The Ancient Church of Saint Paraskeva - An Architectural Pearl in the Heart of Nesebar

25.07.2025 | Temples

A unique architectural monument from the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which reveals the rich historical and spiritual tradition of one of the oldest Bulgarian cities.

Снимка от Kritzolina, Wikimedia Commons, под CC BY-SA 4.0

The impressive St. Paraskeva Temple rises as a remarkable witness to architectural mastery in the medieval city of Nessebar. Located in the very heart of the ancient city, the monument is a notable example of Orthodox church construction from the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

The temple was built during the second half of the 13th century by masters possessing exceptional skills in stonework and construction. The characteristic architectural composition of the building demonstrates typical features of the Byzantine-Bulgarian architectural style, combining elements of local traditions and religious canons.

The church's construction impresses with its extremely precise stone masonry, which combines stones of different colors and textures. The masters used the characteristic technique of alternating red bricks and white stone, creating a unique visual effect on the temple's facade.

The interior space of St. Paraskeva reveals elegance and spirituality. Although the original frescoes are partially preserved, they continue to tell biblical stories and testify to the high mastery of medieval iconographers. The architectural plan of the temple follows the classic cross-domed scheme typical of Orthodox churches of this period.

Today, the monument is part of the architectural reserve of Nessebar, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temple attracts many tourists and researchers who want to touch the authentic atmosphere of medieval Bulgarian spirituality.

The preservation of the church is the result of systematic conservation and restoration activities aimed at preserving its historical and architectural value. Experts take care of the structural integrity of the monument while maintaining its original appearance and impressive character.