Varna, Bulgaria
Varna
Варна | |
|---|---|
From top left: Asparuh Bridge, Black Sea beach, Euxinograd, Varna Archaeological Museum, Stoyan Bachvarov Dramatic Theatre, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Drazki torpedo boat, The Navy Club, Palace of Culture and Sports, The ancient Roman baths, Varna Ethnographic Museum | |
|
Flag Coat of arms | |
| Nicknames: The marine capital The summer capital | |
Varna Location of Varna city in Bulgaria Varna Varna (Balkans) Varna Varna (Black Sea) | |
| Coordinates: 43°13′N 27°55′E / 43.217°N 27.917°E | |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Province | Varna |
| Municipality | Varna |
| First settled | 575 BC |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Blagomir Kotsev (PP–DB) |
| Area | |
• Total | 232 km2 (90 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Population (2024) | |
| • City | 318,737 |
| • Urban | 417,224 |
| Demonym(s) | Varnéan (en) Варненци/Varnentsi (bg) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postcode | 9000 |
| Area code | (+359) 52 |
| Vehicle registration plate | B |
| Website | www |
Varna (Bulgarian: Варна, pronounced [ˈvarnɐ]) is the third-largest city in Bulgaria and the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and in the Northern Bulgaria region. Situated strategically in the Gulf of Varna, the city has been a major economic, social, and cultural centre for almost three millennia. Historically known as Odessos (Ancient Greek: Ὀδησσός), Varna developed from a Thracian seaside settlement into a major seaport on the Black Sea.
Varna is a significant hub for business, transportation, education, tourism, entertainment, and healthcare. The city is referred to as the maritime capital of Bulgaria and is home to the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine. In 2008, Varna was designated as the seat of the Black Sea Euroregion by the Council of Europe. In 2014, Varna was awarded the title of European Youth Capital 2017.
The oldest gold treasure in the world, belonging to the Varna culture, was discovered in the Varna Necropolis and dated to 4600–4200 BC. Since the discovery of the Varna Necropolis in 1974, 294 burial sites have been excavated, with over 3000 golden items inside.