The Botanical Garden in Balchik and the Quiet Nest residence is a place where you can imagine and feel how one of the brightest queens of the 20th century, Mary of Edinburgh, lived.
The history of the garden
Its founder is Mary of Edinburgh, granddaughter of the British Queen Victoria and the Russian Emperor Alexander II. As many historians say, her relationship with her husband was not close, so she often traveled alone.
In 1913, Romania annexed the territory of Southern Dobruja. Balchik became the southernmost city. In 1921, Maria first came here and was impressed by the picturesque landscapes of this place. Almost immediately, the construction of her residence and the creation of a garden began.
Its arrangement was completely completed only in 1936, but even before that, guests came to Mary's residence: aristocrats and creative intelligentsia from Romania and other European countries.
In many ways, Balchik stands out from other gardens in Bulgaria and Europe:
- concept . Mary of Edinburgh was a supporter of the Baha'i faith, according to which all religions are united. Therefore, the garden has a Christian chapel and an Islamic minaret, as well as many symbols of various religions.
- area . The garden occupies 6.5 hectares. It is one of the busiest gardens in Europe. In terms of the number of different types of plants, it is second only to the garden in Malta.
- Palace . The residence of the queen is not like a luxurious, pompous castle. This is a quiet, cozy place in 3 floors. Mary originally named it "The Lonely Nest". No one remembers how and when this place was renamed "Quiet Nest".
Overview of the park
"Quiet Nest" consists of several locations. You need at least a whole day to get around them all and carefully consider them. Therefore, bring drinking water with you and wear comfortable shoes.
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Silver well.
It is named so because of the clean and clear water. Many believe that if you throw a coin over your shoulder and make a wish, it will come true. There is also a legend that if a person hides his sins, he will not see the reflection.
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Villa "Blue Star".
This is a manor that was built for the queen's son, Nikolai. According to legend, he was a ladies' man, which did not suit Mary, so his estate was built in the distance. Now there is a winery where you can taste or buy a wide variety of local wines and other spirits for free.
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Chapel.
Its architecture is copied from a 15th century Cretan church. Mary named her "Star of the Seas" and bequeathed that her heart be buried here. Her request was granted, but after a while the queen's heart was moved to Bucharest. White lilies grow around the chapel, about which Mary wrote to her friends: “The scent of these flowers brings me back to my childhood, to my sunny island (Malta).”
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Water Palace Nymphaeum.
Another name is "Garden of Allah". This is one wall with arches and columns on the north side. Behind it is a small pool. Water comes here from a small three-jet fountain and spring water, which, according to archaeologists, was built in 1865. Now the arches are illuminated by unusual star-shaped lanterns. Weddings are often held in it, musicians play.
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Restaurant "Crown".
Was built in 1934. Looking out to sea, Mary herself and other 20th-century royalty dined here. Now in the "Korona" you can try dishes with seafood.
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Palace "Quiet Nest".
There are several places in the palace worth seeing:
- Marble throne . Here the queen loved to meet the sunrises and watch the sunsets. Next to the throne is a small table made from the capital of a column. Mary wrote letters, poems and drew on it. Previously, there was a large tree nearby, which once conquered the queen. But 60 years after her death, it collapsed into the sea.
- Smoking room . According to legend, the queen offered opium to guests, and then eavesdropped on their conversations and drew conclusions.
- Minaret . There is also a legend associated with this place. Many say that after the death of Ferdinand, one Turkish captain saved Maria's daughter. The queen fell in love with the young man and ordered the construction of a minaret so that he could worship his god. But after a while the captain went home to his family, and the queen continued to wait for him.
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Royal flower beds.
In March-April, the garden turns into a flower carpet of tulips. There are more than 100 varieties of these flowers. And in July-August, roses bloom on the lower tier of the garden. Maria herself ordered flower seeds, which came to her by mail or on ships.
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Cacti.
The garden collection includes 250 species of various cacti and succulents. It is second only to the collections in Monaco. Some of the cacti are planted in the greenhouse, but the largest grow right in the open air and reach 5 meters.
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Alley of centuries.
This is a path with millstones. It is believed that Mary bequeathed that every century one millstone would be raised here. Her covenant was fulfilled - now there are 20 millstones along this path.
Schedule
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In winter, the park and the palace are open
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from 8:30 to 17:00
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Summer
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from 8:00 to 20:00
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Ticket price
- For adults - 7 leva
- For children (from 7 to 18 years old) - 2 leva
- For children under 7 years old, admission is free
- Family package (parents with children) – 14 BGN
- Admission is free for people with special needs!
How to get there?
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From Varna
By bus, the cost of the trip is from 2 to 3 euros, duration - 1 hour. By taxi you can get there in 40 minutes, the cost of the trip is from 22 to 27 euros.
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From Dobrich
Can be reached by shuttle bus. From Dobrich to Albena, then 10-15 minutes on foot to the bus station and by bus to Balchik. The total duration of the trip is 2 hours 20 minutes, the cost is from 7 to 10 euros.
You can also get from Dobrich via Varna. This is a non-stop route. The duration of the trip is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, the cost is from 2 to 7 euros.
