100 YEARS OF SYSTEMATIC ARCHEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN THE TOWN OF KYUSTENDIL.

For the first time detailed and systematic archeological research in the region was made by the famous Bulgarian scholar Academician Jordan Ivanov, born in Kyustendil.

The beginning was set with excavations undertaken on the hill of Hisarlaka in 1906. Their results were published in his article “Old Churches in Southwestern Bulgaria” issued in 1912. Were found sectors of a Late Ancient and Medieval fortress with towers and entries. In the interior of it were revealed Early Christian basilica, bath and buildings’ bases. In the foot of the hill were found parts of floor mosaic and building which was determined as a shrine of god Asklepius, the so called Asklepion.