The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna has marked 144 years since its founding. A period in which the educational institution has followed the trends for highly specialized training of specialists in various professional fields related to shipping.

The initiator of establishing the educational institution in 1881 was Captain-Lieutenant Alexander Konkevich, who headed the Flotilla and the Naval Unit of the Principality of Bulgaria. On January 16 the Military Ministry of the Principality of Bulgaria officially announced that as of January 9, 1881, a Naval School was established in Ruse.

After 1900, the educational institution was moved to Varna. 49 years later, it adopted as its patron poet Nikola Vaptsarov, who was its graduate from the class of 1926.

The Naval Academy has 17 lecture rooms and 51 classrooms, 35 laboratories and 36 offices. To ensure the necessary practical training of students and cadets, 11 simulators are used. The Planetarium, which can also be visited by citizens, is also part of the educational process.

Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva

Photos: BTA, armymedia.bg, Municipality of Varna