes reveal the demographic peculiarities of the population in the district. The adornments on display, including belt buckles, belts, rings, bracelets, etc. have been used as accessories to the clothing. The festive and family traditions such as wedding, Christmas, New Year tide, “Petlyov” Day, St. Lazar’s Day, St. George’s Day, Easter, the New Year ritual “Kamili” and some others are illustrated by folk dresses and ritual requisite. The interior decoration of a wealthy city house is displayed on the third floor. There is a reception hall, a parlour, a bedroom and a kitchen.
Museum of the Bulgarian Revival
The visitors can see a restored classroom with sandy desks where the children have learned how to write. Thes orders of praise and the black boards of reprobation meant for the pupils excite interest. Тhe original blackboard with the alphabet has been preserved too. Nearby the classroom one can see the church “Saint Archangel Mihail” with some very interesting icons.
On the second floor there is an exposition with some original manuscripts and ancient editions from the 18 th and the 19 th C. The engravings from the 19 th C, the lock of the city gates, as well as some antique weapons from the 18 th and the 19 th C. and burial finds of the perished in the Russian – Turkish war attract the attention. There is an exhibition ”Ancient Varna in pictures” who reveals the unique atmosphere of the town from the 19 th and the beginning of the 20 th century.
Park-museum Vladislav Varnenchik
The Park-Museum Vladislav Varnenchik is to the northwest of the city of Varna, near the crossroads to Sofia and Dobrich.
It was built in honour of the historical battle in 1444 when Czechs, Poles, Croatians, Hungarians and Bulgarians tried to resist the Turkish invasion in Europe.
A mausoleum was built in 1934 on the foundations of an ancient Thracian tomb.
Museum of Varna
On the first floor are displayed the main crafts typical for the region: cotton growing, metalwork, but also the construction of a new port, the development of the navigation and the shipbuilding, the first loom from 1902, а printing press from the end of the19 th C., documents and models of the first boats and ships.
А slithery, dressmaking and tailoring shop, shoemaker’s atelier, farm implements and machines are restored.
On the second floor is shown the transformation of Varna into an international resort and a summer capital of the Bulgarian culture. The cards, the beach articles, the old swimming suits are very interesting. There are exhibited original photos of ancient buildings, plans and maps of Varna, musical instruments, etc.
One can be absorbed in the specific atmosphere of the city house and the life after the Liberation on the third floor. There are presented also a hotel room, an eating-house, a pastry shop, lawyer’s and insurance offices, a photographer’s atelier, the first bookshop in Varna.
Aquarium
The Aquarium and the Black Sea museum in Varna were opened in 1932-the first and the only marine biological station in the country.
Hundred of fish species are gathered here: mollusks, actinides, crabs, periwinkles as well as species of the fresh water rivers.
A special place is occupied by the natural resources derived from the Black Sea, such as sea salt and petroleum.
The Aquarium is divided into three basic sections and a foyer. Different fish species are represented in the first hall, like sea wolf, grey mullet, sting ray, carp, sturgeon. Marine organismes and shells are in the second hall. There is shown also the oceanography of Black Sea and its history of research.
The third hall comprises some mammals, sea birds and sharks. The tropical fishes in the foyer such as piranha, guppy and others are of great interest.
Roman Spa
Situated in the south-eastern part of the contemporary city of Varna the Roman spa was the biggest social building from the past discovered in Bulgaria till now.
It walls comparatively well preserved outline an imposing building which area is 7000 sq. m. Built at the beginning of the 3 rd C., the Roman Spa functioned at the end of the century.
The visit of the spa was a part of the citizens everyday life. They spent there many hours most frequently in the afternoon. There were also gymnastic halls, recreation halls as well as halls for meetings and conversations with a rich decorated interior.
FINDINGS
A lot of graphic drawings and inscriptions were found in the galleries. The height supposed of the walls was around 20 m; it has been preserved around 18 m. Some interesting findings have been dated from that time for example the statues of roman gods. The Roman Spa was the biggest in the European part of the Roman Empire.
Stone Forest
About 20 kilometres west of Varna is the so-called Stone Forest, a curious collection of stone columns up to 7 metres high.
The first impression is of a ruined temple but scientists have discovered that it is a geological formation of stalagmites some fifty million years old. During the Miocene the seawaters rushed into this place and the sea element having shaped them within millenia. Due to the sand and the scanty vegetation this site looks like a desert.
The Proto-Bulgarian Village "Fanagoria"
The historic – ethnographic complex of proto – Bulgarian village of “Fanagoria” is a unique active museum in open in the country. The complex is counterfeit of proto – Bulgarian battle camp of 6 – 8 th century and includes wood protected walls with battle towers, equipped jurta (ancient Bulgarian margull), active craft work – shops, restored old suites, armaments, objects of life and furnishing. There is a formed square with khan’s and shaman’s jurtas, a shooting place and a platform for the audience.
There are organized: excursion lecture for the visitors, visit of the jurtas and craft center, shooting, information brochure and a lot of souvenirs – duplicates of ancient objects.
PROGRAM
The night program includes very interesting and dynamic horse performance. The purpose of this performance is to represent the proto – Bulgarian feast - The horses and the young warriors. Here can be seen high - class riding, horse cascades, teaching fight, Bulgarian khan, the divines and the prays of the Bulgarian shaman. One can take a photo on the khan’s throne and with the participants in the performance.
The visitors can see the feast of the ancient Bulgarian feast – the spring review of the Bulgarian cavalry.
The night program includes very interesting and dynamic horse performance. The purpose of this performance is to represent the proto – Bulgarian feast - The horses and the young warriors. Here can be seen high - class riding, horse cascades, teaching fight, Bulgarian khan, the divines and the prays of the Bulgarian shaman. One can take a photo on the khan’s throne and with the participants in the performance.
The visitors can see the feast of the ancient Bulgarian feast – the spring review of the Bulgarian cavalry.
UNIVERSITIES
Naval Academy
NVNA trains officers for the Bulgarian Navy and the Merchant Marine according to world-acknowledged standards. Bulgarian Navy officers are well prepared and they take part successfully in many exercises in close cooperation with NATO’s ships. Officers for the merchant fleet graduated our Naval Academy are captains and ship power-plant engineers in many foreign companies in the USA, England, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, Italy, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Philippines, Arabic countries and many others states.
University of Economics
Established on 14 May 1920 as a Higher School of Commerce, thanks to the vision and generosity of the tradesmen and industrialists of the town of Varna, with the intellect, detrmination and talent of eminent Bulgarian and foreign scientists, University of Economics - Varna has travelled a long way full of creativity and awareness which gives us all the right to be proud. A significant influence over the development and the prospects of University of Economics - Varna have its rich educational facilities, the two study buildings, the large number of lecture and seminar halls, the modern student dormitories and refectories, the library featuring over 350 thousand volumes, the well-equipped computer rooms, the University Publishing House, the covered sports complex, the academic rowing centre and many others. The most valuable capital of the University are its staff. Throughout its significant 80 years of existence, over 50 thousand higher education degree holders, eminent scientists, entrepreneurs, public figures and politicians have graduated the University of Economics.
Technical University
Technical University has been established in 1962. The initial name of the university is "Machine and Electrical Institute - Varna" (MEI - Varna) and it incorporates three faculties: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Shipbuilding. Over the years MEI - Varna grew from a small institute, preparing engineers to satisfy the regional needs to a large Technical University of national significance, educating students in 23 specialties. During its 40 years of existence, TUV released 28976 specialists with higher education in the fields of the "Technical sciences", "Natural sciences, mathematics and informatics", "Social, economic and legal sciences" and "Pedagogic sciences in engineering and technologies".
Varna Free University
Varna Free University was established in 1991. It provides full-time regular and part-time extramural forms of education for all the educational-qualification degrees stipulated by the Higher Education Law - Specialist , Bachelor, Master and Doctor. At present there are 12 000 students studying at the University in 35 different specialities including: Business Administration, Social Work, Economics, International Economic Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Company Security Management, Construction of Buildings and Installations, Fashion, Textile, Journalism, European Studies, etc. Among the major priorities in the educational process are computer studies and foreign language teaching.
VFU is the first private university, which was given institutional accreditation for a period of 5 years. Founded only ten years ago, the university has been establishing itself more and more as an academic center combining education of Bulgarian and foreign students in fields of priority interest for the country as well as it has been creating scientific and academic product noted for its international convertibility and high competitiveness.
Medical University
Medical University in Varna was established in 1961 as Higher Medical Institute – Varna. The Medical Institute is the only educational, scientific and medical center for Higher education and post diploma education in medicine and health management in Northeast Bulgaria. The University has an area of 9000 sq.m, comprising of 3 lecture halls, 17 laboratories, 14 studying halls, 6 halls and a club. http://www.mu-varna.bg/
College of Tourism, University of Economics- Varna
The College of Tourism was established in 1963 by the Committee of Tourism within the Council of Ministers. In 1989 the College was incorporated in the structure of the University of Economics- Varna and since 1999 it has been one of its branches. The College was awarded institutional accreditation in the same year.
Organisation and Management of Tourism Operations (OMTO)/Organisation and Management of Leisure Operations (OMLO) - full-time course Organisation and Management of Hotels and Restaurants (OMHR) - full-time and part-time courses. On completion of the course students are awarded a University Diploma for Higher Education at College level- qualification "Specialist". This qualification allows them to work in small and medium-sized or large tourist companies at operations or junior management positions.
The Medical College
The Medical College in Varna is a core department of the Medical University Varna, that practices educational-teahcing and scientifically- research activity . In the Medical college Varna there are seven mojors: “Medical nurse”, “Assistant pharmacist”, “Sanitary inspector”, “Obstetrician”, “Dental mechanic”, “Medical laboratory assistant” and “X-ray laboratory assisstant”. The duration of the course in the Medical college is three years and is organized in full-time or part time from.