St. Ivan Island
Остров Свети Иван
The largest island off Sozopol, home to the ruins of a medieval monastery and a lighthouse. In 2010, what was believed to be the relics of John the Baptist were discovered here.
St. Ivan Island covers about 0.66 square kilometers and lies about 1 km north of the old town across the water, next to the small St. Peter Island. The island preserves the remains of an ancient Thracian temple and a medieval St. John's Monastery. In 2010, archaeologists found a small stone chest containing relics beneath the monastery altar, believed to be those of John the Baptist. The relics are now housed in the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in town. The island is a nature reserve and a breeding ground for seabirds. In summer, tour boats run from the old town harbor around the island. Landing requires joining a group tour or booking in advance, and a visit takes about 1–2 hours.
Opening hours
Summer boat service per schedule; island landing requires a booked group tour
Nearby sights
- Church of the Holy Mother of God
- Southern Fortress Wall and Tower
- Sozopol Archaeological Museum
- Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius
- Sozopol Old Town
- Harmani Beach
- Kavatsi Beach
- Ravadinovo Castle