Balchik Palace

The Palace architectural and park complex lies about 2 km southwest of central Balchik, in Dobrich Province. The complex includes villas and other buildings on the Black Sea shore and is one of the main tourist attractions on the northern Black Sea coast. Following the return of Southern Dobruja in 1940, the palace came within Bulgaria's borders.

The palace's history began in 1924, when the Italian architects Amerigo and Augustino started building the ensemble, which was completed in 1934. During this period Queen Marie of Edinburgh, who loved the newly conquered lands, frequently visited Balchik. After Southern Dobruja was returned in 1940, the palace became Bulgarian property.

The palace comprises a group of cultural sites, including 46 buildings and 170 architectural, archaeological and historical park features. The buildings employ a variety of architectural styles, incorporating Old Bulgarian, Gothic, Oriental and Moorish elements.

The complex includes several attractions, such as the Nymphaeum, the Stella Maris Chapel, the Divine Garden, the English Courtyard, the Garden with the Cruciform Reflecting Pool, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Bridge of Sighs, the Wine Alley and many others. Queen Marie's tomb is also located within the complex.

Today the palace is regularly maintained and restored and is open to visitors, offering them the opportunity to enjoy the architecture and natural surroundings of this historic site.