Balchik

The town of Balchik is a relatively large settlement along the Northern seaside of the Black Sea with its population of about 13,766 people and a harbour used for medium-sized passanger and commercial vessels. It is situated 31km north of Varna.

Back in time it is worth noting that the town was a rather important centre on the northern Black Sea coast till the beginning of the new era and it was second in significance (with Varna on the first place - named Odessos at that time). Later on, the town of Balchik was included in the territory of Bulgaria. Around the 13th - 14th century AC it became a natural fortification, called Dzhina Bair. Following this rule by the Boyar Balik, it received its present-day name of Balchik. The town flourished and grew into a big centre, trading with corn, after the Crimean War (1853-1856).

Yet after the Balkan War which ended 1913, it was annexed to the territory of Romania. Amazed by the natural beauty and fascination of the place, The Romanian Queen Maria built a summer palace and a botanical garden there. The royal complex of Balchik also comprised of a chapel and a villa for Romanian aristocrats. The town turned into a luxurious and rich resort at the time. After 1940 Balchik was again officially part of Bulgaria.