Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Archeologists unearth church from 6th century near Gabrovo

Photo: museumvt.com

An early Byzantine church, 20 by 10 meters in size, made from rock blocks and brick layers, with a floor lined with ceramic tiles has been discovered by archaeologists. It has two entrances on the south and west sides and an interesting altar section, as it had benches where clergymen were sitting, as well as a bishop's throne in the central place, Professor Hitko Vachev said. He added that a small chamber was found under the altar, in which the relics of a saint had probably been stored, but unfortunately were not preserved. It is clear from the overall architecture of the temple that this was an episcopal church, dating back to the sixth-century as coins from that time were discovered during works. Prof. Hitko Vachev and his assistant Philip Petrunov from the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at BAS studied the site in June and July in connection with the construction of the road towards the planned tunnel under Shipka. Archaeologists say that the church is well documented and would not prevent the construction of the road.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

On Holy Saturday, Christ descends into hell to save the righteous

Holy Saturday services begin on Friday evening with Vespers. The Church commemorates the burial of Christ the Saviour and His descent into hell to save the righteous who had died before His work of redemption. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, with..

published on 4/19/25 5:10 AM

Patriarch Daniil: The Cross is not the end, it is the path to the Resurrection

On Good Friday, the saddest day for Christians, the liturgy commemorates the suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the guilt and sins of humanity. The service at the Metropolitan Cathedral "St. Nedelya" in..

published on 4/18/25 2:54 PM
Father Stefan (L) and Father Walter Gorra (R)

Catholic and Orthodox Priests: It is more joyful when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ together

In 2025, the Catholic and Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on April 20. It is more joyful when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ together. This is what Father Stefan from the Orthodox Church "St. Nicholas" and parish priest Father Walter..

published on 4/18/25 10:06 AM