St. Cyricus Island

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St. Cyricus Island (остров св. Кирик, ostrov sv. Kirik) is a Bulgarian island in the Black Sea, situated a quarter of a mile from Sozopol. It has an area of about 7,000 m².

There is historical evidence that from the 4th century BC to the 1st century BC a 13.20 m-high bronze statue of Apollo was standing on the island. It is presumed that a sanctuary of Apollo was also situated there, or possibly even a temple. There are plans for the statue to be reerected after the demilitarization of St. Cyricus Island.

In 1925, a school for fishermen and sailors was built on the island, where only orphans were allowed to study. The school existed only for about 10 years, as in 1936 its base was reorganized to accommodate the Bulgarian Naval Academy. Until recently, the island was a restricted area, where Bulgarian Navy ships were anchored,

St. Cyricus Island was finally demilitarized in the 2000s and is to become a centre of international maritime tourism. As it is a national cultural moment, its heritage will be preserved and the new buildings are required to match the characteristic style of Sozopol.

St. Cyricus Island

See also