Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis, Plovdiv

The Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis occupies the largest footprint among Early Christian temples in Bulgaria. A remarkable coin, dating back to the era of Emperor Licinius (308-324), was unearthed during the basilica's excavation. This discovery has given rise to the hypothesis that the basilica was one of the earliest Christian structures to be erected in the Roman Empire following the legalization of Christianity in 313. Its imposing size, intricate decoration, and central location near the ancient city's forum suggest the presence of a thriving and influential Christian community in Philippopolis.

Stretching 36 meters in width and over 90 meters in length, the basilica was a marvel of ancient architecture. Its design featured a central nave flanked by two side naves, an apse, a narthex (anteroom), and a colonnaded atrium (inner courtyard). Rising in the central nave was a presbyterium, adorned with marble decorations, intended for the bishop and the clergy.

Inside this magnificent basilica, columns adorned with Christian symbols on their capitals, vibrant murals, and opulent mosaic floors graced the space. The mosaics, which remain exceptionally well-preserved, cover an area of approximately 2,000 square feet and depict a rich tapestry of imagery. Among the intricate patterns and designs, one can find representations of flora and fauna, Christian iconography, intricate geometric motifs, and the basilica's iconic symbol—the peacock.

For several centuries, from the 4th to the 6th, this basilica served as the spiritual heart of the city's Christian community. However, its eventual demise and abandonment, likely the result of a seismic event, marked the end of an era.

The basilica was constructed over the ruins of an earlier building, possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. After its abandonment in the 10th to 12th centuries, the site evolved into a significant Christian necropolis, complete with a cemetery church adorned with exquisite murals.