Cape Kaliakra is one of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria. In this place, the stars really “aligned.” And beautiful nature, striking with its almost fantastic alien beauty, and an eventful centuries-old history, in memory of which the ruins of an ancient fortress have been preserved, and a special energy that has a magical effect on everyone who finds themselves on the edge of the legendary cliff.
History of Cape Kaliakra.
Our compatriots know about Cape Kaliakra primarily thanks to the Russian-Turkish war. In 1791, it was here that one of the most famous battles took place, during which the army under the command of Admiral Ushakov defeated the Ottomans with superior forces. However, the history of Kaliakra did not begin with this event - its roots are much deeper.
This place has been inhabited since ancient times - the cape is too successful from a strategic point of view. Rocks 70 meters high are an excellent defense against enemies that could come from the sea. In addition, the sea did a great job over Kaliakra - many natural grottoes and niches were formed at the foot of the rocks, which in ancient times were actively used as warehouses - from here merchant ships were loaded.
Officially, the first to settle in this territory are considered to be representatives of the Thracian tribe of Tiriz. They named the area simply - Tirisis. In the 4th century, the first fortified settlement arose on Cape Kaliakra, which became one of the significant centers Black Sea coast.
In the 5th century, the Tyrizian lands became part of the Odrysian kingdom, and soon the first stone fortress was erected on the territory of the cape, the ruins of which have survived to this day. Macedonian colonization and the period of the Dobrudzhan Despotate went smoothly for Kaliakra - no wars or destruction. Only periodic name changes. In addition, the influential ruler of the despotate Dobrotitsa moved the capital to a fortress on the coast. Previously it was Kavarna.
Despite its important strategic position, there are no medieval battles associated with Cape Kaliakra - life here has always flowed peacefully, even during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The exception was 1791, when Admiral Ushakov defeated Turkish and Algerian ships off the rocky coast. This battle is described in the history textbooks of many countries, because it is considered the beginning of the process of liberation of the Balkans from the Turkish yoke. It's amazing how disparate the losses were on both sides. The Russian fleet lost 17 people killed and 27 wounded, and minor damage to the ships was repaired in just two days. While the Turks lost 450 people killed and wounded, as well as half of the ships. The naval army, considered invincible and invulnerable, was defeated in just a few hours and was forced to flee.
At the end of the Russian-Turkish war, Cape Kaliakra was forgotten for a while. The fortress has long been turned into ruins, the population “moved” closer to the “mainland”. The place has lost its former significance. However, already in 1866, a lighthouse was installed “at the edge of the earth.” In 1901 it was updated to a 10-meter cylindrical one, which to this day serves as a guide for sailors.
Legends and secrets of Cape Kaliakra.
Connected with Cape Kaliakra beautiful legend about 40 Bulgarian girls who chose death over shame. In order not to give their honor to the Turkish conquerors, they tied their braids and all rushed into the sea together. Most likely, this fact really took place; a monument was even erected in memory of the event, but whether it was so large-scale, and whether there really were so many girls, one can only guess. Or maybe this is just a legend.
Cape Kaliakra keeps other secrets that even archaeologists cannot solve. One of them concerns times not so distant - the events of the Russian-Turkish war. There is no doubt that Admiral Ushakov defeated the Ottoman fleet in this very place. As well as the fact that during this battle many Turkish ships sank. But where they went is a mystery. Until now, the remains of a single vessel have not been discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea.
Another mystery is connected with the name of the Macedonian ruler Lysimachus, one of the heirs of Alexander the Great. According to legend, he managed to collect countless treasures during his life. And they are hidden precisely on the territory of Cape Kaliakra. Since then, many people have been looking for wealth, including archaeologists, but luck has not smiled on anyone yet.
And finally, one of the most mysterious facts related to this great place. In 2013, during excavations, specialists managed to find a bronze ring with a small reservoir for poison - an object from the distant Middle Ages. It is believed to date from the 14th century and was used at a time when relations between the powerful and despotic Bulgarian feudal lord Dobrotitsa and his son Ivanko Terter became strained. But whether the mysterious object is really connected with these people is not known for certain.
What is interesting about Cape Kaliakra today?
Why do tourists come to Cape Kaliakra? First of all, wander through the ancient ruins (although some of them have been reconstructed) and “turn through the pages” of the history of the Bulgarian land. Each of them is somehow connected with this place. Nowadays, on the territory of the cape there is an archaeological museum - however, the exhibition is located (if you can call it that, of course) at the very edge and in order to get to it you will have to walk 2 kilometers along a paved path - there is not enough time and energy for this everyone has.
Those who are not interested in the affairs of bygone days simply enjoy the magnificent nature and dizzying, in the truest sense of the word, views. If you're lucky, you can see dolphins - they are frequent visitors to the coast of the cape. And cormorants are permanent residents.
Physically trained tourists are not limited to walking along the beaten track. hiking trail, but also descend to the foot of the Kaliakra rocks - where waves have been splashing for a thousand years, keeping many secrets. And some enthusiasts, armed with scuba gear, go in search of legendary Ottoman and even Macedonian treasures. Whether anyone will ever be able to find them is a big question, but everyone who decides to dive will definitely be able to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.
Practical information.
The most convenient way to visit Cape Kaliakra is as part of an excursion - from Varna, Balchik or any other resort on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. However, those who like to travel independently can get to this place without any problems. First of all, you need to get to Kavarna - by regular bus or minibus. There you can take a taxi (it won’t cost that much, since the distance is not too far), or transfer to another regular bus that goes directly to Kaliakra.
When planning a visit, you need to take into account that the archaeological reserve is open only in summer season, April 1 to October 31, from 9-00 to 19-00. The entrance ticket costs 5 leva for adults and 1.5 leva for children. You can walk to the museum gates at any time completely freely.
Cape Kaliakra is a popular natural attraction in Bulgaria, and one of the generally recognized wonders of the world in the entire Balkan region. Today, the gigantic site overlooking the Black Sea is divided between a military base, a meteorological station and a nature reserve. It is the latter object that is the place of worship for tourists who come not only to admire natural beauties, but also to honor the rich history.
Travel to the cape has a limited season - from April to mid-late October. This was done for the purpose of basic safety - late autumn brings severe storms and high waves to the Black Sea region. The entry checkpoint may be closed earlier if weather conditions do not allow excursion facilities to operate normally.
Story
The first documented mention of Kaliakra dates back to the 5th century BC and the reign of the Thracian kings. During this period, there were active wars with the Persians, and the ancestors of modern Bulgarians built the Tirizis fortress on the cape, which served not only as a bastion of defense against raids, but also as a real treasury where looted goods were kept. The fortress walls of that time have not survived - only earthen ramparts hint at them.
The heyday of antiquity occurred under the rule of the Greeks. The Hellenes understood the importance of the cape, and founded a huge impregnable castle here, which has not yet been completely reconstructed even on a large scale. Based on the fragments found, it is hypothesized that the defensive walls alone were 3 meters thick. Under the rock layer, early Christian catacombs continue to be found - evidence of Roman persecution.
With the fall of Rome, the importance of the cape was lost, and the land gradually became depopulated. Until the chronicles of the 13th century there is not a single line about Kaliakra, but the Middle Ages inspired new life to an abandoned region. The nascent Bulgarian state needed a fleet, and more good place There were none available for strategic observations. But it did not last long - in 1394 the Turks came here, and long centuries of Ottoman rule began.
The liberator of the cape was the Russian admiral Fyodor Ushakov - the legendary battle of Kaliakra took place in 1791. In textbooks on the history of Bulgaria, the event is called the largest naval battle in Europe, and deservedly so. The Russian Imperial Navy defeated the numerically superior Turkish armada with minimal losses. The triumph allowed the Bulgarians to start a war for independence, and Ushakov was canonized by the grateful fraternal people.
The 20th century brought completely different goals. By 1900, the first lighthouse was operating on the cape, and after World War II, the territory actively began to be developed for military purposes - a radar base appeared, access to which is closed to tourists. In the 1980s, the cape received its modern decoration - several dozen wind turbines that generate electricity.
1 of 3
Attractions
The first person to greet guests of the cape at the entrance is Admiral Ushakov himself, or rather, his monument, erected in 2006, in honor of the 215th anniversary of the legendary battle of Kaliakra. The sculpture is unusual in style - it resembles Soviet monumental sculptures, but the appearance of the famous naval commander is immediately recognizable. Memorial meetings and celebrations are regularly held near the monument, including with the participation of Russian sailors.
Other interesting place— reconstructed gates of a medieval bastion. Historians are still arguing how accurately they reproduce the ancient fort, but the construction is impressive - from afar you can see how well the surrounding waters were visible. Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to climb up - on both sides the gate abuts the walls of a steep cliff, behind which there are sharp rocks. You should not cross the warning signs; they are there for a reason.
The internal structures of the ancient period have survived to this day in ruins. Despite constant excavations, one object has been reliably identified - the Roman baths, or rather, what remains of them. Based on other fragments of the foundation, archaeologists speculate that there could have been princely chambers, armories, and even military burial grounds here. If you're lucky, you might see more archaeologists working in hard-to-reach areas.
You can get acquainted with the collection of finds in a small archaeological museum, the halls of which are carved directly into the rock. The display cases display authentic antique coins, weapons, models of medieval siege engines, amphorae raised from the bottom of the sea and other exhibits. What’s especially pleasing is that admission to the museum is absolutely free; you only need to pay if you plan to take photos or videos.
1 of 3
There are many legends associated with the cape that are still remembered today. One of the most popular myths is about the countless treasures of Alexander the Great, hidden by his heir Lysimachus in one of the caves of Kaliakra. So far, the search for the ancient treasure has not been successful, and all the precious finds date back to the 13th-14th centuries.
On one of the platforms of the cape stands unusual monument 40 Bulgarian virgins. According to legend, during the years of the Ottoman invasion, young girls from neighboring villages jumped en masse from cliffs into the sea to avoid ending up in Turkish harems. The memory of self-sacrifice was immortalized with an emotional sculpture depicting falling female figures.
The farthest rock, facing the sea, is decorated with an Orthodox cross above an unusual stone dome. This is a symbolic repetition of the tomb of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who was hiding on Kaliakra from the pagans. A beautiful legend tells that the sharp corner of the cape grew under the feet of a Christian saint so that he would not fall into the abyss while running away from villains.
How to get to Cape Kaliakra
Most of the routes towards the reserve begin in Varna - this is the closest Big City. From central station Buses go to Kavarna every day, they don’t have numbers, at the ticket office you just need to tell them where you need tickets. Having reached the commune, you can immediately change to tourist bus going to Kaliakra - communication has been established all season, transport runs every 45-50 minutes, the flight schedule is on the information board.
Delivery of tourists by taxi has also been established - Uber and Kiwi services work on Bulgarian resorts for quite some time now. You can order cars either by phone or online using mobile applications— transport is provided quickly, prices are fixed during the season, and no overpayment situations arise. What you shouldn’t forget is that there is an additional fee for entering the cape; you will need to buy a ticket for yourself and the driver.
For independent travel with a rented car, there is only one option - strictly follow the coordinates of the navigator - 43.362126, 28.465219. Once you get there, it is recommended to study all signs regarding parking. Since we are talking about a protected area, you cannot leave your car on the side of the road; for this, the vehicle can be towed to a fine parking lot within half an hour.
On Cape Kaliakra, which cuts into the Black Sea like a narrow wedge, a fortification was built in the Middle Ages - the Kaliakra fortress.
Story
People have lived in these areas since ancient times, and have used the high banks and natural protection since ancient times. Moreover, the cape occupies a strategic position on sea and land. Since the 4th century, a settlement of the Thracian Tyrizians was located on the cape with the name of the settlement - Tirizis. The village is gradually developing and being built. In the 5th century, the Tirizas became part of the Odrin kingdom. The Romans called the cape - Acre, the Byzantines - Acres Kastelum, the Bulgarians - Kaliakra (which means Beautiful). It is believed that Kaliakra was named so by the Gagauz people living on the territory of Bulgaria, and originally sounded like Kalik Ara. 
The Gugauz fortress of the Gagauz Varna Christian metropolis from 1054 to 1454 was an Autonomous “Iyaliet” of Turkey. The cape was protected by three walls from conquest from land. There were several churches and residential buildings inside. 
One of the churches, which was located almost in the middle of the fortress, measured 15.8 meters long and 8.7 meters wide (now Church No. 1 on the inspection plaques). Another church, which was located in a residential area, was 10.25 meters long and 6.8 meters wide (now church No. 3 on inspection signs). All buildings were made of stone. A Roman bath was built here in the 5th century. In the 14th century, this was already the city of Kaliakra, which was engulfed in fire during its conquest by the Turkish army. On July 31, 1791, at Cape Kaliakra in the Black Sea, a squadron under the command of Admiral F.F. Ushakova won a brilliant victory, defeating and putting to flight the squadron of the Ottoman Empire. 
Cape Kaliakra
Cape Kaliakra is part of the Dobrudzhan Plateau. The cape protrudes into the sea for about 2 kilometers, the height from the sea reaches 70 meters. Kaliakra is a natural and archaeological reserve. The rocks of the cape are dotted with various caves. The color of the rocks is reddish due to iron oxide. Cape Kaliakra is now the place where you can watch dolphins frolicking in the Black Sea. The following species live here: Common dolphin (Delphinus deiphis), Muktur (Phocoena phocoena), Afala (Tursiops truncatus). 
In addition, many different birds live here, among them: Small Cormorant (Pugmy cormorant), Greater Cormorant (Cormorant), Cachulat Cormorant (Phalacrocorax arictotelis). On the cape there is a military facility and a lighthouse built in 1901. The MercadesTrophy golf tournament is held near Cape Kaliakra. The place is called the golf destination Cape Kaliakra. Takes place on May 24, 25 and 26. The glacier on the Smolensk island of Antarctica is named after Cape Kaliakra. 
Nowadays
The fortress was declared an archaeological cultural monument of national importance in the year. In memory of glorious successes Russian fleet A monument to F.F. was erected above the Ottoman fleet on the cape. Ushakov (canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 2001. Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov (1745-1817) an outstanding naval commander, admiral, one of the founders of the Russian Black Sea Fleet). In recent years, next to the monument to F.F. Ushakov erected a semicircular concrete frame with hanging bells. 
In addition to the monument to F.F. Ushakov has a sign for girls at the entrance. According to legend, during the Ottoman Empire, 40 girls did not want to become easy prey for the Turks and jumped down from Cape Kaliakra. There is a Kaliakra restaurant on the cape, where you can have a snack while enjoying the beautiful views. At the end of the cape is the chapel of St. Nicholas. 
There is a small Kaliakra museum, where ancient amphorae, a model of Cape Kaliakra with restored buildings and other exhibits are presented. It is located inside the mountain in a cave. Museum exhibits are sometimes exhibited in other museums, in particular in Shumen there was an exhibition “Relics on Kaliakra”. On June 1 of every year, people (Dynovists) gather on the cape to greet the sunrise (as in the 7 Rila Mountains). 
Helpful information
The fortress is easily accessible by car from Golden Sands, through Albena, then Balchik, past Topol, Kavarna, Bolgarevo and you are at Cape Kaliakra, there is a place to park your car. You can explore the attraction all year round. Put your stamp on the book of 100 sights of Bulgaria. The winds constantly blow here. Therefore, not far from the cape, many wind power plants are installed in a field. 
Contacts
Address: Nos Kaliakra, Bulgaria Telephones: Opening hours: from 10 to 19 hours.
Prices for visiting Cape Kaliakra
Individual visitors - 3 levaPupils, students and pensioners - 1.5 leva
Children under 7 years old - free.
Video Kaliakra
On the Bulgarian Riviera there is an incredible number of cities remarkable for their historical monuments. The same can be said about Cape Kaliakra, located near the village of Bolgarevo. This is a narrow rocky peninsula stretching far into the sea (2 km), and its name is not in vain translated from Greek as “beautiful cape”: an incredible number of myths are associated with this harsh, but also romantic, piece of land, diluted historical facts. And the formidable rocky shores of the cape, attracting from afar with their cheerful red color, cannot go unnoticed by the ubiquitous tourists.
Cape Kaliakra in Bulgaria
It is believed that on Cape Kaliakra, so rich in caves, the heir of Alexander the Great, Lysimachus, hid treasures. They say that he captured rich booty - gold, silver and jewelry - and hid it just under the fortress in caves, and killed his slaves so that no one would ever know about this place. Therefore, the moss growing in those places changed its color to blood red. But the cruel Lysimachus did pay for his crime here: he, along with his entire fleet, died at the cape during a storm.
Gate destroyed medieval fortress on the isthmus of the cape
There is a sad legend relating to the name of the cape. It is about the Turkish conquerors who decided to destroy the fortress on the cape. In order to pay them off and save the building, the residents decided to sacrifice 40 of the most beautiful girls to the new owners. But those who were destined to become concubines decided to die rather than surrender into the hands of the enemy. The girls tied their braids and jumped into the abyss, and the name of the first, the bravest, was given to the cape. The Turks became furious and destroyed the fortress. Now there is a monument at the site of the mass suicide.
Stones on which, according to legend, beautiful Bulgarian girls died
The historical events that affected Cape Kaliakra are captured here, it seems, forever. These are the ruins of an ancient fortress built back in the 4th century BC. e., mentioned in the Phoenician chronicles, and the famous grotto caves, one of which is now occupied by a museum offering visitors a collection of artifacts from a large period - from the 3rd to the 17th centuries.
Restored gates of the Kliakra fortress
Cape Kaliakra was the site of a battle during the Russian-Turkish War: in the summer of 1791, Admiral Ushakov’s flotilla so confidently defeated superior enemy forces that the Turks fled from the battlefield at breakneck speed. This battle was the last naval battle of that war. And in one of the caves there is now a museum of the admiral, and on the cape there is a stele dedicated to him.
Memorial in honor of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov
Kaliakra also has its own chapel, connected with another legend. It is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, Nicholas the Wonderworker, who fled here from the Turkish invaders. Despite the fact that it is impossible to officially confirm the version, in 1993 a chapel was built on the site of the supposed grave in memory of the patron-miracle worker.
Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker at Cape Kaliakra
Also on the cape there is a stone lighthouse, which appeared in 1901, because Kaliakra has long gained fame as a cemetery for lost ships: the unpredictability of sea currents, sharp winds and strong waves can lead to the death of even the most experienced sailors. And in 1912, a Turkish ship said goodbye to life here, famously sunk to the bottom by the Bulgarians.
Despite the gloomy legends, Cape Kaliakra is loved by locals and tourists, who are not afraid of either squally winds or steep cliffs...
is located near the city of Varna. If you go by car, the journey will take you about 40 minutes if you are not in a big hurry. What kind of cape is this and how can it be of interest to tourists? It would seem that there could be something interesting in a rock that goes far into the sea, but it seems like nothing, but in fact the history of this cape is very interesting and rich. The Cape is covered with dozens of legends and traditions, some of which we will tell you today. There are many reminders and steles about the past and legends on the cape. Maybe some of the legends are true, some are fiction, but thanks to the efforts of local residents and the desire to attract the attention of tourists, all the legends of Cape Kaliakra have become a reality. So let's remember some of these legends.
Legends of Cape Kaliakra
One of the legends is associated with the unusual color of the rocks that form the cape. At sunset, the rocks turn crimson; one gets the impression that the rocks are abundantly watered with blood. In fact, this is actually true, because there were so many battles and shipwrecks on this cape and around it that the blood shed here would be enough for a large transfusion station.
Indeed, so many ships were sunk here that the cape is also called a “ship graveyard”; in storms, ships avoid this place, although in good weather it is difficult to notice any ship near the cape, except perhaps a tourist boat, which shows them the cape from below , giving the opportunity to see numerous caves.
By the way, another legend is associated with these caves. If you believe this legend, then somewhere in one of the many caves there are countless treasures hidden. These treasures were taken from Persia by one of the associates of Alexander the Great and hidden in these caves. Those who helped King Lysimachus hide the treasure were killed, and they became the eternal guardians of this treasure.
They say that if you approach the edge of the cliff in the evening or sail by boat to the foot of the cape, you can hear the groaning souls of these innocently murdered servants of the king. They tried to verify this legend, the caves were explored many times, by many groups of archaeologists and simply adventurers, but the treasures were never found, most likely they simply do not exist and all the stories about these riches are nothing more than just fiction. Although, many treasure hunters claim that there are completely flooded caves that are not possible to get into. It is likely that the treasures are hidden there, because previously these caves may not have been flooded.
Having visited Cape Kaliakra, no one can remain indifferent, and photos of Cape Kaliakra will become real pearls of your family album.
