Best of Balchik

Balchik is a seaside resort in Bulgaria, a lovely place at the Black Sea where you can have a very nice weekend. It is my first time here and I must say it is a pity that I have discovered it just now as it is so close to Romania, my home country. There are a couple of wonderful restaurants at the sea, like El Simpatico that has great reviews on Google where you can eat good traditional food and very affordable. But the best thing about Balchik is the Balchik Palace and the Botanical Garden. This wonderful attraction was built between 1926 and 1937, after a visit of Queen Marie of Romania in 1921 who completely fell in love with this place and made her summer residence here. So in 1926, two Italian architects - Americo and Augustino - started to carry out the construction of the lovely palace, while a florist from Switzerland arranged the gardens.


During 1913 and 1940, Balchik was part of Romania and even if Bulgaria regained it during the First World War, it was still under Romanian authority until 1940 when Romania ceded it to Bulgaria just before the outbreak of Second World War. Queen Marie of Romania loved Balchik and that is why she wished her heart to be kept there. She died in 1938 and her wish was indeed fulfilled but only for two years, as in 1940, her heart came back to Romania at Bran Castle and it is now in Pelisor Castle, after a journey throughout Romania, in the room where she had her last breath.

Today, Balchik is as beautiful as it was before and the gardens are very impressive and well kept. The palace is more of a lovely and cozy villa with only one floor, but it is worth seeing as it is built in such good taste in a very harmonious style. I had a very peaceful feeling when I entered this palace and you instantly get inspired when you climb the stairs and see the main living room overlooking the Black Sea. Even if it is a visit lest than 30 minutes, it is worth seeing. The gardens are clearly the starts of this landmark and without adding anything else, I will let you decide for yourself. See the beautiful view and take a glimpse of the vibrant atmosphere in the video below:





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