St. Ivan Island
St. Ivan Island (Bulgarian: остров св. Иван) is the largest Bulgarian island in the Black Sea, with an area of 0,66 km². It lies off the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast near Sozopol, a town with rich history and a popular tourist place, and is separated by a strait a couple of meters long from the small neighbouring St. Peter Island.
St. Ivan Island is famous for the 12th-14th century St. John Monastery. Its church is situated on the southern side of the island, which carries the name of the monastery (Ivan is the Bulgarian version of John). The church was built in 1263.
Archaeological research was carried out after 1985 for a couple of years, so today the remains of two churches, a royal residence, a library, part of the fortified wall with the gate and several monastic cells can be seen.
There is also a lighthouse constructed by French engineers in 1884 and pointing to the Burgas Bay still preserved on the island. Remains of an Ancient Roman lighthouse dating from about the 2nd century AD were found at the same place.
Apart from its historical significance, the island is also a nature reserve, with 72 species of birds nesting on the rocks and around the coast, 3 of which are endangered in the world and 15 in Europe. St. Ivan Island is also inhabited by other rare species, such as monk seals. The rocks on the island are covered with black mussels.
Gallery
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Ruins of the St. John monastery and church
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The lighthouse on St. Ivan Island
