Remains of an Antique and Late-antique town
Due to its favorable location and the many thermal springs in the area, the region of Sandanski was inhabited from about 2000 BC. The ancient town was situated at the same place where now is located the modern town of Sandanski. Its bloom and the best period was IV - VI century, when the city was an important Christian center and there were built many public buildings and early Christian basilicas (including an Early-Christian Episcopal complex).
Some of the archaeological sites discovered in the ancient town are:
Bishop`s Basilica - the most valuable building ever found within the ancient city. It dates-back to V-VI c. and has dimensions 22x36 meters. The building represents a classical Hellenistic nave basilica with a nave and has an internal architecture with columns in the Roman Corinthian style. There have been found floor mosaics in Style "tesalatum Opus" and "Opus sektile" and an unique marble altar wall with images of scenes from the Gospel.
Basilica of Bishop John - located at area of the Archaeological Museum. There were found mosaics, some of which with images of fishes and birds and also an unique script from the end of the V - early VI century.
An Early-Christian Complex - includes a Basilica and an ancient street from V-VI century.
Basilica from V-VI century - from it are preserved floor mosaics (around 100 square meters), that currently are not exposed.
A Big round ancient building - located next to episcopal basilica. It is still not fully studied.
The Ancient town of Sandanski was declared an Archaeological and cultural monument of national importance.