Culture of Balchik. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Balchik is a small town, which, however, has many interesting historical attractions and great museums to offer. One of the main symbols of the seaside resort is the residence of the Balchik Palace. It was built in the 20s of the last century as a summer residence of Queen Marie of Romania. Its exterior appearance is pretty modest. The atmosphere of bygone years has been recreated in the rooms of the three-story palace as much as possible.

Almost all rooms are open for tours. Here you can see collections of old furniture and works of art, religious paraphernalia, beautiful antique tableware, and other accessories. At the entrance to the palace, you will see is the queen’s favorite old stone throne. The rooms located on the ground floor are occupied by an art gallery, which displays artworks belonging to various periods. The queen's rooms have been preserved on the next floor. An interesting feature of the summer palace is its spacious balcony, which is now considered one of the best viewing platforms in Balchik.

The Balchik Historical Museum is located near the central city square. Its first collection began in 1907. Archaeological research was already underway in the city and its immediate surroundings during that period. The tomb of a Roman physician priest became one of the most valuable finds. Today, among the museum exhibits are unique surgical instruments, ceramics, and glass products, as well as bronze accessories that were used by local residents more than 1,500 years ago. The official opening of the museum took place in 1937. A significant part of its collection is made up of archaeological artifacts found in the region. History buffs will also have the opportunity to visit suburban areas, which are still being researched. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

It’s definitely worth noting the city’s old religious monuments. The most beautiful one is the Church of St. George erected in the late 19th century. The church is distinguished by a rather modest exterior, while many sumptuous elements have been preserved in its interior decoration. The main decoration of the church is the carved iconostasis made by the best craftsmen in the 19th century. You will also have the opportunity to see the old episcopal throne, as well as other religious artifacts.

Of equal interest is the Ethnographic Museum of Balchik occupying a beautiful two-story building. This historic 19th-century building was once home to rich wheat dealers. The museum has gathered a very interesting collection of historic clothes, jewelry, and household items. It is also famous for its rich collection of handicraft exhibits.

A part of the historic building is occupied by a library, which keeps more than 1,500 books. Old ceramics and jewelry collections are of particular interest, as well as copper and wrought iron products made by local artisans. National costumes hand-sewn in full accordance with historical traditions are considered one of the most interesting exhibits. They are decorated with beautiful handmade embroidery and other unique design elements.

A very interesting religious monument is the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen built in 1894. It lost its religious significance during the years of the Romanian occupation when a concert hall was equipped within its walls. Concerts for the Romanian nobility were regularly held here for years. The church was not re-equipped immediately even after Bulgarians got their city back. Its reconstruction was completed only in the 21st century. The church has been decorated in accordance with the traditions of the past centuries and re-consecrated.

While in Balchik, fans of unusual tours must head to the ancient Silver Well. It was built in the 19th century and has never stopped functioning. Even though the townspeople no longer need to collect freshwater, the well was not destroyed. Now it is located in a picturesque garden, where, in addition to beautiful plants, you can see fragments of old stone buildings.

Balchik Art Gallery welcomes all fans of fine arts. Its opening took place back in the 30s of the last century, but many valuables were taken out of the gallery by the end of the Romanian occupation. The gallery was reopened in 1965. The ground floor of the building is occupied by collections of foreign artists’ works. On the next floor, you can see the works of the most famous Bulgarian artists. The gallery often hosts temporary exhibitions.