About Varna

Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia and Plovdiv, with a population of 330,000. It is the capital of Varna Province and an important port in the eastern part of the country, located on the Black Sea coast. It is referred to as the sea capital or the summer capital of Bulgaria.

History of Varna

In Varna an ancient Greek trading colony (apoikia) named Odessos was founded about 580 BCE. Historically, Varna is best known for its eneolithic - 3200 B.C. necropolis, being the site of the oldest gold treasure to be found by archaeologists. The Roman city had baths, built in the 2nd century CE, that are the largest Roman remains in Bulgaria. The city, control of which changed from Byzantine to Bulgarian numerous times during the Middle Ages, was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1393.

Economy of Varna

Varna is an important economic centre for Bulgaria and the Black Sea region in general. Major industries include trade and transportation (see Port of Varna, Varna International Airport), shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Tourism is of great importance to the city, with the nearby resorts of Albena, Golden Sands, Constantine and Helena, Riviera and many others, each year attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Together with the nearby town of Devnya, Varna forms what is known as the Varna-Devnya Industrial Complex, home to some of the largest chemical, electrical and manufacturing plants in Bulgaria.

In September 2004, FDI Magazine proclaimed Varna "South-eastern Europe City of the Future", citing its strategic location, fast-growing economy, rich cultural heritage and high quality education.

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