Price: Belovska early medieval basilica is located near the city Belovo , Pazardzhik.
A study of Bulgarian Byzantine historian and specialist in medieval history Mutafchiev precisely in town Belovo existed vanished now, but still mentioned as Levkiyska diocese. The first scientific description of the basilica is made of professor in 1915 , and in 1924 with funding from the American millionaire William Whitmore made the first archaeological dig led by archaeologist Andrew Grabar .
According to historians , the dating of the basilica Belovo refers to the end of the V century, it was the best-preserved part of the ruined antique and medieval fortified town Levka ( Leuco , Levki ) occupies an area of 80 acres . One time is developed a religious center . The basilica is preserved to the XVII century, when the unfortunate fate of hundreds of religious shrines in the Bulgarian lands do not go away . It was destroyed by the Turks during the great conversion to Islam of the Bulgarians from villages around Velingrad .
Research interest in the huge archaeological complex by Bulgarian scientists is great since XIX century prominent Bulgarian enlightener and educator from Pazardzhik Stefan Zachariev writes about the fort and the Basilica . As head of the Church of the Bulgarian national movement in the city Zachariev occupies an important place in the history of our country , alongside being prominent Renaissance as Chimayo , Najden Guerov , Yoakim , Dragan Tsankov and Stefan Verkovich . For the Basilica and the fortress write more Bulgarian poet Petko Rachev Slavejkov and other prominent Bulgarian Revival . The basilica itself is nave , nave with sintron , tripartite narthex , baptistery triconchal . There is evidence that over performing ships and the narthex was located Emporia , Emporia , according to other researchers had only over the narthex . What is clear is that the whole building of the Basilica in the foundations of a medium-sized stone blocks and the walls are built of square bricks cemented with red mortar .
When in 1994 the basilica was preserved and partially restored , today it is open to visitors. The place is popular among the local population, which contributes to build a church nearby . The area is attractive because of the beauty of nature. Belov basilica is located in the beautiful northwestern slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. It can be reached from the city Beljovo a bad access for cars, forest , unpaved road . Lack both markers - marking and meaningful informational tourist signs.
