Ravadinovo Castle (Bulgaria, Sozopol): description, opening hours

Most tourists coming to Bulgaria from different countries of the world, try to combine a great beach holiday with sightseeing. In this sunny country there are many sights, memorable places and original works of architecture. One of them, undoubtedly, is the castle "In Love with the Wind". So the owner himself and the builder of the amazing building Georgi Tumpalov called him romantic.

Where is the castle?

Outwardly, the structure resembles a medieval castle, but this is misleading. This is a modern building located near the resort town of Sozopol (Bulgaria), in a small village of Ravadinovo, which is located almost on the Black Sea coast. Even today, in spite of unfinished construction, one can visit it and appreciate the courage and originality of the author's architectural solution.

Sozopol, Ravadinovo Castle

It is quite a popular resort, located on the Black Sea coast on a peninsula in thirty-six kilometers from Bourgas. The town is one of the oldest on the coast: scientists claim that the first settlements here were still in the Bronze Age.

For centuries, Sozopol (Bulgaria) was a tiny fishing village, and only in the twenties of the last century it began to develop rapidly as a resort. Today, it is well known far beyond the borders of the country as a place where you can safely relax on one of the two well-equipped beaches. It is from this city that excursion groups are sent, consisting of those wishing to see the Ravadinovo Castle (Bulgaria) with their own eyes.

In Sozopol a small amphitheater is well preserved. Experts believe that it looks much more attractive than in Nessebar, although it is not as impressive as in Plovdiv.

Ravadinovo - an ancient Bulgarian village

It became known to the whole world after the former sportsman, and later the police officer Georgi Tumpalov began to build on this land his own "medieval" castle. This idea arose almost twenty years ago, but today the construction is not yet completed. Despite this, tourists can visit the majestic structure, immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, masterfully and very accurately recreated by the author.

About the construction of the castle

Construction work began in 1997. Before they started, Georgi traveled a lot and paid special attention to the architecture of castles. He designed his own creation. According to him, he is engaged in construction with his two sons, as well as with a small brigade consisting of local residents. Stones for construction, they themselves deliver to the site, mining them on the mountain Strandzha. It is located at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, at a distance of about 70 km from the village.

And now interesting figures. The construction of the castle has already taken about sixteen thousand tons of stone. Think about these values: a normal KAMAZ can hold no more than 13 tons. But in fact stones in the body can be loaded no more than 10 tons. Thus, a small brigade (about 20 people) over these years had to load and then unload approximately 1600 KAMAZ vehicles. In addition, fifty tons of gilded copper were used for construction.

In 2009, when the castle of Ravadinovo (Bulgaria) had already become known and started to be visited by tourists, the authorities, in particular the Nessebar prosecutor's office, had questions to the owner about the origin of the funds for such a serious project. After all, even those years the castle was estimated at about four million euros. But apparently, Tumpalov was able to submit all the necessary documents.

Description of the castle

The castle of Ravadinovo (Bulgaria) covers an area of five thousand square meters. Inside there are sixty spacious rooms. The interiors are made in the old days: carved furniture, oak floors, stucco moldings on the ceilings, stained-glass arched windows, the walls are decorated with precious metals. The atmosphere of the castle is literally saturated with luxury and wealth.

The castle of Ravadinovo resembles the work of the great Gaudi, with some elements of Byzantine architecture. The magnificent structure is surrounded by a luxurious park with elegant forged arbors and a pond, through which graceful swans swim, and the air is saturated with the aroma of numerous flowers. There are many exotic trees and shrubs: tiger lilies are very harmoniously combined with small palms.

The walls of the castle are covered with green ivy. The castle of Ravadinovo (Bulgaria) is decorated with sculptural compositions that are located in the garden. They further strengthen the medieval color of this grandiose building. In the park there is a very beautiful pond. It is inhabited by white and black swans. And in another artificial pond, a noble breed of fish splashes.

After the excursion, guests can relax and dine in a cozy restaurant, appreciate the Bulgarian wine from the owner's cellar.

Entertainment

In summer, the attraction for adults - "Ghostbusters" - works on the territory of the castle. Visitors are invited to find ghosts in the dungeons of the castle. And for young guests an excellent playground with a trampoline is equipped. Play on it kids can absolutely free. After the final completion of the construction the owner plans to open a tourist complex here.

Excursions

Ravadinovo Castle (Bulgaria) today can visit everyone. Excursion from Sozopol can be presented in two versions: with a visit to the natural reserve of Ropotamo or with a visit to the picturesque castle of Ravadinovo. When buying tickets, be sure to specify its route.

In the first case, tourists on a boat go for a walk along the Ropotamo reserve, where you can see various turtles and other forest inhabitants. In the second case, you will go directly to the Castle of Ravadinovo (Bulgaria). The territory, and the structure itself, is really impressive. Here you can make great photos for memory. Visiting Burgas - a major port city - the tour ends.

What else to see in the castle grounds?

In addition to the building itself, on a huge territory enclosed by a high fence, you can see:

• A small aviary with pigeons of different breeds;
• Site for chickens and geese;
• Peacocks, which are important strolling through the territory;
• The wine cellar of the owner of the castle, he is just off the main building, you will be offered to buy wine, but be prepared for the fact that the price is much higher than the store price;
• A small chapel;
• A swimming pool with a statue in the center, in which several large sturgeon float;
• A statue of G. Tumpalov, which is located at the entrance;
• Note the knights' armor standing in the cellar, as well as in the castle grounds.

Ravadinovo Castle (Bulgaria): how to get there?

Immediately must warn that without a car to get to the castle is not very convenient. It is located two kilometers from Sozopol and 30 kilometers from Burgas. You can get there by bus, which follows the route Sozopol-Bourgas: it makes a stop in the center of Ravadinovo.

Operating mode

And the last advice to anyone who wants to visit the Castle of Ravadinovo (Bulgaria). Opening hours are convenient for visiting - from 8.00 to 17.00. But the guests are admitted to the castle only three times a week - on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.