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Medieval Church with Basilica, Sozopol

Explore the historical Medieval Church with Basilica in Sozopol, a landmark showcasing the town's rich religious and architectural heritage.

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Explore the ruins of a medieval basilica in Sozopol, Bulgaria, once the seat of the Sozopol Episcopate. Discover its rich history, from its construction atop ancient dwellings to its destruction and reconstruction over the centuries.

A brief summary to Средновековна църква с базилика

  • ul. Apolonia, Sozopol, Tsentar, 8130, BG
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces within the archaeological site.
  • Visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Sozopol's Old Town to see traditional Bulgarian architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Sozopol's Old Town, the Medieval Church with Basilica is easily accessible on foot. Navigate along the cobblestone streets, following signs towards the Archaeological Museum. The church is located near the museum, and the walk offers views of traditional houses and the sea. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at the Sozopol Bus Station, walk towards the Old Town (approximately 15-20 minutes). From the Old Town, follow the walking directions. A single bus fare from other resorts to Sozopol costs approximately 2 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Sozopol. A short taxi ride from the bus station or the newer part of town to the Old Town entrance will cost approximately 5-10 BGN. From there, follow walking directions to the church.

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Discover more about Средновековна църква с базилика

The Medieval Church with Basilica in Sozopol stands as a testament to the town's long and layered history. Located in the heart of the old town, the basilica's remains offer a glimpse into Sozopol's religious and architectural past. The church was the seat of the Sozopol Episcopate from the 10th to the 17th centuries. The basilica was built upon the ruins of residential buildings dating back to the classical and Hellenistic periods of Apollonia (5th - 2nd century BC). In the 9th century, a fire destroyed the temple. It was rebuilt at the end of the 11th century and adorned with frescoes. A monastery complex, including a monastic ossuary, was constructed around the church. Archaeological evidence suggests the complex is linked to the urban monastery of St. John. The basilica underwent significant reconstruction from the late 11th to the late 14th century, transforming its original basilica plan into a cruciform structure. Further modifications occurred between the late 14th and early 17th centuries. The church was ultimately destroyed by Turkish authorities in the late 17th century and ceased to function. Excavations in the churchyard and within the church revealed over 250 tomb facilities dating from the 10th to 14th centuries. The basilica features a Constantinople-style cruciform plan, measuring 36 x 13.35 meters. The floor was covered in a mosaic of red, black, and white tiles. Remnants of a baptizing pool, measuring 1.8 meters in diameter, and a richly decorated marble altar arch have also been discovered.

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