Tourist attraction
Temple of Cybele

Temple of Cybele was opened in 2007 and according to archaeologists, it dates back to around 280-260 BC. It is believed that worked for 700 years. Temple of Cybele was found at emergency excavations in 2007 in the construction of new hotel complex. Now it is only open temple of Cybele in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and the best preserved Hellenistic temple in Bulgaria. As the number and variety, this is the largest group of movable monuments associated with the cult of Cybele found so far in her temple. It may be that this temple is one of the priceless treasures of Bulgaria.

Among the findings are numerous statues of the Goddess, and coins from the reign of Emperor Valens, a caption for a donation of the Emperor Licinius, which was served on the temple by the Governor of the Province of Scythia. The temple is a rectangular building consisting of nave - internal, sacred part pronaos - entrance. The building had a double-pitched roof covered with tiles, which for centuries have been replaced. Inscriptions found in the temple are over 20 (completely or almost completely preserved). All text, except one, are in Greek. Monuments are prevailing from Hellenistic period, and seven inscription may refer to the Roman period. Most are votive inscriptions placed on architectural details, bases of statues, benches and altars, or presenting reports and service offerings to the goddess. Goddess named " Mother of the Gods", "Pontia Mother" and in one case "Pontia goddess" and the temple is called Metroon. Cybele was depicted in a long cloak, seated on a throne and holding a scepter in left hand, and a lion lying in her lap.

The temple was destroyed by fire, occurred in 378, when land in the area have been looted and burnt by the Goths. In 544, the coast of Dionysopolis is struck by huge waves. It triggers a landslide of earth from the surrounding hills, which buries the temple and it is sealed tightly. Today the temple of Cybele was declared a National monument, which has yet to be strengthened and presented as a cultural and historic destination in Bulgaria. The historic museum in Balchik presented a model of the temple. Upon request by tourists curator of the Historical Museum can tell the story of the temple site. When visiting the site, be careful as it is cultivated and is located at the bottom of the gash. Access is with no entry fee.