Small Basilica of Philippopolis, Plovdiv

The Small Basilica of Philippopolis remained virtually unknown to the wider public until the year 2013.

Constructed in the 470s, the Small Basilica once stood proudly beside the eastern fortification wall of Philippopolis. In 1988, archaeological excavations unearthed the Small Basilica, revealing its ornate mosaics and an intricately decorated baptistry. Some of the mosaics were carefully removed and stored, while the baptistry was shielded with a protective layer of concrete. The Small Basilica was officially recognized as a cultural monument in 1995.

Unfortunately, like many archaeological sites, the basilica faced years of neglect, leaving it in a state of disrepair. However, a turning point came in 2010 when the America for Bulgaria Foundation embarked on a restoration project, with the aim of bringing the mosaics back to the church and transforming the site into a museum of archaeology.

Among the highlights of the Small Basilica's historical significance is an inscription in front of the altar that partially mentions "a victor and a patrician." This inscription pays tribute to Basiliscus, a military commander of the Roman province of Thrace during the mid-5th century. Grateful citizens of Philippopolis erected a statue in Basiliscus's honor by the Eastern Gate and commissioned the construction of the Small Basilica as a commemoration. Sadly, years later, the basilica was tragically destroyed in a fire. Nevertheless, the resilient citizens of Philippopolis decided to rebuild the church from scratch. Although the floor of the new basilica was laid with bricks, it gained another remarkable feature—the baptistry.

The baptistry featured a deep cross-shaped baptismal pool made of marble with running water. Above it, four marble pillars supported a magnificent marble cover, and the floor was adorned with mosaics depicting pigeons and grazing stags. Today, only two of the four mosaics from the baptistry have survived, but they continue to astonish viewers with their vivid colors and timeless beauty.