Archaeological Museum — Sandanski

In the very heart of Sandanski, a short walk from Park Hotel Pirin, is located one of the most valuable treasures of southwestern Bulgaria — the Archaeological Museum. This is not just an ordinary museum, but a living storyteller that echoes through the centuries. If you are excited about ancient civilizations, mosaics and culture, here you will find a real temple of the past.

What you will find in the museum

The Sandanski Archaeological Museum was built on the foundations of the Episcopal Basilica of the V-VI centuries, which makes it unique in Bulgaria. Here you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient city of Particopolis — once a lively center of culture and Christianity. The museum keeps an impressive collection of mosaics, marble sculptures, inscriptions, dishes and objects from the everyday life of people who lived here more than 1500 years ago.
The most captivating experience is meeting face to face with the magnificent floor mosaics recreating scenes from biblical and mythological plots — a true work of art that has retained its colors and emotions to this day.
For history lovers, the hidden “pearl” is the exposition to the Basilica of Bishop John - here, between ancient walls, you can feel the magic of the place where the first Christians of the region once gathered.

How to get from Park Hotel Pirin?

From Park Hotel Pirin you can go to the museum on foot — the distance is about 10-15 minutes through the picturesque city park. The walk will take you through alleys dotted with Mediterranean plant species and fresh air.
If you prefer a car, the Archaeological Museum is located at ul. “Melnik” № 2, next to the central part of the city, where there are parking possibilities.

Visitor Tips

• Best time to visit:Spring and autumn are extremely pleasant, with soft light and fewer tourists. In the summer months, afternoons are cool in the museum.
• What to wear:Comfortable shoes, a camera for lovers of details and curiosity to discover the hidden stories behind each find.
• Working hours:Check the museum's current hours in advance, as temporary exhibitions or restorations are sometimes held.

What is the feeling?

As if time stands still — as you walk through the halls, you can feel the silence of the centuries, be inspired by the variegation of mosaics and imagine the vibrant life of an ancient city. The museum is cozy, warm and very close — something different from the big metropolitan institutions, here each exhibit tells its own story about you personally.

Discover Sandanski beyond clichés

The Archaeological Museum is not just a place — it is an experience that touches. Immerse yourself in its atmosphere, and then relax in the comfort of Park Hotel Pirin. Invite yourself on a journey among antiquity, warmth and authentic Bulgarian hospitality. Save your time for discoveries and let Sandanski reveal his secrets up close!