site.btaEast Gate of Philippopolis Ancient Archaeological Complex Opens in Plovdiv

The East Gate of Philippopolis ancient archeological complex was officially opened to visitors here on Tuesday. Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov said that the East Gate of Philippopolis is one of the most impressive archaeological finds of Plovdiv, which testifies to its rich history.

"I am glad that we have another area that will be a destination not only for tourists and Plovdiv residents, but also a place where we can have cultural events. Together with the Roman forum and the Odeon, these are destinations that will be a point of cultural tourism in Plovdiv", Dimitrov underscored. The East Gate of Philippopolis was of great importance to the ancient city as it was the connection between the ancient city and Byzantium, as well as the connection to the Danubian Limes, he added.

Archaeologist Maya Martynova-Kyutova said that the archeological site has finally received the care it deserves. She recalled that back in 1977, a dental care centre had to be built on this site and after the discovery of the significant archaeological artefacts, the site was undeservedly neglected for more than 45 years. She pointed out that it was only in recent years that the archaeological research continued and a conservation and restoration project was drawn up, the work of the late architect Galina Pirovska. The project was carried out by restorer Nikola Stoyanov.

She said that the importance of the archaeological complex is exceptional for the history of Plovdiv, as the presence of a cultural layer from the Hellenistic era 4th - 3rd century BC was found, as well as an honorary arch that was built in honour of the visit of the emperor Hadrian at the beginning of the 2nd century, the remains of which were later integrated into the construction of the Late Antique Gate. She recalled that 50 years after that event, a fortress wall was built during the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, from which a bilingual inscription was found that reported the construction of the fortress wall. After the tragic events in 251 AD during the Gothic invasions and after the restoration of the city, the complex was built with the widest street discovered in Bulgaria since the ancient era.

"In general, this is an architectural complex that can be the pride of any city. With this complex, Plovdiv has acquired another pearl in its tourist necklace", Martinova-Kyutova concluded.

The conservation and restoration of the complex was financed under Operational Programme Regions in Growth 2014-2020 through the European Fund for Regional Development, with the total cost of the project amounting to over BGN 9 million. The opening of the East Gate of Philippopolis was attended by former Plovdiv mayor Zdravko Dimitrov, a number of deputy mayors, members of the project team, municipal administration employees, residents, journalists and students.