Last updated on December 18, 2023.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient peninsula of Nessebar is mostly known for its medieval churches, but there are plenty of other attractions. This post will highlight things to see other than the medieval churches.

 

Windmill

On the artificial isthmus that connects the peninsula to the mainland (Nessebar was once an island), there’s an old windmill that makes for a popular photo spot.

Windmill in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Windmill

 

City Walls

Once you reach the entrance to the ancient peninsula, you can see the Byzantine fortifications and gate.

City gates in Nessebar, Bulgaria
City gates
Fortifications in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Fortifications
Fortifications in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Fortifications

 

Museums

The Archaeological Museum is just inside the gates. Admission is 7лв (as of September 2023). It presents the history of ancient Mesembria to medieval times, with pottery, coins, jewelry, and icons. There’s also an ethnographic museum that I didn’t visit (see the map below).

Archaeological Museum in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Archaeological Museum

 

Architecture

The charming cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways winding through the peninsula are filled with wooden Ottoman and Bulgarian Revival homes, many doubling as souvenir shops, boutique hotels, and restaurants.

A street in Nessebar, Bulgaria
A street in town
Cobblestone street in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Cobblestone street
Narrow cobblestone street in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Narrow cobblestone street
Narrow cobblestone street in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Narrow cobblestone street

 

Seaside Roads

Scenic seaside roads surround the peninsula allowing for more spectacular views.

Seaside in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Seaside
Seaside in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Seaside
A small beach in Nessebar, Bulgaria
A small beach
Nessebar, Bulgaria
Nessebar

 

Secular Buildings

Secular buildings scattered throughout Nessebar include a theatre (a few steps from the Church of St. Stephen) and 5th century Roman baths (behind the Church of the Holy Saviour).

Theatre in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Theatre
Roman baths in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Roman baths

 

Dormition of the Theotokos Church

On the northern side of town is the Dormition of the Theotokos Church (Uspenie Bogorodichno), probably the newest church in town. It’s a Bulgarian Orthodox church built in 1873.

Dormition of the Theotokos Church in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Dormition of the Theotokos Church
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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