Three-storey "cemetery" in the center of Sofia

In the ancient city of Ulpia Serdika, where Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is now located, there was not only a Roman and Late Antique Amphitheater, watchtowers and thermal baths with temples, but also its own necropolis. This necropolis opened for visitors a couple of years ago. It is located under the modern church of the Basilica of Light Sofia in the center of the capital.

The Sofia necropolis is the burial of the period from the II century BC to the IV century AD. The scale of the burial is impressive: going down the glass staircase 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 there was a cemetery, a chapel, a church and ritual acts were performed. It is not surprising, because the Basilica of Hagia Sophia is known to archaeologists as it was originally a Christian martirion.

Martirium (martirius, martirion) is a religious building (temple, chapel) built over the place of death or burial of the martyr.

Archaeologists claim that the necropolis extends under modern Sofia for several hundred thousand square meters and what we can see now in the basement of the temple is only a small part of it. However, I assure that this is enough for acquaintance - you will wander along glass stairs and passages between the oldest stones and bricks for at least an hour. Travelers can see 56 explored and preserved tombs by archaeologists, as well as outdoor mosaics - original and reconstructed; touch in the literal sense of the stones, which lie here for two thousand years.

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

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

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

The necropolis can be accessed directly from the Basilica of Hagia Sophia. Tickets are sold directly at the entrance to the necropolis. The cost of entry for one family (2 adults and a child under 18) 10 leva (5 euros).

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

Also here you can see fragments of the floor mosaic and the remains of the walls of four churches, on which the modern church St. Sophia was later built.

All exhibits are beautifully lit, it is convenient to walk, there are information stands. I recommend this new Sofia museum, as very informative and unique.

All the photos were taken by me personally in one Sofia autumn.

Thank you for your time and attention.

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With love from Bulgaria @varya-davydova