“Bishop’s Basilica” in Sandanski – Official Opening

information by HoReMag

The official opening of the complex “Episkopska Bazilika” (Bishop’s Basilica) and archaeology exhibition will take place today in Sandanski. The complex with the remains of the early Christianity Basilica is situated right behind the building of the Archaeology Museum in Sandanski. The mayor of the municipal – Mr. Anton Totev invited the vice minister of Culture – Ms Nadedzhda Zaharieva, archaeologists and other guests.

The Bishop’s Basilica was found during excavations performed by prof. Alexandra Milcheva pp head of the section of antique archaeology in the Archaeology institute in BSI, together with Dr. Vladimir Petkov – head of the Archaeology Museum in Sandanski. This is early Christianity basilica dating back to the V-VI-th century, whose remains are now situated right in the heart of the town. According to experts it is unique with its rich interior plastic decoration and floor mosaic.

The basilica had a second floor with galleries. The southern wall is preserved with beautiful wall paintings, imitating marble with floral ornaments. The preserved mosaic in the basilica has decorations in a geometry style. For the first time scientists found this combination of floral and geometry ornaments. These are columns, bases, capitulators, cornices, fragments with marble and tiles with human portraits and floral elements, which reveal rich indoor decoration and marble décor of the temple, pointed specialists from the museum in Sandanski.