Devnya: Mosaics, History and Landscapes

The town of Devnya lies in a small valley between low limestone hills, the last foothills of the Balkan Mountains and the Dobrudzha Plateau. To the east, the valley opens towards Lake Beloslav and the sea. Part of Lake Beloslav lies in the southeast of the municipality; the Devnya River valley runs from north to southeast. The valley contains around 30 karst springs. Magic Spring is considered especially picturesque and is associated with old legends.

Karst Landscape and Stone Columns

Pobiti Kamani stretches across the municipalities of Aksakovo, Beloslav, Devnya and Suvorovo and consists of 14 groups of limestone columns. The columns reach 5 to 6 metres in height and 0.5 to 2.5 metres in thickness; they are made of calcareous, fossil-bearing sandstone. The protected area is part of the Natura 2000 network and protects Bulgaria’s largest inland sandy habitats, with their characteristic flora, vegetation and wildlife.

Some groups can be reached by vehicle, while footpaths lead to the others. There is an information centre in the Centre–South group. Check access conditions and visitor facilities before setting out. An environmental report lists ten rare or endemic plant species and 114 recorded bird species; these figures may not reflect current numbers. The autumn migration period is considered particularly suitable for birdwatching tours.

Roman Mosaics in Devnya

The Museum of Mosaics displays Roman and early Byzantine mosaics from ancient Marcianopolis. It is listed as site No. 10 in Bulgaria’s “100 National Tourist Sites” movement. The museum was built over the foundations of a large late Roman villa urbana discovered during excavations. In five rooms and the portico of the ancient building are multicoloured floor mosaics, considered among the finest examples of Roman mosaic art of their time in Bulgaria. Three mosaics are displayed in situ, that is, in the rooms where they were discovered; the others were conserved and transferred to new supports.

The “Seasons” mosaic includes allegories of the four seasons. The bust of Autumn has been preserved, depicted as a young woman in a gold-woven garment. Another mosaic shows Athena’s shield with the severed head of Medusa; the motif was intended to protect the household from evil. The museum also features models of ancient Marcianopolis, its amphitheatre and the mosaic building, as well as pottery, lamps and a sundial found during excavations.

Archaeological Finds and Coin Hoards

Excavations in Devnya have uncovered an ancient amphitheatre, sections of the fortification walls of Marcianopolis, necropolises, temple remains, and residential and public buildings. During investigations between 2019 and 2023, a gold coin hoard was discovered in a late antique building that had been burned down during the great Hun campaign of 447. The 20 gold solidi were minted in the name of the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II and are described as 24-carat and exceptionally well preserved.

Another coin hoard, found in Devnya in 1929, contained more than 100,000 Roman silver coins. Today, it is represented in the archaeological museums of Sofia and Varna. If you plan to visit this find specifically, check the museum collections in advance.

Traditions in Kipra

An ethnographic collection in Kipra offers insight into local life and culture. It comprises around 200 exhibits, including looms, spinning equipment, bread-making tools, textiles and seven traditional costumes. Wedding customs from the early 20th century are also featured. The collection includes the ritual “Camel” mask, used in the local tradition of masked New Year performers.

The ethnographic house can arrange demonstrations of kneading and stretching dough, as well as preparing banitsa. Visitors may also draw wine and rakia from the house cellar and experience a staged Thracian wedding. Confirm in advance whether the demonstrations and staged performance are available.

Folklore on Several Stages

The Folklorna Palitra festival presents traditions from various Bulgarian ethnographic regions on three stages. The competition includes folk dances, choreographed horo, authentic folklore groups, pair dancing, singing groups and soloists. Dates, programmes and competition categories for future editions may change. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check the details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kipra, Vetrino, Avren, Dalgopol, Beloslav, Byala, Varna, Provadia

For the wider travel overview: Varna Province.