Sozopol, Coastal resort town on the Black Sea in Bulgaria.
Sozopol is a coastal city on the Black Sea with stone-paved streets winding through clusters of stone houses and wooden buildings. These passages lead down to multiple sandy beaches along the shoreline, while the old town remains densely packed with traditional structures.
The city was founded as the Greek colony Apollonia in the 6th century BC and became a major maritime trading center in ancient times. This heritage defined its role as a commercial hub for centuries afterward.
The Apollonia Arts Festival in September draws musicians, painters, sculptors, and performers to venues throughout the old quarter. Year-round, the narrow streets serve as natural gathering spaces where locals and visitors move between galleries and small exhibition spaces in restored buildings.
The city connects directly to Sofia and Burgas by bus, with water taxis running to neighboring coastal settlements during summer. Walking is the best way to explore the old town, as the narrow, stone-paved streets are not suited for larger vehicles.
The Castle of Ravadinovo sits a few kilometers away, combining stone architecture with marble details set within landscaped grounds. This structure blends historical forms with contemporary design elements in a way that stands out from other regional buildings.
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