"Heraclea Sintica is a natural and scientific heritage of world significance!", says Katya Stoyanova, director of the Historical Museum in Petrich and head of the project "Restoration, conservation, preservation, promotion and development of architectural sites from the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica".

The Hellenistic city, which last year attracted world attention with the unearthing of the statue of one of the heirs of Octavian Augustus – the founder of the Roman Empire, is today establishing itself as a center of culture, art and education. In addition, it is also becoming a center for the protection of biodiversity in the region. All this is united under the motto: "Cultural dialogues with nature, culture and people" – part of the large-scale project for the revitalization of the ancient city.

"We live in a place where cultural heritage of extremely high value is concentrated and at the same time nature has given us a gift that we cannot ignore. Our efforts are to unite both. The place has always been the subject of scientific research – we have rare species of birds, snakes and turtles, as well as specific plants. We have combined the administrative work related to researching them with the creative process in order to promote the wealth of biodiversity in the area and it is already clear that people enjoy listening, watching and talking about the animals and plants that can be found here."

• The region of Petrich where history comes alive

Katya Stoyanova says that together with a team of biologists they organize exhibitions, reasearch plant and animal species and prepare educational modules for children and adults.

"We try to work with local schools and all cultural and educational institutions. The goal is for students to discuss current topics, to make suggestions for solving problems, and for the creative part to be intertwined with the educational one. We also held several exhibitions in cultural institutions abroad - in Budapest in February, where the local Bulgarian community got acquainted with Heraclea Sintica and showed exceptional interest. At their initiative, we held another lecture and with the director of the Cultural Institute and representatives of the embassy we discussed future initiatives with Bulgarian schools there. Later, we presented the exhibition ‘Secrets and Riddles from Heraclea Sintica’ in Slovakia - not only to the Bulgarian community, but also to the local audience. We took the first steps so that people outside of Bulgaria can find out about Heraclea Sintica. Probably, at the end of the year we will also hold a presentation in Warsaw."

Interest in the ancient city is growing, Katya Stoyanova says and adds that the number of visitors has increased significantly.

"Last month there were Mexicans, visitors from Vietnam, people from all over Europe, of course, but also many Americans, several representatives from Japan, as well as from South America. The visits are not organized, but individual as foreigners are increasingly beginning to recognize Heraclea Sintica and learn about this site. Of course, all this is also due to the wide advertising and promotion that we do together with the platform of Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski - head of the archaeological works and the media, for which we are grateful. People already recognize Heraclea Sintica as a place of rich cultural heritage, which contributes to the image of Bulgaria" Katya Stoyanova says.

• Ancient polis of Heraclea Sintica revealing its secrets

• Floor mosaic and the head of a Roman statue discovered at Heraclea Sintica

For the summer season, the ancient city will become a stage for musicians and on July 26 the interactive spectacle "Mystery Sintika", with the help of sound, light and choreography, will recreate Thracian beliefs and customs. Workshops have been prepared for the children, as they will be able to feel as real archaeologists under the guidance of Prof. Vagalinski.

Author: Desislava Shapkarova
Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: Historical Museum – Petrich