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In 1921 Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria de Edinburgh decided to visit Balchik, intrigued by stories of her friends: Prince Szatmár and his wife Ortansa. They called the city "a green oasis". Captivated by the natural charm of the place, of the white cliffs and the serene sea, she decided to build a summer residence here, and in 1937 the palace was ready. They called it "The Quiet Nest". Fortunately, Queen Maria had a strict requirement for the builders: she demanded from them not to disturb the natural beauty and splendor of the area.

"The Quiet Nest" is situated 2 km outside of Balchik. It can be reached by asphalt road. The palace consists of two main elements - buildings and park. Part of the park is transformed into a scientific botanic garden, which is managed by the University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski".

The Palace in Balchik impresses with its decoration. You can notice religious themes, architectural compositions and mythological characters on the walls and ceilings of the building. The architecture of the palace is a mixture of Bulgarian, Gothic, Oriental and Moorish elements. The Palace attracted many representatives of the Romanian bourgeoisie, who built numerous villas and in the late 30s of the XX century Balchik became a famous resort.

Jules Jany was invited to create a project of the Palace’s gardens. Until the revolution in Russia he was chief gardener of Emperor Nicholas II. After his death in 1937, another Swiss – Gutman, finished his work. Largely the charm of the park today is due to their skills and efforts. Different parts of the park and of the palace bear different names: Weeping Gardens and the Gethsemane Garden, the Garden of Allah, Spiderwater Mirror, the English Garden, the Bridge of Sighs, the Hanging Gardens, Springs' White well and "Chatal fountain ", the Nympheum (Roman Bath). The palace is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, water channels, a maze of mysterious and beautiful places. Don’t miss the chapel "Stella Maris" and the tomb of Queen Maria.

In the Gardens of Allah there is a stone fountain, of whom starts a channel that separates the palace gardens. Going to the sea, you can see a house built in traditional Bulgarian National Revival style, perched above the sea. There lived Prince Nicholas - the second son of Queen Mary, and then Princess Iliana - the youngest daughter of the Queen.

Do not miss the interior of the palace, with its impressive refinement, modesty and style. Find and enjoy the Mermaids’ room (named afterthe inscription "undine" above the doors, meaning “mermaid” in Norwegian).

The Nymphaeum itself is a large square building with a pool, with tall columns. There is no roof above the pool. The columns are carved from whole blocks of stone, nearly two meters high. Be sure to see the ancient stone throne in the chapel where is the tomb of Queen Mary.

The Palace in Balchik is a peculiar interpretation of the architectural ambition of its creator to find beauty and harmony. It is described as a romantic escape from the reality to the magic of nature.

On the evening of July 18, 1938, after severe illness, Queen Maria died. Her last wish was her heart to be preserved in the palace. Later, after the Kraiova Agreement, South Dobrudja was returned to Bulgaria on September 8, 1940. The chest with the heart of Queen Maria was moved from the chapel "Assumption" and returned to Romania. The Palace in Balchik remains and her paradise - a paradise of peace and harmony.