Elena Kantareva-Decheva retires as director of Old Plovdiv

Professor Elena Kantareva-Decheva has retired and is no longer the director of the Municipal Institute ‘Old Plovdiv’. While the Plovdiv Municipality officially thanked her for her professionalism and contributions, her tenure has been marked by both significant achievements and notable controversies.

On the professional front, Kantareva-Decheva is credited with the restoration and socialization of the Small and Episcopal Basilicas of Philippopolis. These projects, supported by a partnership between the Plovdiv Municipality and the ‘America for Bulgaria’ Foundation, transformed the sites into highly visited multi-thematic spaces featuring extensive late antique mosaics.

However, her leadership also faced criticism regarding the management of historic buildings. Controversies include a 2024 fire at the Pamporova House, an uninsured cultural monument, where conflicting statements were made regarding insurance coverage. Additionally, her term saw issues with the structural integrity of certain landmark buildings, such as the Balabanova House, and legal proceedings concerning a concealed ancient artifact.