Balchik

Balchik’s palace complex developed as a residence for Queen Marie of Romania on the Black Sea coast. Construction began in 1924 and continued until 1936. The villa known as the Quiet Nest formed part of a larger ensemble of gardens, paths, adapted water mills and service buildings. The residence belonged to the period when Southern Dobrudzha was under Romanian rule; Balchik returned to Bulgaria under the Treaty of Craiova in 1940.

The University Botanic Garden represents a later institutional chapter. Founded in 1955 by the botanist Daki Yordanov, it belongs to Sofia University and maintains extensive plant collections within the historic landscape. The palace now functions as a state cultural institute, with exhibitions and cultural events among its activities. The site brings together the history of a royal retreat, botanical study and the public presentation of art.