"The God Healer: The Sanctuary of Asclepius near the village of Patalenitsa"
Temporary exhibition

In 1939, the prominent Plovdiv archaeologist Dimitar Tsonchev conducted research near the village of Batkun, located south of Pazardzhik, today part of the neighboring village of Patalenitsa. Along with numerous marble sculptures and votive tablets, he discovered the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the healing god Asclepius. Archaeological finds show that between the late 1st and late 4th centuries AD, the sanctuary was an important religious center and attracted pilgrims from near and far.

The exhibition "The God Healer: The Sanctuary of Asclepius near the village of Patalenitsa" is an attempt to present to the general public the exciting stories behind this archaeological site. Visitors will have the opportunity to look into the past both through the data revealed in the research and through the personal stories of the pilgrims who visited the shrine nearly 2,000 years ago. The marble monuments presented in the exhibition still bear, carved in stone, their words of hope for healing.

It is believed that during its existence, the sanctuary near the village of Patalenitsa was one of the largest and most important places of worship in all of Thrace. Along with the history of the site, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about medicine in antiquity, about the cult of the god Asclepius, and about their importance in the region.

The exhibition is part of the celebrations in connection with the 125th anniversary of the birth of archaeologist Dimitar Tsonchev. It will be opened on December 21, 2023 and will remain until April 13, 2024.

The working hours of the museum are every day, except Sunday and Monday, from 09:30 to 17:00. Entrance tickets are sold until 16:30, and a standard ticket costs only BGN 6. The museum offers discounts for pensioners, students and families, as well as guided tours.

For more information, call +359 32 624 339, find RAM - Plovdiv on social networks or make your inquiry on site at Saedinenie Square No. 1.

Curators of the exhibition:
Ekaterina Ilieva, RAM - Plovdiv
Lyubomir Merdzhanov, RAM - Plovdiv