Varna State Hospital

In the late 19th century, the Varna municipality allocated a location for the establishment of a State Hospital. During that period, the landscape was situated beyond the boundaries of the city.

The laying of the foundation stone took place on October 26, 1893. In the presence of the former mayor of Varna, the hospital management delivered a speech and enacted a formal declaration identifying the hospital. The hospital’s foundation was established with the inclusion of a document, current Bulgarian periodicals, and coins. Subsequent to that particular day, the medical facility has been designated as the “Marian Hospital” as a tribute to the former Bulgarian Princess Maria Luisa, consort of H.M. King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. Her Highness conveyed her gratitude and expressed optimism that the hospital will greatly benefit the Varna District.

The hospital relocated to the new facility on January 7, 1896. Presently, it remains in its current location, a mere 300-400 metres away from the former Turkish military hospital, which has completely vanished. The new hospital structure was constructed in a pavilion architectural style. By the conclusion of the century, there were a total of 11 pavilions interconnected by corridors. Only a small fraction of them has survived till the present day.

By the conclusion of the century, the Varna hospital was left with a just two wards, each of which was already equipped with 150 beds. The number of inpatients increased from 283 in 1879 to 2,510 in 1900, while the number of outpatients increased from 719 to 3,302. Medical treatment is available for a charge, with only individuals in extreme poverty receiving complimentary aid.

The majority of the physicians who worked at the hospital during its initial years were of Bulgarian origin. It is noteworthy that the medical personnel underwent numerous changes, as seen by the little surviving archival papers from the fire. The primary cause of this phenomenon may be attributed to the political party conflicts inside the city. However, there are also physicians who have accumulated over a decade of experience. The hospital has a substantial number of paramedics who frequently carried out cleaning tasks. The Sisters of Mercy emerged at a significantly later point in time. Carers were employed from both genders, women and men.

During the initial part of the 20th century, the hospital structure underwent expansion by adding many more storeys, all designed in the same architectural style. An aesthetically pleasing park area, with a well-designed system of pathways, has been established surrounding the hospital. Additionally, a diverse range of tree species have been meticulously planted, which now captivate observers with their majestic canopies.

The facility remains in operation as a hospital to this day. This is the “St. Anna” Multispecialty Hospital for Active Treatment.

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