----------------------------WELCOME TO SOZOPOL

Sozopol is among the oldest Bulgarian cities. 2600 years ago Greek emigrants from Anatolia reached the peninsula, the bay, the islands, and decided to settle here. They founded Apollonia, a polis (city - state), model of ancient Greek democracy. Apollo, the God of arts, was the city protector. At that time Apollonia was the greatest and the richest city at the Black Sea coast, a commercial and art center. A variety of archeological finds were preserved from this period - coins, ceramic amphora, ancient anchors, etc. At the beginning of the I century BC the Roman troops came to the Black Sea and Apollonia was set on fire. In time the city was rebuilt as part of the East Roman Empire. Apollonia was named Sozopol - the city of salvation . The reason for that change was the proclamation of Christianity as the only religion in the Empire. Christian temples replaced the heathen sanctuaries. After Rome's dissolution Sozopol became part of the newly created Byzantine Empire. In the year 812, one of the greatest Bulgarian rulers, Khan Krum wins the war against Byzantium and conquers Sozopol. In Middle Ages the city was considered the main Bulgarian Black Sea port. A number of monasteries were built around, like “St.John”, situated on the isle of the same name.. After the Turkish invasion Sozopol's population remained mostly Christian, but the big churches were destroyed and small altars were constructed instead - some of them still exists. In the 18th and 19th centuries the famous Sozopol's houses were constructed as an expression of wealth and cultural progress. The first Bulgarian school in the city was built in 1881, the “Paissii Hilendarski “ Cultural Center was founded in 1896. At the beginning of the XX th c. the Greek population migrates from Sozopol, replaced by many Bulgarian families from Thrace. This process was more intensive in the 30-40, when Sozopol is developing as holiday center.Art people – artists, musicians, writers, poets, actors and architects are a significant part of the regular visitors. The unique atmosphere of the city is a true inspiration for creative work. Nowadays Sozopol is a national and international holiday center attracting tourists from Great Britain, Germany, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, France. The artistic atmosphere makes it the most favorite tourist destination.Another opportunity for visitors in Sozopol is to be part of the greatest Bulgarian cultural event - Apollonia Festival of Arts .