Euxinograd: a residence for all times

History of the residence

The palace was originally built for Alexander Battenberg and was to serve as a summer residence. At first the residence was called Sandrovo (after the ruler’s name), but in 1893 it was renamed Euxinograd.

The location was not chosen by chance. The area has wonderful forest air and numerous healing springs. The residence came to be situated on the grounds of an old monastery. The foundation of the palace was laid and a beautiful park was laid out.

The present-day palace building was constructed to the design of an Austrian architect. The three-storey palace was distinguished by its elegance and its clear, light lines. On the ground floor were the reception and music halls and a salon. Above them were the bedrooms of the members of the royal family, and the third floor was intended for the service staff.

The palace furnishings partly consisted of gifts from other monarchs: for example, the magnificent huge chandelier decorated with a crown and lilies was a gift from the Bourbons. The rooms were furnished with original furniture of walnut and mahogany.

A wine cellar was created at the palace, and it is still in operation today: the wines made here are famous far beyond the country’s borders.

In 1946 the palace was nationalised. Soon it became a place of rest for the political elite of the Bulgarian Communist Party — party officials now holidayed in the royal palace.

Today, too, Euxinograd is a state residence where government receptions are held. However, the palace is now also accessible to people far removed from politics.

Practical information:

• You cannot simply turn up on the grounds of a government residence. Only group tours (from 10 to 30 people) by prior application are possible.
• The application, which is sent by e-mail, must state the full name and date of birth (for Bulgarian citizens — the ЕГН) of all visitors. Once the application is approved, a time for the tour is set.
• Walks by the assembled groups around the residence grounds may be held three times a day — at 9, 12 and 15 o’clock. The tour lasts an hour and a half.
• The cost of the tour of the palace and park for group visits is 10 lv. per person; pensioners and children under 16 pay 3 leva per person. This price includes the guide’s commentary in Bulgarian.
• The superb wines produced in the wine cellar on the residence grounds can be bought in the small shop located in the car park at the entrance to the residence.

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