Excavations at Hadrianopolis will resume

In the northern part of Turkey, exploration work has resumed in the former city of Hadrianapolis, which was founded in the 1st century BCE. The centre existed until the 8th century.

Excavation work in Hadrianopolis began in 2003 and was carried out at intervals. Earlier excavations were focused on underground and security works. It was then that the house was excavated, the mosaic was restored and a roof was installed to protect the ruins of the church. In total, 14 buildings have been brought to light so far, including: two thermal baths, two churches, defensive structures, a theatre or a structure with a dome and arches. On the floors of the churches, there are mosaics showing the rivers mentioned in the Bible – incl. Euphrates or the Tiger, and various animals.

The next works will be carried out with the significant support of the employees of the Kastamonu Museum and are aimed at discovering new structures. Their planned start is the next year. After that, the place is to be made available to tourists.

According to scientists, Hadrianapolis in ancient times was a destination for many pilgrimages. Churches and monasteries were built in the centre.