Regional Historical Museum - Burgas launches a new stage in the development of Aquae calidae under the international project EPACT

The Burgas Regional Historical Museum officially launched a new stage of conservation, restoration and socialization activities in Aquae calidae archaeological complex in Burgas. The initiative is part of the implementation of the international project BGTR0200042 - EPACT (Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth), co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria-Turkey program. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Burgas Municipality Dimitar Nikolov, the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Sports Manol Todorov, the Director of the ME Tourism Assoc. Prof. Dr. Radovesta Stewart, the Director of the Regional Historical Museum Burgas Dr. Milen Nikolov, the Head of the Archaeological Research of Aquae calidae Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimcho Momchilov, as well as representatives of the architectural teams, designers and contractors. In his address, Mayor Dimitar Nikolov emphasized the importance of the long-term efforts for the development of the site and paid tribute to the beginning of the archaeological research: "It is important to remember that the archaeological excavations at this site began 18 years ago thanks to Dr. Tsonya Drazheva, who at that time was the Director of RHM - Burgas and the Head of the Archaeological Research. Today we are building on this work and continue to reveal and display the rich cultural heritage of Aquae calidae. In the coming days, the implementation of conservation, restoration and socialization of the northern part of the eastern building of the early Byzantine bath and northeastern apodyterium will begin, along with the continuation of the walkways for visitors. Another emphasis is the conservation and partial restoration of the sub-object "Northwest corner of the late antique and medieval fortress Aquae calidae - the northwestern corner tower of the early Byzantine fortress from the 6th century and part of the western fortress wall of a fortification facility from the 1360s. Currently, the corner tower, located on both sides of the road between the Vetren - Banevo neighborhoods, is not on display. Its socialization will complement the ensemble of discovered and presented monuments from the ancient and medieval city of Aqua Kalide. The restoration activities are worth 180 thousand euros and will be carried out within six months. During this time, archaeologists from RHM-Burgas will continue the excavation of the terrain next to the exhibition and demonstration center with the aim of its expansion and construction of a new outdoor pool with mineral water. Project BGTR0200042 – EPACT is implemented in partnership between four institutions from Bulgaria and Turkey. These are the Regional Historical Museum Burgas, Regional Directorate of Culture and Tourism - Kırklareli, "Institute for Adults - Kırklareli" and the Municipality of Kameno. The main objective of the project is to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Turkey by focusing on the increased competitiveness of the local economy through digital and green transformation and investing in tourism, cultural, social and educational potential. The project involves four partners who will create an archaeological campus using three historical sites as a common product to stimulate economic and social development, increase employability and improve competitiveness in the region. Investment activities are planned for the restoration and socialization of three historical sites – Aquae calidae, Rusokastro and Aşaapınar. This includes carrying out restoration works in Aquae calidae and creating a campus area for young people involved in experimental archaeology; building a solar park for green energy and improving accessibility in Rusokastro Fortress and reproducing a 1/1 scale Neolithic settlement with a visitor information center in the Aşaapınar Open Air Museum, Kırklareli. The innovative aspect of the project consists in creating an archaeological camp for promotional and educational purposes, attracting diverse visitors and increasing the attractiveness of the region for tourism. The duration of the project is 24 months.

Tags:EPACT