Sozopol marks its official holiday today – the day of St. Marina

information by dir.bg

Sozopol is considered the oldest town along in Bulgaria with 2700 years old history. This was announced by Mr. Bozhidar Dimitrov, head of the National History Museum, who was born in Sozopol.
Sozopol (Apollonia) was a town – state, model of the ancient Greek democracy. Apollonia was the biggest and richest town on the Black sea coast, a centre of busy trade and art for 600 years. By the beginning of the Ist century BC, Apollonia became part of the Roman Empire. After Rome's dissolution Sozopol became part of the newly created Byzantine Empire.
The town is situated on a peninsula and several islands, which form the only natural closed port basin on the western coast of the black sea. It became a mojour site for exchange of goods, technology information, cultural ideas and etc.

St. Marina has always been respected by local people. This patron connects the local beliefs to the oldest known cult in history – the cult to the Great Mother Goddes, who gave birth to everything in the worls. During Christianity this cult was transformed in the cult to the Christian saint Marina. Sozopol was ruled by Thracians, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines nd after the year 705 AC it became part of the Bulgarian Country from the time of Khan Tervel.

The unique atmosphere of the city is a true inspiration for creative work. Nowadays Sozopol is a national and international holiday center attracting tourists from Great Britain, Germany, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, France. The artistic atmosphere makes it the most favorite tourist destination.Another opportunity for visitors in Sozopol is to be part of the greatest Bulgarian cultural event - Apollonia Festival of Arts.