The picturesque town of Nessebar, one of the oldest European towns, is situated on a small peninsula, 37 km north-east of Bourgas and 429 km east of Sofia. Today Nessebar is one of the resorts most preferred by tourists.
The old town of Nessebar is under the protection of UNESCO. The old buildings were restored and new houses in ancient style were built.
The town of Nessebar is one of the oldest towns in Europe. It is the successor of the ancient Thracian settlement called Mesambria founded in the 2nd century AD. Its name means town of Melsa. Since 510 AD it was turned into Greek colony town by Dorian settlers. They called it Mesambria. There was a theatre and a temple of the Greek God Apollo in it. Brass and silver money were coined there, and in 3rd century AD - golden ones. It was occupied in 72 AD by a Roman garrison. It started to play important role again in 3-4th century.
In the year 812 Khan Krum conquered the town. In 864 Boris I yielded the possession of the town to Byzantine, but King Simeon captured it again. Since XI century the Slav name Messebar or Nessebar has been used together with the original name Mesambria.

Landmarks
The churches in Nessebar are 41 and most spectacular are: The Basilica, situated on the seashore, built probably at the beginning of 5th century, ‘The St. John the Baptist’ church, which was built in 10th century and is a typical cross domed church with three naves, ‘The St. Stefan’ church, ‘The St. Paraskeva’ church, etc. ‘The St. John Aliturgetos’ church is considered to be the most beautiful one.
The typical houses of Nessebar are very interesting architectural monuments.