Bulgaria’s capital Sofia will have a second archaeological park by the end of the summer. The land, which is part of Lozenets residential district, was rescued from potential investors after 2001, when archaeological research was restored by archaeologists Konstantin Shalganov and Mario Ivanov from the Regional History Museum- Sofia.

The Lozenets hill was inhabited in the second half of the 4^th century AD. Experts assume that this was a suburban mansion of a high-ranking citizen of Serdica. The area also includes the little known late-antiquity mausoleum built at the foot of the hill for the members of a noble Roman family. A similar, yet a smaller mausoleum, dating back to the Late Antiquity period, was discovered in the Italian town of Ravenna.

The most valuable item found during the research works is a Diatreta vase dating back to the second half of the 4^th century AD. It is displayed in the Regional History Museum- Sofia. More than 160 coins, a golden belt buckle, a bracelet, a comb and other items connected with the life of the noble family were discovered during the excavations.

In addition to the restoration and conservation activities, the project for reconstruction of the archaeological park also envisages the construction of a gazebo containing information for visitors.

Compiled by: Darina Grigorova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov