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Autumn in Sozopol
In most of Black Sea resorts and coastal towns the end of summer interrupts the merry flow of holidaymakers. The buzz of noisy crowds is no longer in the air, streets empty and tents start to disappear fast. The sea itself becomes a trifle sad, as it washes the deserted sandy beaches. The guests have left with the hope of a comeback next summer.
The town of Sozopol however is rare among Black Sea destinations, as its autumn is no less fascinating than the summer. One of the oldest towns in the Bulgarian section of the Black Sea has its cultural logo for the first autumn days. For longer than two decades now, the town has been hosting the Apollonia Festival of Arts in the opening days of September. The town puts on again its summer garment, as it becomes the haven of arts. Streets and small town squares turn into stages for musicians, artists and actors. Some of the Sofia-based theatres present their shows due in the season to come. Music events cover jazz, serious and pop music. This is precisely the time when Sozopol is visited by its regular Apollonia quests. In fact they are not precisely tourists, but rather a part of the town’s traditions and community.
Even after the last applause at Apollonia has subsided, Sozopol is ready to offer other treats to its autumn visitors. Over the last two years the town has become increasingly popular following the restoration of a few churches and chapels.
“The archaeological museum, the art gallery and the ethnographic collection have a few worthy displays worth the attention of visitors”, Mariana Paskaleva, head of Culture Department at Sozopol Municipality, explains. “In the autumn the town is perfect for hosting various conferences and seminars. We have sports facilities, a modern stadium and an indoor swimming pool. When the autumn weather is nice, a stroll in the streets of Sozopol’s Old Town is very enjoyable. It is also the time for keen anglers to go fishing belted bonito. Local women start making fig jam. In the autumn Sozopol is fragrant with the scent of fig jam and belted bonito”, says Mrs. Paskaleva.
In the summer Sozopol transforms into the town of archaeologists. Digs are under way also on the nearby Island of St. John. With the coming of autumn archaeological research comes to a halt until the next active season. However, the perception of being in touch with antiquity remains. Close to St. John Island is the St. Peter Island. It is better known as the Island of Birds. Still another island can be seen from Sozopol, the St. Cyril Island. Autumn is not the perfect time for sailing into the sea, so why not take a stroll along the town’s coastal area and watch the blinking of lighthouses? If the sea is calm a boat trip could easily turn into a splendid experience. Pubs and taverns off the coast are still open before winter knocks on the door, and visiting them could be delicious indeed, especially if visitors opt for local recipes with fresh fish. In contrast to noisy summers, autumns here are dominated by a calm and romantic atmosphere. It seems like the right time to serenely enjoy the lovely architecture of Sozopol – its unmistakable National Revival Houses that both professional and amateur painters love to recreate on canvas. This is clearly displayed in the town’s numerous tiny galleries. With no scorching sun and inviting beaches, the autumns in Sozopol could become a preferred time to visit given the romantic atmosphere of the place and the salty breath of the sea.
Fri Oct 21, 2011 4:21 pm
