Holiday Memories - Sixth Day [third part]

It was the last place which we saw this day. Beautiful place with amazing view on the Sea. We enjoyed watching the calm of sea. We was looking for dolphins but it was very hot day and water was too warm for them. Maybe next time. It was very interesting day.

Kaliakra Archaeological Reserve

 

Cape Kaliakra and the architectural reserve on its territory are located 12 km southeast of Kavarna. It is an oblong, narrowing rocky peninsula that juts out about 2 km into the sea. The rich history, the well-preserved landscape, and the beautiful panoramic views make Cape Kaliakra one of the most attractive tourist spots on the Black Sea Coast.

 

 Kaliakra is a nature and archaeological reserve. It stretches over 687.5 decares and comprises wild steppes and incredible coastal rocks. More than 400 plant species can be found in the reserve. A total of 310 kinds of birds live on the territory of Kaliakra and 100 of them require special measures for their habitats preservation. 

 

The first records providing information about the people who lived on the cape date back to the 4th century BC, when the region was inhabited by Tirisis, a Thracian tribe. This was probably the reason why the first name of the cape was Tirisis. Later the fortified wall that was initially laid by the Thracian tribe was restored and another fortified line was built. The settlement consisted of two parts: inner town and outer town. The first wall protected the town from the direction of the land. Its remains now stand 2 m high and 440 m long. The remains of many buildings were discovered on the territory of the outer town. A large building that used to be a 4th century AD bath has been preserved to this day and can be found there. Tourists can also see an almost completely preserved vaulted mason tomb from the same period. During the archaeological digs several medieval churches were discovered as well.

 

The name Kaliakra, which means “beautiful cape”, was first mentioned in the 13th – 14th centuries. In the 14th century the Bulgarian state was divided in three, and Kaliakra became centre of its eastern-most part and established itself as a big international harbour.

There are many legends related to Cape Kaliakra. The most famous one tells the story of 40 Bulgarian girls led by the beautiful Kaliakra who jumped from the rocks and into the sea to escape from the Ottomans. They braided their hair together to make sure no one would back away.

 The fortress was declared an architectural monument of culture of national importance by virtue of publication in State Gazette, issue No 73 of 1967, while Cape Kaliakra was declared a nature preserve by Ordinance No 16298 of the Council of Ministers of 27 September, 1941