The town of Nessebar, Nessebar

The town of Nessebar is situated on the Black Sea Shore, 36 km northeast of Burgas. It is in close proximity to another big Bulgarian resort – Sunny Beach.

The town was established more than 3200 years ago. Thracians settled there at the end of the Bronze Age. They called it Melsambria, which meant the town of Melsas – that was probably the name of the founder of the settlement.

Today the old and the new part of the town are connected by a narrow isthmus. The old town lies on a small peninsula. Because of its exceptional cultural and historical value Nessebar was declared a museum, tourist, and resort complex of international importance by virtue of Ordinance No 243 of the Council of Ministers of 18 July 1956. In 1983 Old Nessebar was included in the List of World Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO.

Tourists can get more information about the history and the development of the town at the Archaeological Museum which is located at the very beginning of the peninsula. It exhibits finds discovered during archaeological excavations. The traces of past historical periods are everywhere. 

Various events and concerts are held at the ancient theatre in Old Nesebar in the summer. Behind it lies the Nessebar Port where during the active summer season one can often see cruise ships which have stopped by the UNESCO town. Visitors who want to capture the spirit of the town can stay in Old Nesebar – there are many accommodation opportunities that vary in type and price – family hotels, private rental rooms, etc. There are numerous restaurants in the vicinity that serve delicious sea food.

Apart from the fact that it functions as a connection between the old and the new parts of the town, the isthmus is also a preferred place for strolls of the guests and the citizens of Nessebar. There are pedestrian alleys on both sides of the isthmus, close to the sea. The wind-mill that stands in the middle of the isthmus is another symbol of the town.

The new part of Nessebar also offers various accommodation opportunities. The buildings of the town administration and many institutions are situated there. The north and the south beaches of Nesebar lie in the new part of the town. 

The Day of Nessebar is celebrated on 15 August. Many events are held then – exhibitions, concerts on several stages, a religious procession (15 August is the Day of the Assumption of Mary).