Great Basilica of Philippopolis

This late antiquity Basilica is the largest early-Christian church ever discovered in Bulgaria, and one of the largest of its kind on the Balkan peninsula. It was built in the beginning of the 5th century AD, and survived until 577. Its impressive length – over 83 meters - its intricate floor mosaics covering an area of 700 square meters, and the layout of the altar imply that this temple may have been an Episcopal basilica. The Great Basilica is currently under excavation. The Muncipality of Plovdiv, with the aid of the “America for Bulgaria” foundation, plans to build a two-storey museum complex around the ruins, where visitors will be able to get a close look at the beautiful floor mosaics depicting geometric shapes, water springing from vases, and an astounding variety of bird species – an early-Christian symbol that represents the souls of the pious.