site.btaNew Archaeological Park Opens for Visitors in Sofia

New Archaeological Park Opens for Visitors in Sofia

Sofia, May 24 (BTA) - The Serdica West Gate Archaeological Part is open to visitors from May 24, the local authorities said. The event comes in the wake of a large-scale conservation and restoration project.

SerdicaТs West Gate is part of the Ancient Serdica - Medieval Sredets Historical and Archaeological Reserve. It is designated as immovable cultural heritage of national significance.

Research on the site began in 1974 by a Museum of Sofia History team headed by Magdalina Stancheva. So far, researchers have excavated, studied and displayed part of the western city wall, the north tower of the gate, parts of an east-west main city road (decumanus), a triangular tower to the northwest; an ancient canal, buildings in the fortified city, as well as fragments of mosaics in an impressive building to the northeast, among others.

The project was worth 1,207,000 leva, VAT excluded, including a 947,000 leva grant under the Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Arts Programme of the Norway grants and EEA grants. Work on the project was completed in 11 months.