“It was my return to the sea, to my first love. Being born on an island, I had a deep and eternal longing in my soul” said Queen Marie about Balchik and the castle she built so dearly. The Balchik fascinated her at first sight and was the place where she made her mark by building a “castle” that harmoniously combines the Bulgarian style with the Moorish and Mediterranean style. The castle surprises with its appearance with white walls and a minaret standing out as well as with the impressive botanical garden that houses over 3000 species of plants and a unique collection of cacti in this part of Europe. The castle, which is also called the “quiet nest” is actually a villa built on three terraces, separated from the sea by a cliff.

The interior of the castle is modest but still preserves objects that belonged to the queen, but the most spectacular room seemed the marble bathroom with a bathtub embedded in stone.

The images speak for themselves, so let’s start a short incursion into the Balchik domain:

 

Capela Stella Maris

After this visit I completely understand Queen Marie’s wish that her heart be buried in this wonderful place and so close to the sea….