New public space between the Bishop’s Basilica exhibition building and the St. Ludwig Cathedral
AN ANCIENT MONUMENT IN A MODERN CITY
In Late Antiquity, the Bishop’s Basilica was at the center of Philippopolis’ public life. The initiative of America for Bulgaria Foundation and Plovdiv Municipality to conserve, restore, display and construct a protective cover for the basilica aims to bring it back to life.
The project designed by ZOOM Studio, the DUO Atelier, Abstracta and landscape architect Mirela Dimitrova-Douillard envisages a new square between the St. Ludwig Catholic Cathedral and the Bishop’s Basilica. The new square will emphasize the significance of the two buildings and will make pedestrian access easier through the Archaeological Underpass where the Eirene Building is situated. Consequently, the Bishop’s Basilica will be integrated with Plovdiv’s pedestrian zone and overall urban environment.
The project elegantly socializes archaeology in an urban environment. The basilica display will showcase the two layers of the fabulous mosaics and parts of its original architecture in keeping with the principle of maximum authenticity. Its space will be appropriate for temporary exhibitions and cultural events, similar to Plovdiv’s Small Basilica project already completed by America for Bulgaria Foundation and Plovdiv Municipality.
The Bishop’s Basilica will be accessible to pedestrians and bicycle riders. It will provide areas for organized tourist groups and recreational activities for children. Green buffer zones will reduce noise pollution from nearby streets.
The ancient basilica will enrich the visual and functional environment of the modern city and will soon become a favored location for both its citizens and visitors.
