Varna Aquarium, Public aquarium in Sea Garden, Varna, Bulgaria
The Varna Aquarium is a white building in the Sea Garden that displays more than 140 different fish species in large tanks. The collection features creatures from the Black Sea, Mediterranean waters, and freshwater environments.
Prince Ferdinand I commissioned construction in 1906, but the Balkan Wars and World War I delayed the opening until 1932 under Tsar Boris III. The building reflects the political upheavals of the early 20th century.
The aquarium sits within the Sea Garden and serves as a gathering place where families and school groups connect with the creatures of the Black Sea. It helps visitors develop a personal relationship with the local marine ecosystem and its inhabitants.
The building opens most days of the week and on weekends, with shorter hours during the colder months. Visitors should plan for a couple of hours to see the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes for walking through the galleries.
The building holds a specialized library with about 30,000 volumes, including rare marine biology books from the 19th century. This collection makes it a destination for serious marine researchers and book enthusiasts.
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