UNESCO · Old town

Landmarks

The peninsula packs over 40 churches of different ages, distinctive Revival-era houses and a wooden windmill — the symbol of the town.

40+
Mediaeval churches
Vвек
Church of St. Sophia (Old Metropolitan)
1983
Year UNESCO-listed
100%
Getting around the old town
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Landmarks

The peninsula packs over 40 churches of different ages, distinctive Revival-era houses and a wooden windmill — the symbol of the town.

Wooden windmill

Standing on the isthmus between new and old town — the most photographed object in Nessebar, built in the 19th century.

Church of Christ Pantocrator

A 13th–14th-century mediaeval church, an example of the 'picturesque' style with brick ceramics and blind arcades.

Church of St. Sophia (Old Metropolitan)

The oldest surviving church in town — an early Byzantine basilica from the 5th century that served as the metropolitan cathedral until the 18th century.

Church of St. John Aliturgetos

A 14th-century cross-domed church on the peninsula's edge — the most representative example of Nessebar's picturesque style.

Fortress walls

Preserved sections of the Thracian, Roman and mediaeval fortress — the main gates stand on the isthmus at the entrance to the Old Town.

Archaeological Museum

Four halls trace the history of Mesembria/Nessebar — from Thracian finds to late-mediaeval icons.

Start here

Start your Nessebar journey

Plot a route between the churches, lunch in a fishing tavern and end at sunset by the windmill.