The Best Preserved Byzantine Ruins in Bulgaria

Explore the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Bulgaria. Below, we have highlighted the best preserved byzantine sites across the country.

Top Byzantine Sites in Bulgaria

Each site listed here has played a role in shaping the Byzantine world. The ruins offer insight into Byzantine engineering, daily life, and culture. For an interactive visual overview of all Byzantine sites in Bulgaria, please consult our Byzantine Sites Map above.

Explore the Best Preserved Byzantine Ruins in Bulgaria

Below is a categorized list of Byzantine sites that have detailed articles.

Show full list of sites

Title	Country	Type	Rating	Popularity	Excerpt
Diocletianopolis (Hisarya): An Ancient Roman City in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	City	5	Very Low	Diocletianopolis, located in modern Hisarya, Bulgaria, offers a glimpse into a long history from prehistoric settlement to a Roman resort town and early Christian center, with well-preserved ruins th…
Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis: An Early Christian Monument in Plovdiv, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Religious	4.8	Medium	The Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis shows the city’s early Christian heritage and architectural development from the 4th to 6th centuries AD.
Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis	Bulgaria	Entertainment	4.7	Medium	The Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis offers a glimpse into Roman-era sports and urban life in Plovdiv, showcasing architectural and cultural elements from the 2nd century AD.
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis: A Roman Cultural Landmark in Plovdiv, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Entertainment	4.7	High	The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a well-preserved Roman theatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, known for its architectural design and role as a cultural and political center in antiquity.
Augusta Trayana Forum: A Roman Urban Center in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Civic	4.7	Medium	The Augusta Trayana Forum represents the heart of the ancient Roman city in present-day Stara Zagora, showcasing urban life and architecture from the 2nd century AD onward.
Plovdiv Roman Aqueducts: Ancient Water Supply System in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Infrastructure	4.7	Low	The Roman aqueducts in Plovdiv, dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
Small Basilica of Philippopolis: An Early Christian Site in Plovdiv, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Religious	4.7	Medium	The Small Basilica of Philippopolis offers insight into early Christian architecture and community life in late Roman Thrace, showcasing mosaics and historical layers from the 5th to 6th centuries AD.
Varna Museum of Archaeology	Bulgaria	Museum	4.7	Medium	The Varna Museum of Archaeology showcases Bulgaria's rich archaeological past through extensive collections housed in a historic late 19th-century building in Varna.
Villa Armira: A Roman Aristocratic Estate in Thrace, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Domestic	4.7	Low	Villa Armira is a well-preserved Roman villa near Ivaylovgrad, Bulgaria, illustrating the lifestyle and architectural achievements of a Thracian aristocratic family integrated into Roman society duri…
Castra Martis: A Late Roman Fortress in Northwestern Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Military	4.6	Low	Castra Martis is a historic fortress that played a role in Roman and Byzantine frontier defense and later served as a medieval stronghold. Its remains offer insight into the military and administrati…
Develtos: An Ancient Thracian and Roman Settlement in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	City	4.6	Low	Develtos, located in modern-day Debelt, Bulgaria, was a trading post and later a Roman colonia.
National Archaeological Museum of Bulgaria: Preserving Sofia’s Ottoman and Archaeological Heritage	Bulgaria	Museum	4.6	Medium	Located in a historic 15th-century Ottoman mosque in Sofia, the National Archaeological Museum of Bulgaria houses extensive collections that trace the region's history from prehistoric times through …
Odeon of Philippopolis: A Roman Bouleuterion and Theatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Entertainment	4.6	Low	The Odeon of Philippopolis served as a combined city council meeting place and small theatre during Roman times, reflecting the cultural and political life of ancient Plovdiv.
Aquae Calidae: Ancient Thermal Baths and Sanctuary near Burgas, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Sanitation	4.5	Medium	Aquae Calidae is an ancient site known for its healing mineral springs and thermal baths, attracting visitors from Thracian times through the Ottoman era. Its long history reflects cultural and histo…
Nicopolis ad Nestum: An Ancient Roman City in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	City	4.5	Low	Nicopolis ad Nestum was a Roman city founded by Emperor Trajan, serving as a hub of economic, political, and religious activity from the 2nd to 6th centuries, with remains that reveal its historical …
Roman Tomb in Silistra: A Well-Preserved Late Antique Monument in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Burial	4.5	Low	The Roman Tomb in Silistra shows the funerary practices of a Roman frontier city during the 4th century AD, showcasing remarkable frescoes and architectural features.
Roman Thermae of Varna: Ancient Baths in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Sanitation	4.4	Medium	The Roman Thermae in Varna represent one of the largest and best-preserved ancient bath complexes in the Balkans, reflecting the city’s historical role as a Roman port and cultural center with religi…
Roman Tomb in Hisarya: A Late Roman Burial Site in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Burial	4.4	Low	The Roman Tomb in Hisarya offers insight into Late Antiquity burial customs near the ancient town of Diocletianopolis.
Ulpia Oescus: A Roman City and Fortress in Present-Day Bulgaria	Bulgaria	City	4.4	Very Low	Ulpia Oescus was a prominent Roman city and military site on the Danube, known for its strategic location, extensive remains, and historical role from the 2nd to 6th centuries AD.
Museum of Mosaics in Devnya: Preserving a Late Roman Villa Urbana in Bulgaria	Bulgaria	Domestic	4.3	Low	The Museum of Mosaics in Devnya showcases the remains of a late Roman villa urbana from the ancient city of Marcianopolis, offering insights into residential and commercial life during late antiquity…