Kaliakra, Kavarna

Perched on the precipice of Cape Kaliakra, extending into the Black Sea, lies the ancient fortress of Kaliakra near the city of Kavarna, Bulgaria. This historical site is not only a testament to the region's rich past but also offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the sea.

Kaliakra, with its origins dating back to the 4th century BC, was originally a Thracian settlement. Over the centuries, it has been fortified by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians. The cape's name is of Byzantine Greek origin, derived from the words "beautiful" (καλός) and "headland" (ἄκρα), which aptly describes the stunning natural beauty of the site.

The remnants of the fortress that visitors see today are mainly from the Middle Ages, when Kaliakra was a key defensive point against invading armies. The narrow peninsula, surrounded by steep cliffs dropping into the sea, made it an ideal strategic fortress. The site contains the remains of walls, gates, and administrative buildings, which give insight into the military and civil structures of the time.

The castle's legends add to its allure, including the tale of 40 Bulgarian maidens who tied their hair together and jumped into the sea to escape capture by the Ottomans, thus giving the name to the nearby Forty Martyrs Bay.

Today, Kaliakra is a cultural monument and part of a nature reserve, where visitors can see rare plant species and dolphins playing in the waters below. The site also features a small museum that showcases artifacts recovered from the area, narrating the story of its past inhabitants and their way of life.