Deputy Minister Nikolova: BGN 272 mln. have been invested in the promotion of the Bulgarian cultural historical heritage through the Operational Programme Regional Development 2007-2013

The Prime Minister, Mr. Boyko Borisov, the Minister of Culture, Mr. Vezhdi Rashidov, the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Mrs. Denitsa Nikolova, and the mayor of Sandanski, Mr. Kiril Kotev, inaugurated today the renewed archaeological park in Sandanski. The official ceremony started with a religious ceremony performed by His Eminence Nevrokop’s Metropolitan Seraphim.

The open-air museum was renewed within the Sandanski - the dawn of early Christianity project. Part of the museum are some of the most significant archeological heritage of the city, cultural monuments of early Christianity such as the Episcopal basilica, the early Christian complex and the basilica of Bishop Yoan. They are unique with the elegance of the elements and the skillfully made original mosaics. The innovative cultural and historical attraction has been constructed with BGN 6 mln. under the Operational Programme Regional Development 2007-2013.

Deputy Minister Denitsa Nikolova congratulated the municipality on the successfully implemented project. This site will attract more and more tourists, leading to economic growth in the region and reducing the seasonal tourist flow, she said.

Denitsa Nikolova informed that BGN 272 mln. were invested in the promotion of Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage under Operational Programme Regional Development in the last programming period. She stressed that in the new programming period the municipality of Sandanski could implement a number of projects financed by Operational Programme Regions in Growth. The municipality have access to at least BGN 9 mln. EU funds under the second priority axis of the Programme which is for introducing energy efficiency measures in administrative and residential buildings.

The Architectural monuments, restored within Sandanski - the dawn of early Christianity project are of national importance. Its implementation aims to increase the tourist attractiveness of the area for local residents, visitors and foreign investors through the conservation and socialization of rich cultural and historical heritage of the city.
 
The Episcopal basilica is the most representative and monumental building from V-VI century found so far in the ancient town. The magnificent interior architecture with columns in the Roman Corinthian-style, the marble altar wall with representation of scenes from the Gospel and the preserved pulpit, make it the most valuable site in the ancient city and a world-class monument of cultural heritage.

In the Bishop Yoan’s basilica could be seen splendid floor mosaics and unique for the country mosaic inscription. In the Early Christian Complex are included outdoor exposed basilica and ancient street from V-VI century.