Balchik is renowned for its unparalleled botanical garden, which not only showcases a rich variety of plants but also serves as a masterpiece of landscape art. If you are in Bulgaria, don't miss the opportunity to visit and see it with your own eyes.
History of the Queen of Romania's Palace
Almost a hundred years ago, the area that now houses the garden was home to the summer residence of Queen Marie. This place was quite popular among European nobility.
The construction of the palace took place from 1921 to 1936. Marie referred to this place as the "Lonely Nest." Italian craftsmen were involved in the construction, and they managed to create a small and cozy palace, as well as 10 guest villas and a chapel. Marie named the chapel the "Star of the Sea" and intended for her heart to be buried there, according to her will.
The palace is three stories high with a tower resembling a minaret. The interior impresses with its simplicity. From the tower, there is a beautiful view. Next to the entrance, there is a stone throne where the queen liked to greet and bid farewell to the sun.
The royal residence was a true masterpiece and boasted a magnificent rose garden, rare plants, and beautiful decor such as bridges, gazebos, ponds, and alleys.
The creation of the park incorporated various styles of landscape art. Symbols of two religions, Christianity and Islam, peacefully coexist in the park's design. The park was designed by Swiss architect Jules Jani.
Botanical Garden's Territory
In 1955, the University Botanical Garden was established here, covering an area of 6 hectares. Today, the park has been designated as a rescue center.
Upon entering the botanical garden's territory, you will be amazed by its beauty - well-tended flower beds, a lotus pond, cypresses, cozy gazebos, and waterfalls. If you haven't had the chance to visit Crete, you can experience a piece of it here because the garden is a replica of the Cretan labyrinth, just like the chapel, which was copied from a 15th-century Cretan church.
Be sure to take a stroll through the Garden of the Gods. Here you can fully enjoy the splendor of plants such as:
A magnificent rose garden.
A collection of succulents and cacti, which is one of the largest in the world. Part of it is located outdoors, and the other part is in the greenhouse. There are a total of 2600 species.
Metasequoia, one of the rarest plants on Earth.
Lotuses.
What to Visit
Wineries: Here you can try rare types of wine. However, be aware that the prices can be quite high.
Tulip Festival: In spring, the garden hosts a beautiful event featuring a wide variety of tulips.
Important! The garden administration has taken care of people with visual and motor impairments by creating special areas and signs with plant names written in Braille font.
Tourists Tips
Near the entrance of the Balchik Botanical Garden, you'll find cafes and shops. However, be aware that the prices there are inflated, so it's better to bring your own food.
Dress comfortably and choose comfortable footwear as you'll be walking on garden paths where high heels are not suitable.
Cost of Visiting the Botanical Garden and the Royal Palace
The ticket booths are located near the entrance, where you can purchase tickets. The cost of visiting the Botanical Garden is as follows:
Adults: 9 BGN.
Children (7-18 years old): 4 BGN.
Children (under 7 years old): free.
The entrance fee to the Royal Palace is:
Adults: 7 BGN.
Children: 2 BGN.
Ticket booth opening hours:
Summer: 08:00 - 20:00.
Winter: 08:30 - 17:00.
How to Get to the Botanical Garden in Balchik
If you have decided to travel to Balchik on your own, you need to take a bus to Varna and then transfer to a bus heading to Balchik. If you are unlucky and cannot find a bus directly to Balchik, you can go to Albena and then take a 10-15 minute ride to Balchik from there.
Important! Before departing, inform the bus driver that you want to get off near the Botanical Garden, as it is a 50-minute walk from the bus station.
