site.btaAncient City of Heraclea Sintica Among Nominees in Wonders of Bulgaria Campaign

The ancient city of Heraclea Sintica near the southwestern town of Petrich is among the 15 sites featured in the jubilee 15th edition of the Wonders of Bulgaria national campaign, said Eng. Katya Stoyanova, project manager for the restoration and conservation of Heraclea Sintica and director of the Petrich Museum of History, speaking to BTA.

The initiative, organized by the Cultural Heritage Society – the Representation of Europa Nostra in Bulgaria, aims to promote and encourage the preservation of Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage. Anyone can vote for their favourite among the 15 nominated sites. The deadline for voting is October 30, 2025, and the winner will be chosen through a national online vote conducted via the Standart news agency’s website (www.standartnews.com).

Located at the foot of Mount Kozhuh, the archaeological site of Heraclea Sintica is among the most significant ancient cities in Southwestern Bulgaria. In recent years, thanks to the consistent efforts of local authorities and the team of archaeologists led by Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski, the site has become a popular destination for history enthusiasts and cultural tourism, Stoyanova said.

The awards ceremony for the campaign winners will take place at 7 p.m. on November 1, 2025, at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia. Anniversary Heritage Awards will be presented in several categories: Wonder of Bulgaria for Past 15 Years (for archaeological discoveries), Attraction of Bulgaria for Past 15 Years (for cultural-historical attractions), and Brand (for tourist destinations).

Special prizes will also be awarded, including Guardian of Bulgaria’s Spiritual Wonders and Memory (for best museum, library, and community cultural centre).

The Wonders of Bulgaria annual awards remain the only national recognition dedicated to cultural heritage, organizers emphasized. They serve as both acknowledgment and prestige for historians and archaeologists uncovering Bulgaria’s wonders, mayors who preserve them, museums that display them, and businesses developing cultural and historical tourism routes, they added.