Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

There are several legends about this place, the most famous is about 40 girls who in an effort to avoid the Turkish slavery together jumped off cliffs into the sea. This fabulous event is commemorated by an obelisk called the “The Gate of the 40 Maidens” at the entrance to the Cape. You’ll also find a small museum with archaeological finds here. There are remnants of Tirisis fort that was built before the advent of the Romans and served until the Middle Ages. Its location on the Cape was not accidental, the sea and high cliffs represented an ideal natural protection against invaders.

But the main thing that attracts tourists, is the overall scenery of the Cape and the local nature at all. The dramatic view from the top of the rocks of the turquoise sea is really worth it. There are many caves and photogenic corners here. Kaliakra Cape is a protected area since 1941, but since that it has increased its area three times and now reaches 687 ha.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marcin Chady

Fairly typical is to watch the dolphins while playing in the waves. Even relatively recently it was also a home to rare Mediterranean seal. This animal was in the past, very abundant and very common throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea including Bulgaria, but due to the pollution of their environment, hunting and development of the tourism industry they disappeared. The last Bulgarian seals could be seen in the early eighties of the 20th century. Today, Mediterranean seal is officially considered the most endangered mammal of the European Union and its future existence is uncertain.

Other places for nature lovers are 8 kilometres away, in Taukliman protected area and the subsequent reservation called Jajlata.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

Surroundings of Kaliakra Cape is interesting not only from the land but also from the sea. In August 1791, in the vicinity of the cape, there was a naval battle, during which the Russian fleet under the leadership of the famous admiral Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov completely destroyed the large Turkish fleet. That is one reason why the area attracts divers and wrecks seekers. On the seabed there are a number of objects and remnants of ships from various medieval periods and of the World War II.

Very interesting is also a restaurant situated in one of the caves in the middle of the Cape. It boasts an outdoor garden offering magnificent views of the surrounding area. However you will not find any accommodation right on the spot, most tourists come here on a trip from various places on the Black Sea, for example, from a well-known resort of Albena. If you go on your own, you surely find some bed in the vicinity.

So if you wandered into this region, just visit this place, where sea fights with the mainland and still make for an unusual beauty.

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Carisbrooke Castle is located in a strategically advantageous small hill. In the castle grounds were found remnants of a building of 3rd century, which had Roman style. In the 10th century, the fortification was built around the hills to protect from attacks of the Vikings. In the 11th century, the Normans used this fortification and built a strong castle. Over the next few centuries, the castle was extended and gradually grew.

The last descendant of the Redvers family, Countess Isabella, sold the Carisbrooke Castle to King Edward I in 1293, and so the castle became a royal property. The constant fear of French or Spanish invasions forced more and more owners to build more and more stronger castle. In 1601, a strong fortification has been completed. But there was never any assault occurred at Carisbrooke. Therefore, the castle was used as prison. The most famous prisoner was King Charles I, who was imprisoned for nearly a year here, and at least twice he tried to escape. Charles I was finally executed in London on the 30th January 1649.

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Carisbrooke Castle was the seat of governor of the island until 1944.

Today the castle houses an exhibition on the history of the Isle of Wight. Museum was first opened in 1898 by Princess Beatrice, who was the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria. Her husband became governor of the island, and after his death, Beatrice took over this function. She opened the museum in memory of her husband. The first exhibition was dedicated to King Charles I. In the 20 century, the collection gradually grew to archaeological finds on the island and another, mainly medieval artifacts. Visitors will love the beautiful and colorful garden of Princess Beatrice. In 2009 a garden was restored.

Donkeys at the castle
For hundreds of years, donkeys helped get water to the Carisbrooke Castle, so you can also see the demonstrations of the donkeys at work here.

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