July 17 – the public holiday of Sozopol

Sozopol, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, celebrates its public holiday on July 17. Sozopol is situated 35 km southern direction of Bourgas and spreads on a small peninsula. The first settlement here was founded in the end of 4th or the 3rd millenium BC. Later on some trekkers of Mala Asia, impressed by the peninsula, the bays, and the islets, settled here. Above the ruins of the tracian village, they built Apollonia, a city-state, example of the ancient Greeks democracy. They named the city after Apollo – the god of sun and god of all creative arts. The town rose as trade and transport center. In the 4th century AD Apollonia was renamed to Sozopol – salvation town. During khan Krum’s rule, Sozopol became a major Bulgarian Black Sea port. Even after Bulgaria was invaded by the Ottoman Turks, the town kept its Christian character. However, the medieval churches were ruined down and on their places the natives built only small chapels. By the end of the 18th and the 19th century the renowned Sozopol houses were built, expressing wealth and cultural progress. Today, the historical inheritance, combined with the modern sound of contemporary seaside resort, make Sozopol one of the most popular Bulgarian tourism centers. In addition to its glorious beauty, the town also attracts tourists with the biggest cultural event in the country – the annually held arts holidays Apollonia.
On July 17 the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Marina. All the people called Marin and Marina have their name days celebrated then. Congratulations!