Ryahovets Fortress archaeological season begins in Bulgaria

The twelfth archaeological season at the Ryahovets fortress near Gorna Oryahovitsa has commenced. Funded by nearly 30,000 euros from the Ministry of Culture, the excavations are scheduled to continue through the end of November.

Researchers are focusing their efforts on the northern suburb of the fortress, specifically targeting a single-nave medieval church and an adjacent necropolis dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. Previous investigations in this area have uncovered 54 graves, including those of children. Notable artifacts recovered include a bronze encolpion cross, silver earrings, beads, textile fragments, and various fresco pieces.

The project is led by archaeologist Iliyan Petrakiev from the Regional Historical Museum in Veliko Tarnovo, with Maya Ivanova serving as deputy head and Professor Hitko Vachev as scientific consultant. The long-term objective is to develop a conservation and socialization project to preserve the temple and present it to future visitors.