The Plovdiv Municipal Council voted on Thursday to request assuming management of the Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis from the Culture Ministry. Currently, the basilica operates under a co-ownership arrangement, with the Plovdiv Municipality holding a 55.8% stake and the State owning the remaining 44.2%. The Municipal Council stated that taking over management will enable the municipality to enhance its efforts in protecting, maintaining, and executing activities related to the preservation of this significant immovable cultural asset.
Furthermore, the transition is intended to facilitate the implementation of scientific, cultural, educational, and tourist initiatives. The council emphasized that the municipality possesses a defined strategy for the protection, preservation, exhibition, and promotion of the area’s cultural and historical heritage. The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis is recognized for its substantial historical, artistic, and scientific value.
Notably, it is included in the UNESCO Tentative List for Cultural and Natural Heritage as part of the serial property titled “Bishop’s Basilica and Late-Antique Mosaics of Philippopolis, Roman Province of Thrace.” This proposed management change, driven by the local council, aims to streamline efforts to safeguard the site’s integrity and maximize its potential for public engagement and scholarly study.
Topics: #municipal #council #basilica
What are the potential implications of the Municipal Council taking over the management of the basilica from the Culture Ministry?