Sheltering, conservation, display and public space of the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis

ANCIENT PLOVDIV MUNICIPAL INSTITUTE
/
Cultural – Heritage
/
Bulgaria
Company Name
ANCIENT PLOVDIV MUNICIPAL INSTITUTE
ARCHITECTURAL CREDITS
Atelie DUO
Abstracta
ZOOM Studio
Skolnick Architecture + Design partnership
Project Team
arch. Krasimir Todorov – lead designer;
arch. Milena Krachanova – conservation and restoration;
Jeni Tankova – archaeologist;
Elena Kantareva – Decheva – mosaic restorer;
arch. Plamena Andonova – lighting designеng.
Kostadin Palazov – civil engineering;
Land. arch. Mirela Dimitrova-Douillard – urbanism and landscape;
CLIENT/OWNER NAME:
America for Bulgaria Foundation, Plovdiv Municipality
Project Name:
Sheltering, conservation, display and public space of the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
Company Country:
Bulgaria
Project Country:
Bulgaria
Project City:
Plovdiv
Project Category:
Cultural – Heritage
Project Area:
Building – 4236м2; Public space – 8000m2
Completion Date:
20210418
Project overview
The project, spanning 2014-2021, was a successful public-private partnership.The three-nave temple, approximately 83 meters long and 36 meters wide, is the largest 4th-6th century basilica in Bulgaria. Built at the beguining of 4th century, the site is covered with two mosaic floors covering 2000m2. The project goals were to finalize archaeological excavations, conserve the site in situ, integrate it into contemporary urban life through adaptive reuse and develop a visitor centre.The project was funded through public-private partnership with approximately EUR 10 million.
Project history
Situated east of the Philippopolis Forum Complex and south of St. Ludwig Catholic Cathedral, the Basilica was unearthed during rescue archaeological excavations from 1982 to 1986, uncovering nearly half the building. Full excavation occurred in 2016-2017. The construction was completed in the period 2018-2021. The archaeology and mosaics were under constant protection, monitoring and ongoing study. The project was divided into several sub-sites: conservation and restoration works, protective building, public square, museography, furnishing and visitor experience. Close multidisciplinary collaboration was the key to the successful coordination and completion of the construction site.The adaptive reuse of the archaeological site and its successful integration into the modern urban environment revitalized this unique monument. The Visitor Centre, with its creative exhibit design, has become a magnet for Plovdiv’s residents and visitors, while also hosting art and cultural events. It has stimulated cultural tourism and the local economy, leaving a profound impact on the community and fostering local pride.