St. Sofia Basilica underfloor area (1893 - 2004)
It was part of the eastern Serdica necropolis (graves, tombs, sarcophagi) preserved under the floor of the St.Sofia Basilica. The studies were launched back in 1893 by V. Dobruski – the first Director of the Archeological Institute with Museum (AIM), and subsequently were conducted continually by the Sofia History Museum until 2004.Various types of tombs were exposed: burial pits, graves with roof tile covers, sarcophagi, tombs built of stone, brick graves, tombs with a brick or stone covers, and vaulted brick tombs.These have been dated back to the third quarter of the 2nd century - third quarter of the 3rd century CE.The remains of a Martyrium (special building for keeping the remains of the early Christian martyrs) that initially existed under the Basilica were also studied in addition to the fourth century burial facilities - as proof for the existence of the Martyrium we can refer to the two silver boxes for keeping relics, which were originally laid into a specially formed grave with two sections dated back to the 4th century CE. The site under the Basilica has been opened to visitors since the completion of the conservation program for the restoration and display of the interior and underfloor area on 24th May 2013.
