The city of Varna is situated at the North shore of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It is famous for its rich natural resources, which make it one of the most popular resort centres in Europe and the largest one in the Black Sea region. At the same time the city constitutes an intersection point of the road between the Middle East and Western Europe. According to the official data, the population of Varna municipality amounts to 346 000 people, but in reality the number is quite larger, especially in summer, when, according to unofficial data, the population doubles. Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria, taking an area of 205 square kilometres.

The geographical location and the existing infrastructure have predetermined the favourable development of the city for centuries. The well-organized water and cargo transport determine the image of the city as an intersection point of the connection between the East and the West.

There are three main factors that determine the infrastructure arrangement in the city: port of Varna, Varna International Airport and the telecommunication network

The city of Varna has a well-developed railway and road network, in the immediate vicinity of Varna International Airport. The port is known as the “container” and “grain” gate of the Republic of Bulgaria – it exports cement, clinker, fertilizers, soda ash, it treats all types of cargo – liquid cargo, loose cargo and countables.

 

The city of Varna was founded under the name Odessos during the VI century B.C. by Anatolian Greeks. During the Hellenist era, the ancient city Odessos turns into one of the most significant cities on the Black Sea Coast. It was conquered by the Romans and became part of the large Roman Empire during the first century. One of the city’s landmarks today are the Roman Baths – these are baths from the II century that have taken a major place in the city public life for three centuries. A lot of archaeological evidence about the life from the Greek and Roman era, as well as from the earliest historical eras, is exhibited in the Archaeological museum in the city. There, one can see the world’s oldest golden treasure, found during excavations of the Varna necropolis (city of the dead people), which dates back to the IV century B.C.

It is assumed that the subsequent name of the city – Varna – has a Slavonic origin and means “black”. Varna is among the first territories included in the newly-established state (VII century). During the Middle Ages, the city preserved its significance as an important seaport and trade centre – it maintained commercial relationships with Genua, Venice and Constantinople.

The city is also famous for the battle between the Crusaders and the Ottoman Army in 1444. The crusade armies were defeated near Varna, whose leader, the young Polish king Vladislav Varnenchik, perished during the battle. This crusade is the last attempt of the Christian states to free Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule.

The economic recovery of the city began during the Renaissance period, when the international and transit trade through the port revived. In 1886 the railway line Varna-Rousse was constructed, which established a direct connection between the Danube and the Black sea.