Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Big early Christian cathedral found in the Rhodopes

Photo: Valya Apostolova

A team of archaeologists headed by Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov has discovered the foundations of a big episcopal early Christian cathedral in the rock town of Perperikon. 
The cathedral is dated to the second half of the 5th century. The building had a monumental colonnade, walls made of huge square blocks and beautiful monumental decorations. So far only the building’s central part (25 x 15 meters) has been unearthed, but the overall length is expected to be 40 meters or the size of the old bishopric in the town of Nessebar or of the St. Sofia church in the capital city. In the 9th century the cathedral was reconstructed into a single-nave basilica, again impressive in size. As a basilica it functioned right up to the 14th century when Perperikon was captured by the Ottoman Turks. A necropolis of vaulted tombs formed around it, 25 of which are fixed though they are yet to be uncovered. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

"The Hague" by director Galin Stoev proposed for European award

German theatre journalist Dieter Topp has proposed the play "The Hague" by Galin Stoev for an award from the Europe Culture Forum for achievements in the field of culture. This was reported by the team of the International Theatre..

published on 6/7/24 11:43 AM

Bulgarians from Milan present their homeland for the first time at "Il mondo in casa" festival

For the first time, Bulgaria will be represented at the international festival "Il mondo in casa", or "The World at Home", in Milan. The forum is being held for the eighth consecutive year and its main goal is to achieve..

published on 6/7/24 9:24 AM
Centre for Contemporary Art and Library in Burgas

The first Black Sea International Literary Festival kicks off in Burgas

Burgas is hosting the first Black Sea International Literary Festival. From today until 9 June there will be readings and professional meetings with the participation of over 50 writers, translators, publishers, literary agents from Turkey, Georgia,..

published on 6/6/24 6:05 AM