On a rocky peninsula, linked with the mainland by a narrow isthmus, the natural elements and human fantasy have shaped a town, which rises from the waves like a mirage. Throughout 3000 years different civilizations have left the marks of their history here. The town’s old name – Messemvria – evidences its Thracian origin. Greek migrants settled here permanently in the 6th century BC, creating a busy trade centre and inaccessible citadel. Both to the south and north, the outlines of the oldest fortress and port are still visible in the sea today, and old Nessebar is entered through the majestic ruins of an ancient gate. Neither Roman, nor later Byzantine rule diminished the importance, wealth and beauty of the town. The impressive walls of the largest early Christian church, the Old Bishop’s Residence, still rise in its centre.
     The Slav language started being heard here after the 18th century and in 812 AD the town was finally conquered by the Bulgarians. Today, the former beauty of the mediaeval town can be seen in the some 40 surviving churches. Made of stone and adobe, they rival each other with their striking decoration of motley – coloured ceramic rossets, consoles and arcades. St. John the Baptist, Christ Pantocrator, St. Theodore, St. Paraskeva, Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and St. Stephen churches with their unique murals are architectural masterpieces of this ornamental style. During the five centuries of Ottoman rule life in Nessebar grew quiet, but the town changed its appearance during the Bulgarian National Revival. Beautiful architectural ensembles flank the narrow streets and heavy gates hide cozy small yards with box shrubs and fig trees. Nessebar’s houses have two storeys. The ground floor is made of stone. A wooden staircase leads to the second timbered floor. Broad eaves shade the windows.
     The centre of the house is occupied by parlour, surrounded by the remaining rooms. The interior is simple – white walls, decorative ceilings and wooden floors. The Muskoyannis, Ivan Markov, Captain Pavel, Pipchenkov, Lambrinov, Diamandiev and Hadjitraev houses are typical examples of Black Sea architecture. Today Nessebar is steeped in peace and tranquillity, caressed by the sea breeze. The quiet is disturbed only by the splashing of the waves, the cries of the seagulls and the multi-lingual tourists.