Sea Garden, Varna (must see)

The Sea Garden is a beloved oasis where locals and visitors alike escape to enjoy fresh air and vibrant atmosphere, particularly during the hot summer months. This expansive park, covering an area of 0.8 square kilometers, stretches along the Black Sea coast and is home to many of Varna's most prominent attractions. These include the Palace of Culture and Sports, the Amphitheater, the Summer Theater, the "Seashell" Stage, the Dolphinarium, the Children's Playground, the Varna Museum of Natural History, and the Alpineum, among others. The Sea Garden is a multifaceted destination offering opportunities for relaxation, sports, entertainment, and cultural activities, making it a cornerstone of Varna's community life.

The Sea Garden's design was orchestrated by the renowned Czech landscape architect Anton Novak, who previously worked on the parks around Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Castle. Invited in 1894 by the Varna Municipality with the help of archaeologist Karel Škorpil, Novak transformed the area, which consisted of green spaces, a landfill, and an old slaughterhouse, into a beautifully landscaped park. The development of the garden involved bringing in a diverse array of trees and plants from regions such as Longoza, Strandzha, and even the Mediterranean and Constantinople. The result was a harmonious blend of rare tree species and picturesque alleys, establishing the Sea Garden as one of the most beautiful parks in the Balkans.

The Sea Garden also features the National Revival Alley, adorned with monuments commemorating Bulgarian revivalists and freedom fighters. Initially planned to include 22 monuments, the alley currently showcases 14 statues due to historical events like the World Wars and the socialist regime. Another notable area within the garden is the Astronauts Alley, where it became a tradition during the Cold War for visiting cosmonauts to plant trees. This practice began with Yuri Gagarin in 1961 and included other space pioneers from the Socialist Bloc.

Today, the Sea Garden remains a well-maintained and cherished space, offering a serene environment for walks, recreation, and cultural activities. Whether visiting the zoo, the Natural Sciences Museum, or enjoying outdoor sports facilities, the Sea Garden continues to be a central part of Varna's cultural and social fabric.