Varna is located on the shores of the Black Sea and Lake Varna. It is the third largest city in Bulgaria, with an estimated population of 332 686 inhabitants in 2021. The port of Varna lies at the crossroads of several European transport corridors. It is of major importance for Bulgaria and is an essential logistical and distribution centre connecting Europe with Russia, the Middle East and the Far East. Varna is known as the ‘maritime capital’ of Bulgaria and is one of its most important cultural centres, as well as being home to one of the oldest gold hoards in the world.