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On the shore of the Studen Kladenets Reservoir, near the village of Shiroko Pole, lies a unique witness to Bulgarian maritime history - the ship Galata. From afar, it resembles an old legend that the wind still tells, but as you get closer, you will feel that a part of Bulgaria's maritime past was indeed written here.
Built at the Varna Shipyard and launched in June 1937, Galata was the first metal ship ever constructed in Bulgaria. Designed as a motorized passenger vessel, it could accommodate up to 50 passengers. Measuring 17.5 meters in length and 3.7 meters in width, it was powered by a 100-horsepower diesel engine. In its early years, Galata sailed the familiar waters of the Varna and Burgas bays as part of the Bulgarian Maritime Fleet.
But the story of Galata doesn’t end there. According to a widely shared account, the ship was once used by the royal family of Tsar Boris III - elevating it beyond a mere vessel to a symbol of an era.
In January 1963, tragedy struck. The Galata sank off the coast of Balchik, claiming the lives of 14 people, including the entire crew. A year later, the ship was salvaged, repaired, and sent to a new destination - the Studen Kladenets Reservoir – where it served for many years, connecting remote villages along the reservoir’s shoreline with the city of Kardzhali.
Today, Galata no longer sails, but it continues to inspire. Permanently anchored near Shiroko Pole, the ship has become a favorite spot for photographers, travelers, and those seeking a glimpse of the untold stories of the Rhodope Mountains. Set against the still water and the silhouette of the hills beyond, its weathered frame stands as both a monument and a memory - inviting visitors to step back in time and reflect on a legacy that deserves to be remembered.
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