BASILICA ST. SOPHIA Sofia BULGARIA BASILICA ST. SOPHIA Sofia BULGARIA FOREWORD In the framework of the European Commission/Council of Europe Joint Programme on the Integrated Rehabilitation Project Plan/Survey on the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (IRPP/SAAH), the present Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) of the « Consolidated Project » for the “Ljubljana Process – Funding Heritage Rehabilitation in SouthEast Europe”, was prepared by local experts: Valentina Varbanova and Galya Ivancheva, headed by Dolya Yordanova –IRPP/SAAH Co-ordinator. This assessment was finalised with the assistance of the PTA expert group: Leader Dr. John Bold (United Kingdom); Experts: Mr. Martin Cherry (United Kingdom), Mr.David Johnson (United Kingdom), Mr. Friedrich Lüth (Germany), Mr. Alkis Prepis (Greece). The Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA), adopted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Bulgaria on 6 November 2007, was revised in July 2008 in order to reflect the “Ljubljana Criteria”. Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 1. 1 INTRODUCTORY PAGE Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Site Map Country or Territory Name of organisation compiling the information Contact name Republic of Bulgaria Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage’ Association Mr. Vladimir VELEV E-mail address bkin@abv.bg Basilica St.Sophia 2, Paris Str./Moskovska Str. City of Sofia, Capital of Bulgaria, • Listed National Monument, Official Journal No. 69/1927; • Listed Architectural and Archaeological Cultural Monument, ‘National significance’ category, “Proceedings” Journal No. 73/1955; • The site is included in a Complex Cultural Monument “Area of developed City Centre” (A-1), part II, (declarative letter of the National Institute for cultural monuments No. 4469/22.08.1986) Architectural and Archaeological Site comprising the basilica building and its archaeological level comprising remains of frescoed tombs, earlier churches and mosaics. Present-day basilica: Construction stages: - end of the 5th century beginning of the 6th century; - 13th century.- 14th century; - restored in 1981; basilica archaeological underground level: 2nd century up to the 4th century • The church has been re-opened for ecclesiastic ceremonies since 1981; • The archaeological level of the basilica is not exhibited for visitors. The site is opened only for experts’ visits. Name and address of building or site Inventory reference number(s) Building/Monument/Site type Main dates Current use(s) 2. Basilica St. Sophia Sofia EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, THE MONUMENT AND ITS MANAGEMENT There is no other monument in Sofia like the Basilica St. Sophia which has preserved so thoroughly the history of the town, comprising part of ancient Serdica heritage (Roman Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 1 period) and the mediaeval town Sredets (Second Bulgarian Kingdom period). The basilica shows the connection and the continuity between ancient heritage and the contemporary Bulgarian capital. The present-day basilica, restored in 1981, was an ancestor and mediator of the Romanesque style in Western Europe. As a three-nave basilica with one transept, It was a “bearer” of the Latin cross in its plan, which played a role in the development of Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture. Built in the 5th-6th centuries it is the oldest Eastern Orthodox Church in Sofia. Together with remains of four earlier churches, two of them with floor mosaics (Roman art tradition), the contemporary basilica has preserved beneath its foundations remains of about ninety-five different tombs and graves of the eastern Necropolis of the Roman town Serdica. They comprise almost all types of tomb, known during the age of the Roman Empire, dating from the second quarter of the 2nd century to the last quarter of the 4th century. The archaeological survey of the site started in 1893 after the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman domination. A programme for archaeological research and excavation works has been carried out during the period 1991-2004. There is an urgent need for structural strengthening of the building in order to secure the stability of the excavated underground area. The present project aims at the implementation of a complex programme for conservation/restoration and exhibition of the most significant archaeological remains of underground basilica level which have been revealed, investigated and preserved in situ: remains of tombs (some with wall paintings), remains of earlier sepulchral churches with marvelous mosaics. A walking route is planned to be developed beneath the contemporary basilica floor. This itinerary will lead the visitors to all exhibited monuments and to small museum collections presenting artifacts found in situ as well as the rich history of the basilica and its environment. The accessible area with exhibited tombs will cover 605 sq.m. The tourist activities will not affect church ceremonies. The municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia and the Municipality of Sofia, in accordance with the prescriptions of the National Institute for Cultural Monuments will be responsible for the implementation of the project. The owner of the basilica building - the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, will be consulted on interventions concerning access to the underground archaeological level, which is a state property. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 3.1 Responsible Authorities The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is responsible for the management of the basilica as an active church. The state holds overall responsibility for the archaeological remains uncovered in the basilica underground level, and has entrusted its stewardship to the municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia. The Capital Municipal Council has entrusted the stewardship of the basilica environment with archaeological remains to the municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia. Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 2 The regulatory bodies are the Ministry of Culture, the National Institute for Cultural Monuments, and the National Institute of Archaeology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia. The acting manager of the maintenance, the conservation and restoration works on the basilica and the archaeological remains is the municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the museum of History of Sofia. 3.2 Building/Site, Name and Address Name: Basilica St. Sophia with archaeological underground level. Address: 2, Paris Str./Moskovska Str., town of Sofia, Sofia municipality 3.3 Map reference According to Google Earth software 0 42 41’ 42’’ N 230 19’ 76’’ E 3.4 Type of monument Architectural monument and archaeological site 3.5 Ownership The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the owner of the basilica, which is actually an active church. The archaeological site (underground levels of the basilica and the basilica environment) is public property and the state has entrusted its stewardship to the municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia since 1998. 3.6 Statutory Protection/Constraints The basilica and the archaeological underground level was granted “architectural and archaeological cultural monument” status of national significance (“Proceedings” Journal, issue 73/1955). No archaeological survey may be carried out without the authorisation of the National Institute of Archaeology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Culture. No conservation/restoration works or intervention may be carried out without the approval of the National Institute for Cultural Monuments (NICM) and the Ministry of Culture. The Basilica St. Sophia is part of the area with cultural heritage monuments declared as a Complex Cultural Monument “Area of developed City Centre (A-1), part II, (declarative letter of NICM, ref. No. 4469/22.08.1986). 4. SUMMARY OF CONDITION 4.1 Summary of Physical Condition Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 3 The site consists of the following elements: - The archaeological site (basilica underground level) with graves, tombs and remains of earlier churches with mosaics (70 sq. m.) provided for exhibition with an area of 605 sq.m., while the area of the overall exhibition space is 1781 cubic m. Tombs/stone structures: physical condition medium; plasters and frescoes in situ: physical condition bad to medium; mosaics from earlier churches levels (kept in Sofia Museum stores): physical condition medium; reinforced concrete structures – slab, frames (level ±0.00) beneath the basilica floor physical condition critical; Large sections of reinforced concrete slab (level ±0.00) beneath the basilica floor are denuded. There is an immediate risk of collapse due to the decreased supporting capacity of the material. - The basilica building (restored in 1981) physical condition good. 4.2 Condition Risk Assessment - graded A-H - - The archaeological site: tombs/church’s stone structures rank in category C (Slow decay): brick wall structures rank in category C (Slow decay): wall plasters and frescoes rank in category C (Slow decay); floor mosaics rank in category C (Slow decay);: the basilica building reinforced concrete slab (level ±0.00) under the narthex and the middle nave of the church – ranks in category A (immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or collapse). 4.3 Priority for intervention - High/Medium/Low tombs/stone structures – Medium; brick wall structures – Medium;: wall plasters and frescoes - High; floor mosaics - High supporting concrete elements - High 5. EXISTING INFORMATION 5.1 Documentary sources Documentation kept and accessible at the municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia. Archaeological survey Excavation records, conservation reports, drawings, photographs. Projects/Designs/Schemes Architectural project for exhibition of the archaeological levels beneath the basilica floor (1996, updated 2005); Structural project for exhibition of underground area (1996, needs updating); Scheme of archaeological levels beneath the basilica floor and in the nearest environment. Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 4 5.2 Bibliography 1. BOYADJIEV, St., “The Early Christian Temple St. Sophia”, Sofia 1996. (БОЯДЖИЕВ, Ст. - “Раннохристиянски храм Света София”, С. 1996.) 2. STANCHEVA, M., “Sofia's Archaeological Heritage: Preserved, Lost, Protection in the Future”, “Historical future” magazine, issue 2/1998 (СТАНЧЕВА, M., “Археологическото наследство на София: Опазено, загубено, опазване в бъдещето”, сп. “Историческо бъдеще”, бр. 2/1998 г. References on St. Sophia Basilica could be found on different Internet sites, but there is not a special site, integrating the information. 5.3 Fieldwork already conducted - - - - 1893 – The so-called “lower mosaic” of the 3rd church was revealed in the apse of the basilica; 1900 – Partial repair works on the church – a chapel was put in the southern nave of the basilica, almost in ruins; 1910-11 – Preliminary archaeological investigation/excavations were undertaken. Two consecutive floor mosaics were disclosed under the basilica floor; 1928-30 – The reconstructed basilica was prepared for ecclesiastic usage after centuries of oblivion; 1930 – Archaeological survey and conservation of the most beautiful mosaic panel, the so-called “Heaven mosaics” (currently kept at the Archaeological Museum in Sofia). 1956-2004 – Investigation and several stages of conservation/restoration works were carried out on the basilica archaeological underground level; 1981 – Restored basilica re-opened for ecclesiastic ceremonies; 1996-97 – Mosaics’ conservation/restoration: 60 fragments were taken apart from their original place and mounted on a new synthetic base. The fragments are kept at the Sofia Museum stores; 1991-2004 – Implementation of a programme for investigation, restoration/conservation/structural consolidation and exhibition of the basilica archaeological level; 2004 – The programme for exhibition of the basilica archaeological level was interrupted due to the lack of finance. 5.4 Projects in progress No projects in progress. 5.5 Projects already planned The exhibition of the archaeological level of the basilica should be implemented after completion of full project documentation. The architectural project for the exhibition of the archaeological level of the Basilica St. Sophia was achieved in June 2005. This project updated a previous one, designed in 1996. The project documentation is to be completed with the following parts: Electrical - project for functional lighting; - project for effective lighting; - project for emergency lighting; - fire preventing installation; - project for power supply installation. Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 5 Heating and ventilation - project for ventilation and air-conditioning. Structural/Technological Project for information system, including audio-visual, multimedia equipment. 5.6 Financial estimates already made A project plan for conservation/restoration/exhibition of the archaeological level of the basilica was costed for the purposes of a grant application to PHARE (failed bid). The technical assessment for the bid was carried out in May 2005, costed to € 490 970 in total. The breakdown of prices for different activities is as follows: SECTION VALUE in Euros Archaeology Architectural and construction activities Conservation/Restoration activities Conservation/Restoration of mosaics Constructions Power/ Installation Ventilation/Air conditioning equipment 15 168.00 84 270.00 92 360.00 26 462.00 213 482.00 44 621.00 14 607.00 Total: 490 970.00 These financial estimates should be updated as the inflation rate in Bulgaria during the last 2 years is high. 6. SCOPE OF THE PTA 6.1 Extent/Nature of the assessment People involved in preparation of the PTA: 1. Vassil KITOV – Architect, Chief designer of restoration/conservation works on the basilica and its archaeological level, manager of “Tholos-Proekt” Company, Sofia; 2. Valentina VARBANOVA – Architect, Municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with Museum of History of Sofia; 3. Galya IVANCHEVA – Architect, Municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with Museum of History of Sofia; 4. Maria KARAZLATEVA - Architect, Ministry of Culture; 5. Dolya YORDANOVA – Architect, Ministry of Culture (IRPP/SAAH project co-ordinator). Total spent time for the PTA workout – 80 hours 6.2 Limitations of the study • Limited access to the basilica archaeological underground; • Documentation not well systemised and kept at different places. Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 7. 6 The PTA 7.1 Background 7.1.1 Summary description of the site The Basilica St. Sophia was erected at the highest place of a hill, rising to the east of the ancient town Serdica, at the northwest area of the present-day Alexandre Nevsky Sq. in Sofia. Together with remains of earlier churches, the contemporary basilica has preserved, under its foundations, remains of different tombs and graves of the eastern necropolis of Serdica. They comprise almost all types of tombs, known during the age of the Roman Empire, dating from the second quarter of the 2nd century to the last quarter of the 4th century. The basilica is part of a cultural heritage complex named “Area of developed City Centre“, and located in the most visited central area of the capital. The site has been granted protected status of architectural site (the basilica) and archaeological site – the underground level comprising 95 tombs and remains of four earlier sepulchral churches, two of them with floor mosaics. The area provided for exhibition is 605 sq.m. The average area of the overall exhibition space is 1781 cubic m. The mosaics (60 sq. m.) were taken apart by 60 fragments, mounted on special aluminum folio and restored. They are kept at the Museum of Sofia stores waiting to be exposed under glass flooring at their original place in the church. 7.1.2 Summary historic development and evolution of the site, from the earliest times until the present day Sitting adjacent to the Alexandre Nevski Cathedral, and looking much more modest, is the red brick Church of St. Sophia, restored in 1981. The basilica gave its name (God’s Great Wisdom – Hagia Sophia) to the city in the late 14th century AD. Before the present-day basilica was actually built, there were four earlier churches. The first dates back to the 4th century when Christianity was adopted as a religion in the Roman Empire. This was the first Christian house of worship in ancient Serdika (named after the Thracian tribe Serdii who originally inhabited the area). It was modest in terms of size. Then, three more churches were built on the same spot, and parts of their construction have remained, as have interesting mosaics covering an area of about 70 square metres They form a fascinating carpet of geometric, linear and plant-life ornaments. After the last of the early churches was entirely destroyed, probably during the barbaric invasions, the present-day basilica, St. Sophia, was erected at the close of the 5th and the beginning of the 6th century, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I the Great. The basilica was three times the size of the previous church. Many ancient tombs of different kinds have been preserved in its vault, as initially this was the spot where the chief necropolis of the town of Serdika once stood. The first documented tombs were from the end of the 2nd century. The necropolis was used right up to the 4th century and features a remarkable early-Christian wallpainted tomb. After the annex of Serdica to the boundaries of the First Bulgarian Kingdom in the 9th century, the basilica, not being an active church, degraded. Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 7 During the 13th and 14th centuries the basilica revived as a bishopric see and became a place for funerals of many high ecclesiastics and eminent citizens of the mediaeval town Sredets. During the Ottoman rule, at the end of the 14th century the church was transformed into a mosque and a minaret was added to the southern part. Earthquakes in 1818 and 1858 destroyed the minaret and the mosque was transformed into a gunpowder magazine. After partial repairs and several restoration and renovations works started in 1910, 1928, 1978, the church was reopened for ecclesiastic ceremonies in 1981. Today, the restored Basilica St. Sophia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox Church in Sofia. Archaeological investigations of the underground level and the church environment have been carried out on different periods from 1910 up to 2004. Present situation The municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” took the initiative of an active campaign to secure funding for the exhibition of the archaeological level beneath the Basilica St. Sophia. The implementation of the project will provide a combination of an active church with attractively exhibited archaeological remains. This will raise the value of the monument and will offer an emotional experience for all visitors, revealing the remains of an unknown period of the city’s early history. 7.2. Significance: summary statement 7.2.1 Summary statement of significance/historical and heritage importance The site’s significance lies primarily in its unique architectural and spatial structure. The preserved original plan comprises a combination of elements unusual for the 6th century Byzantine architecture. The elongated rectangular silhouette and the masonry of narrow red bricks, make St. Sophia very different from the typical Eastern Orthodox churches of later times. This is a three nave basilica with one transept similar to a Roman cathedral. But there is a difference: The St. Sophia Basilica was about 300 years older than the Roman cathedrals and somehow played a mediator role for the Romanesque style in Western Europe. Indicative of the sheer size of the construction is the fact that the foundations are 2 - 2.40 metres thick, and reach a depth of 5.50 metres below floor level. The height of the interior is truly impressive - 17-18 metres. The second and most important significance of the site lies in the archaeological wealth of the underground levels that makes St. Sophia unique. There are different cultural and historical layers on the same spot (tombs, graves, churches, mosaics), going back around 2 200 years. Such sites are very rare and exhibited in few places in the world (For example. St. Demetrius basilica in Thessalonica). The basilica with its archaeological level is a monument of national significance but it also deserves to be on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Checklist of categories which may be considered in the evaluation 7.2.2 Historical High 7.2.3 Artistic/Aesthetic High 7.2.4 Technological High 7.2.5 Religious/Spiritual High 7.2.6 Symbolic/Identity High 7.2.7 Scientific/Research High 7.2.8 Social/Civic High 7.2.9 Natural not applicable Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 8 7.2.10 Economic Medium 7.2.11 Category of significance: National 7.3 Vulnerability / Risk assessment. Past Human activities The interruption of the archaeological survey, conservation measures and construction works, badly affected the disclosed underground structures (tombs, churches) and decorative elements (frescoes, mosaics), as well as the partial supporting concrete elements (slabs, frames, stairs). The structures/paintings/ mosaics were preserved over more than 2000 years in a constant microclimate. Since discovery, the state of the material has deteriorated due to the change of microclimate, and greater temperature and humidity fluctuations than before discovery. Current Human activities Actually the site is not vulnerable to the impact of visitors, (accessible only for a limited number of specialists); As the provisional entrance of the underground area is located inside the church, it is protected from casual visitors. Insufficient maintenance The state of the underground structures and supporting elements are maintained minimally, mostly due to lack of funds. Resources Very limited funds for maintenance and protection. Potential If not enough funding becomes available there is a risk of collapse of the concrete elements as well as further deterioration of underground architectural structures and decorative elements. 7.4 Technical condition and 7.5 Summary of required repairs The basilica construction is in good condition as it was recently restored. The existing concrete slab at level ±0,00 under the central church nave and the narthex has deteriorated, the reinforcement is denuded. Required repairs The implementation of the project for exhibition of its archaeological level requires constructive strengthening of the building in order to secure the spatial steadiness of the exhibited underground area, in accordance with the anti-seismic requirements. A structural survey has been prepared in 2005. The existing structural design has to be updated. The archaeological level comprising remains of wall, graves, tombs and earlier churches provided for exhibition: • Archaeological building structures composed of bricks, a different type of stone cut blocks and mortar: technical condition medium; • Plasters and frescoes in situ: technical condition bad to medium; • Floor mosaics (kept in Sofia Museum stores): physical condition medium; Required repairs Implementation of the project for exhibition of the archaeological level including the following activities: Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 9 • Implementation of complex conservation and restoration activities, aiming at the long– lasting life of the archaeological building structures. • Architectural and building activities for implementation of the walking route for overall sightseeing at the archaeological level beneath the church. • Conservation, restoration and exhibition of architectural and decorative elements – mosaics, wall paintings, etc. The mosaic fragments should be brought back to their original location and exhibited. • Installations – electric, air-conditioning. 7.6 Conservation policy 7.6.1 Broad summary of the vision for the site and its sustainability. The implementation of a complex programme for exhibition of the basilica archaeological level will provide the successful combination of an active church with attractively exhibited archaeological remains. This will raise the value of the monument and will present the site to the public in a way that will maximise its impact and will offer an emotional experience for all visitors. Such a project is economically viable because the archaeological site is located in the most visited, extremely rich cultural and historical heritage central part of the capital. The architectural project for the site exhibition envisages access independent from the basilica entrance. One can realistically expect a level of income, which will allow for its self-sustainability in the long term. On the other hand, this will allow financing the exhibition of another valuable tomb, excavated and sheltered outside, in the vicinity of the north-western façade of the church. Summary of the project The architectural design foresees several accesses to the archaeological level – inside and outside the church. A walking route will be set up under the contemporary basilica floor. This itinerary will lead the visitors to all the significant archaeological remains, which have been revealed, investigated and preserved. Small museum exhibitions will be displayed presenting the artifacts found in situ, the rich history of the basilica and of the place where it stands. The accessible area with exhibited tombs will cover 605 square metres, and the average total exhibition volume will be 1781 cubic metres. 7.6.2 Conservation philosophy / 7.6.3 Level of intervention All interventions on the exposed monuments should aim primarily at conserving the architectural remains as found. Restoration work is restricted to parts of the monuments that have collapsed after excavation where the material is still in situ and there is adequate documentation (drawings, photographs) of its previous condition. Interventions as additional structures may be applied for stability and exhibition reasons. The reinforced concrete structures built in the 1990s should be replaced or strengthened. Architectural and building activities will be implemented to develop the walking route for overall sightseeing of the archaeological level beneath the church without disturbing the church functions. 7.6.4 Opportunities for social uses and sustainable development The development of the exhibited archaeological site, being an integral part of the emblem of the capital – the Basilica St. Sophia and the proximity of valuable monuments in the city centre should attract more visitors and create more income for heritage funding. 7.6.5 Preliminary proposals for appropriate uses and sustainable development The ideal long-term vision for the site is to be preserved and presented to the public after the implementation of a complex exhibition programme without affecting the ecclesiastic ceremonies. The basilica is well known and promoted as a significant Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 10 monument, the wealth of its archaeological level could be included in specialised cultural and scientific heritage itineraries. 7.7 Finance 7.7.1 Broad assessment of budgetary needs and phasing Phase I Project documentation for archaeological level exhibition, to be completed (architectural project for sight exhibition available): Structural/Technological Projects Electrical Projects Heating and ventilation/air-conditioning Projects Projects for information system (audio-visual system). Total budget Phase I: 27 190.00 euros Phase II Project implementation WORKS 1. Archaeological activities 2. Architectural works and construction works for the exhibition of the Archaeological level 3. Conservation/Restoration of archaeological remains 4. Conservation/Restoration of Mosaics 5. Construction/Strengthening works * (upon seismic examination of the building) 6. Power/ Installation 7. Ventilation/Air conditioning Equipment Total budget Phase II: VALUE in Euros 15 500.00 84 270.00 120 000.00 26 480.00 223 950.00 45 000.00 28 600.00 543 800.00 Breakdown of cost estimates Item 5.*Constructions/Strengthening works І. Consolidation, conservation, restoration works on archaeological building structures (under the central basilica nave) - Uncovering the archaeological remains; - Building reinforced concrete supporting wall, stairs; - Reintegration of stone masonry and brick Roman wall 90 300 euros ІІ. Consolidation of archaeological building structures (under the basilica narthex) - Excavation works and strengthening of stone walls; - Strengthening of walls – shuttering for visible concrete, reinforcement, concrete; - Driving out an opening (1,2 х 2,0 х 1,80 metres) in the stone linear foundation for the access to the disclosed in the 2003 tomb (beneath the narthex and the southern nave); - Strengthening of the opening with a reinforced concrete frame - shuttering, reinforcement, concrete, stone revetment. 38 600 euros ІІІ. Finishing the replacement of existing provisional flooring in the narthex (level ±0,00) with new reinforced concrete slab 42 800 euros Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 11 ІV. Consolidating steel construction under the existing flooring in the basement northern nave 52 250 euros Total Item 5: 223 950,00 euros Total budget Phase I: 27 190.00 euros Total budget Phase II: 543 800.00 euros Total budget Poject: 570 990.00 euros 7.7.2 Assessment of possibilities for attracting investments, if known. Unknown 7.7.3 Assessment of possibilities for recovering investments, if known. Unknown 7.7.4 Have you already tried to raise funds for this site or monument? Multiple attempts have been made for raising funds: - 2005 - UNDP Programme ‘Beautiful Bulgaria’ (bid failed); - 2006 - Japanese government Fund – bid for grant aid for air-conditioning, lightening, multi-media equipment (failed) 7.7.5 Have you already received funds for this site or monument? Municipal budget of the Capital (city of Sofia) 1965-90 662000.00 Levas (USD 331000.00 ) 1990-98 85000.00 Levas (USD 42 500.00 ) 1998-99 783900.00 Levas (€ 390 000.00 ) Remark: The sums are quite relative as multiple denominations of Bulgarian currency have been performed since 1965. National Fund “Culture” (under the Ministry of Culture) 2002 31000.00 Levas (€ 15 500.00 ) Financial support for structural strengthening and improvement of bearing capacity of the basilica floor construction (level ±0.00), as well as for concomitant archaeological and civil works. Donations Rotary International - Rotary Club - Sofia 2001-02 12658.00 Levas (€ 6330.00 ) Other physical / juridical persons 2003-04 92150.00 Levas (€ 36000.00 ) 7.8 Management The archaeological survey is managed by the National Archaeological Institute in Sofia, together with the experts from the municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Historical Museum of Sofia. The management of the project for exhibition of the archaeological level of the Basilica St. Sophia and the site management/maintenance after the project implementation will be undertaken by the Municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 8. 12 DOCUMENTATION The PTA is supported by: - photographs, - measured drawings of the basilica – plan/sections - architectural design for exhibition of the church archaeological level - schemes of archaeological remains, beneath the basilica and in the close environment. 9. FEASIBILITY STUDIES Levels and phasing of intervention must be specified in detail; Financial assessment of conservation/restoration and site presentation, involving: archaeologists, architects, engineers and a tourism policy adviser; Site management plan, including preliminary interpretation/visitor plan. PTA carried out by 1. Valentina VARBANOVA – Architect, Municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia; 2. Galya IVANCHEVA – Architect, Municipal enterprise “Old Sofia” with the Museum of History of Sofia; 3. Dolya YORDANOVA – Architect, Ministry of Culture (IRPP/SAAH project co-ordinator). Date: August 2007, revised in July 2008 Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 13 APPENDIX A DRAWINGS Scheme of the archaeological remains beneath the Basilica St. Sophia and its environment (Ancient Serdica Necropolis) Exhibition of the Archaeological level Basilica St. Sophia Basilica St. Sophia – Longitudinal Section Basilica St. Sophia – Cross Section Basilica St. Sophia and its Archaeological level Axonometric view Basilica St. Sophia part of the Complex Cultural Monument “Area of developed City Centre” Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe 14 APPENDIX B PHOTOS View of the Complex Basilica St. Sophia – view from the south-west Basilica St. Sophia – Interior (central nave) Basilica St. Sophia – southern façade Archaeological level Wall paintings in tomb No16 Archaeological level Mosaics of the first church under the Basilica “lower” mosaic, revealed in the apse in 1893 Basilica St Sophia– Sofia – Bulgaria 10th November 2008