200 years BC

I will give you a short excursion to the necropolis of the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, which originates even before our era.

In the ancient city of Ulpia Serdika, on the site of which is now located Sofia - the capital of Bulgaria, there was not only a Roman and Late Antique amphitheater, watch towers and thermal baths with temples, but also its own necropolis. This necropolis was recently opened to visitors. It is located under the modern church of the Hagia Sophia in the center of the capital.

The Sofia Necropolis is a tombstone from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD. The scale of the burial is impressive: going down the glass stairs to the basement of the temple, we find two more floors underground, consisting entirely of tombs and sarcophagi, as well as family crypts of different historical periods. This means that at this place for several centuries in a row there was a cemetery, a church and ritual acts were performed. Which is not surprising, because the Basilica of Hagia Sophia is known to archaeologists as the original cemetery church.

Archaeologists say that the necropolis extends several hundred thousand square meters under modern Sofia, and what we can see now in the basement of the temple is only a small part of it. However, I assure you that this is enough to familiarize yourself with past eras - you will wander along the glass stairs and passages between the oldest stones and bricks for at least an hour. Travelers can see 56 tombs studied by archaeologists and preserved ones, as well as floor mosaics - original and restored; literally touch the stones lying here for several centuries.

In these tombs, in their location, masonry, execution and murals, 23 centuries of the history of one place are reflected.

Here you can see the Roman sarcophagus of the 1st century BC and the domed tomb of the 3rd century.

This is a grave with murals of the III century in the Pompeian style.

You can get to the necropolis directly from the Hagia Sophia. Tickets are sold directly at the entrance to the necropolis. Entrance fee for one family (2 adults and a child under 18 years of age) 10 levs (5 euros). For an adult, a ticket costs 6 BGN (3 EUR).

This is a mosaic depicting paradise, made on the apse of the first temple - the beginning of the IV century. There were four temples in total, and the fifth largest is the modern Hagia Sophia.

Fragments of floor mosaics and the remains of the walls of four churches, on which the modern church of St. Sophia was subsequently built.

All exhibits are beautifully lit, comfortable walking, there are information stands. I recommend this new Sofia museum as very informative and unique.

All these autumn photos were taken by me personally.

Thank you for your time and attention.

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With love from Bulgaria @varya-davydova