The archeological complex “Durankulak” keeps the oldest stone architecture in Europe, the first golden ornaments from the Chalcolithic period and the biggest prehistorical necropolis in the world.

In Bulgaria at sunrise the sun first caresses the sea near Cape Shabla, next to the Lighthouse of Shabla – the most eastern spot in our country. The lighthouse is one of the landmarks of Shabla – the most northern municipality on our seaside, rich on cultural-historical objects, beautiful nature and possibilities for various type of vacations and exciting walks.

The Lighthouse of Shabla, painted in white and red, is a smaller copy of the Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Projected by French architects, the lighthouse has a long history. It is accepted it was built in 1856, but numerous historians believe that it was only restored back then. During the Byzantine and the Roman pe- riods on the same place there was a navigational installation. The light of the lighthouse can be seen from 17 miles (31 km) away in the sea.

Interest is the picturesque coast of Tyulenovo village, famous with its extraordinary speleothems, transparent sea water and unique nature views.

Undoubtedly one of the most interesting places in the municipality of Shabla is the archaeological complex “Durankulak”. It is located near the Durankulak lake, a protected area because the many rare species that inhabit it. The archaeological complex includes mound Golemiyat Ostrov (Big Island) and the related with it necropolis on the west bank of the lake. The life of this place begins the V mill. BC. with the oldest permanently settled population in this part of the European continent, which has left us the oldest stone architecture in continental Europe, the first gold ornaments from the Copper Age and the largest in the world prehistoric ne- cropolis from – V mill. BC.

The Big island is famous among the experts also as “The European Troy” or “The Lake City”. During the time of the Trojan War on the Big island came the Thracians, and during the Hellenistic era was built the cave temple of the Great mother-goddess Kibela. Since these times dates the ancient necropolis, discovered on the west coast of the Durankulak lake. In it were found graves-catacombs, typical for the funeral practices of the Scythian-Sarmatian tribal community, as well as the funerals from Roman times. During the Middle Ages there was located the old Bulgarian necropolis.

In the heart of Shabla is located the Green educational center, where it is exposed information for the rich biodiversity and cultural-histor- ical heritage of Primorska Dobrudzha. The center works whole year and gives possibilities for renting rooms in the building and park- ing spots for holding of different events. In the center are organized eco-school for the children and walking tours with guide on four eco paths with the required equipment provided.

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