The Bishop's Basilica in Plovdiv opens its doors for a special "Mosaic Day"

One of the most significant cultural spaces in Bulgaria – the Bishop's Basilica in Plovdiv. celebrates 5 years since becoming a meeting place for archaeology, history and contemporary art.

On May 16, it opens its doors with free admission and a specially organized "Mosaic Day" – its program is suitable for all ages and includes concerts, workshops, 3D mapping and free access to the Roman mosaics, virtual walks and a children's corner. The event is an opportunity for residents and guests of Plovdiv to immerse themselves in the history of the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.

The Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis (Plovdiv) is a large-scale building (83 m long) with three naves, an apse, a narthex and an atrium. This is the largest early Christian basilica discovered in Bulgaria. Dating back to the 4th century, it is distinguished not only by its size, but also by its unique interior. The floor is covered with exceptional mosaics with a total area of ​​2,000 sq. m, built in two layers, one on top of the other, probably with a time interval of 50 years. This masterpiece of late antique art was discovered during construction work in the 1980s, and after a large-scale seven-year restoration, it opened its doors as a tourist site - on April 18, 2021.

Today, the exhibition in the basilica is divided into thematic zones that tell about history layer by layer. The mosaics from the Roman era in Philippopolis amaze the viewer with sacred splendour, rich symbolism and craftsmanship. The event is part of the celebration of 70 years of Bulgaria's membership in UNESCO.

See also:

The Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis shortlisted for the SHARE 2024 Architecture Awards

The head of the statue of Tyche has been discovered in the Episcopal Basilica in Plovdiv

Editor: Elena Karkalanova