The archaeological complex at the Western gate of Serdica is an important part of the Ancient and Early Byzantine city. Its excavation began back in 1974 by a team from the Sofia History Museum, and was later continued in 2011. After the completion of a large-scale restoration, conservation and socialization project, the site was turned into an archaeological park with free access to visitors.
The Western gate of Serdica and its pentagonal tower, dated after the second part of the Vth century, is exhibited in the archaeological park. Visitors can also see the preserved sections of the earliest western fortification wall from the II c., as well as its later reconstruction from the III-IV c. and the additional fortification belt – a second wall with triangular tower in the northwestern corner, built in the second half of V – the beginning of VI century. An excavated section of the decumanus maximus (the main street, oriented east-west), which connected the Eastern and Western gates of the ancient city, is also visible. During the archaeological excavations parts of a well-organized water-supply system, consisting of clay pipes and brick sewers, was uncovered under the street pavement. Several buildings from Late Antiquity have been excavated within the fortified area. Of particular interest is a monumental building with an exquisite polychrome mosaic floor, which is currently not accessible to visitors.
Opening hours (May 1 – October 31): Monday to Sunday – 09:00 – 20:00
Opening hours (November 1 – April 30): Monday to Sunday – 09:00 – 17:00
Entrance: Free
Address: Sofia, 146 Knyaz Boris I Str.
