Description of the attraction
The Historical Museum, located in Sandanski, is one of the main attractions of the city. Museum business in Sandanski began with the establishment in 1936 of the Struma archaeological community. The collection gathered by the members of this group was at that time in the First Primary School of the city.
In 1960, a systematic excavation began, the purpose of which was to discover ancient buildings (houses, temples, etc.) and artifacts on the territory of the ancient city located under modern Sandanski. The development of archeology had a beneficial effect on the development of the museum: new exhibits were found to supplement the collection, methods were developed to restore and preserve the cultural heritage.
The museum complex, which opened in 1960, is located on the site where the ancient city once stood. Visitors can see here the ruins of various structures: the early Christian basilica of Bishop John and the necropolis, gymnasiums (an institution where physical training was carried out), baths and residential buildings. One of the most interesting objects discovered in recent years is the episcopal complex, which includes a basilica, a baptistery, a colonnaded atrium, premises and structures that are still being studied.
In addition, the collection of the complex includes tombstones, coins, ceramics, household items, ornaments from various historical periods.
The museum has a rich archive and convenient premises, where the discovered finds, documents, photographs and other materials related to the conduct of archaeological work are stored.
