The former royal summer residence of Evksinograd will reopen for tourist visits in the spring of next year after it has remained closed for renovation for nearly two years.

The complex is expected to become accessible in the spring after a large-scale restoration which encompassed the palace, the old stables, the botanical garden and the Kastritsi fortress.

A total of BGN 9.8 M were allocated for the renewal of the residence under the Regional Development Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programme period.

The palace, fortress, stables and botanical garden have now acquired an authentic look and correspond to the 130-year history of the complex.

The EU funding was allocated for support, promotion of touristic attractions of national and world importance, with the focus being on such unique sites as Evksinograd.

This was stated by Regional Minister Lilyana Pavlova, who attended the official opening of the renewed residence on Tuesday.

The plans foresee the palace to be opened year-round with only one non-working day during the week, Darik radio informs.

The admission fee will range between BGN 5 and BGN 18 depending on the age of visitors and the tourist package. Visitors will be admitted in groups of 10-25 people.  

The palace was constructed in the 1880s to serve as a summer residence of Prince Alexander of Battenberg - the first Bulgarian ruler after the country was liberated from the Ottoman Empire in 1878.

The complex and the surrounding park are located on the Black Sea coast eight kilometres from downtown Varna.

During the restoration, many of the original furniture used by the royal family was preserved, with new Italian flooring and wallpapers fitted.

At present, it serves as a governmental and state residence hosting high-level meetings and it has also been the venue of an opera festival.

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