The Episcopal complex is the most representative and monumental architectural monument discovered in the ancient city of Partikopolis from the period V – VI century, as studies continue to this day.
The first investigators of the complex are the soldiers of the Second Bulgarian Army in 1917. At the construction of a building for the headquarters of the army, the soldiers came across the remains of a massive circular building identified as a Baptistery of the archaeologist V. Ivanova. The studies lasted more than 70 years, from 1989 until today.
In the ensemble dominates a classical Hellenistic basilica with shortened axis divided into three naves, with splendid mosaics, gorgeous interior architecture with colonnades in Roman-Corinthian style and a unique marble altar wall with scenes from the Gospel.
Atrium. The courtyard of the Episcopal complex is surrounded by three walls, colonnades, and thereby forming three porticos. Here you can see a draw-well with well preserved sweep and granite fountain with authentic spout in the shape of a lion’s head.
Martirium. The premise where was kept relics is with very well preserved wall paintings, altar table and marble flooring. In the floor is embedded the oldest holy spring still existing on our lands.
Baptisterium
The baptizing room is constructed as a separate body and represented a massive round building with a dome (rotunda). By shape and size is the only one in Bulgaria and one of the best preserved in Southeast Europe. The pool in the center was paneled marble tiles and the floor is covered with mosaics. The pool water was warming in the next room – prefurnium.Scriptorium. Library complex was located in a building adjoined to the Baptizing room. Here, the monks use to copy ancient religious texts. Among the ruins are found marble slab with Chi Rho and donor inscription. Chi Rho is Christ’s monogram or christogram consisting of two initial letters Χ and Ρ (chi and rho) of the Greek name Χριστός (Christ). This is the symbol replaced the Roman eagle on the flag (vexillum) of Emperor Constantine, known as Labarum.
Additional information
Opening time: Winter period (November – March)
Day off: Sunday and Monday
10.00-12.00 13.00-18.00
Summer period (April – October)
Day off: Monday
10.00-12.00 14.00-19.00
Maps
Contact
More Information
- Services: There are entry fees.
- Accessibility: Bus, car, train, bicycle, pedestrian. Accessible for visitors with mobility limitations. Parking- paid/free.
- Coordinates: 41°34'00.1"N 23°16'47.3"E
- Note: Source: http://visitsandanski.eu. Project co-financed under Operational Program „Regional Development“ 2007 -2013
