Sozopol

About

Founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists, seaside Sozopol grew into an important trade and naval center, keeping strong ties with Greece. Known as Apollonia for the temple dedicated to Apollo, and the giant colossus of the god that once stood here, during the early years of Christianity the religion had to make a concerted effort to establish itself in the city still dedicated to the pagan god. To this end, relics of St. John the Baptist were brought to the city in an attempt to overshadow the cult of Apollo. Today, the quiet cobbled streets of the old town still harken back to the city’s past, with charming wooden houses nestled next to historic monuments. In the archaeological museum, visitors will find artefacts from the prehistoric, Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Bulgarian history.