ANCIENT TOWN “HERACLEA SINTICA”

Heraclea Sintica is an ancient town in modern Southwestern Bulgaria, the ruins of which are located on the territory of the village of Rupite, Municipality of Petrich, on the southern slope of the volcanic eminence Kozhuh. In ancient times, the town was the center of the district of Sintice, populated by the thracian tribe of the sintians.

For more than 100 years scientists argued where this ancient town was located. For a long time it was believed that it was located south of the Rupel Pass (in modern Greece). Heraclea Sintica was identified in the village of Rupite by the Assoc. Prof. Georgi Mitrev after the accidental discovery of a large Latin inscription in 2002.

In 2007 archaeological excavations at Heraclea Sintica began, led by Assoc. Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski, of the National Institute with Museum of Archeology in Sofia and the Historical Museum in Petrich. The archaeological research established that the city had an intense life, it was modern. Built at the foot of and all over the hill, preserved to a height of up to 5m, with a 7m thick cultural layer, Heraclea Sintica continues to impress its explorers and visitors.

The representative buildings of the ancient city were built with great grace, the city layout was constructed in accordance with the principles of the Hippodamian Plan. A part of the city basilica was also preserved, where various litigations were resolved. Coins and two votive tablets of Heracles and Artemis were discovered.

The ancient city is mentioned in the works of many ancient authors.

Additional information
Services: Entrance ticket prices: Entrance tickets for individual visitors – BGN 2.00. For students and pensioners – BGN 1.00.

The entrance is free of charge for visits to the Herakleia Synica National Theater on: February 14 – Day of the Bulgarian Archeologist

Opening time: Heraclea Sintica is open to visitors without a break.

Every day from 10:00 to 17:00
Holiday days: January 1; Easter / Sunday /; Christmas / 24-25 /