Matka Divers find church foundations

Divers of speleo-diving club "Vrelo" and diving club "Akvatek" found Sunday remains of foundations, believed to be of an old Macedonian church, during their underwater expedition in the waters of lake Matka near Skopje.

The campaign aimed at researching and documenting the lake bottom structure.

"Prior to the construction of the Matka dam, the so-called Road of Strength was located here, which linked Macedonia's northeast with the southwest. We wanted to locate, research and map all archaeological sites, which are now under water", said Vrelo president Kiro Angeleski.

The campaign was also environmental, with divers mapping waste locations that are set to be cleaned.

The campaign is part the 2013 global programme GUWAA (Global Under Water Awareness Association).

Archeological excavations at Crkviste site continue

Excavations at the archaeological site of Crkviste in the Kumanovo village of Klecovce will resume with financial support still being provided by the Ministry of Culture, it was announced on Wednesday.

"For us it is crucial the site to be discovered, restored and put into function as a cultural tourism attraction. One of the main priorities of the ministry and the government in general is the preservation of cultural heritage at archaeological sites. The ministry through its annual programme singles out funds for excavations across the country," stated Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska.

She announced that more finances would be set aside for excavations at Crkviste next year.

The archaeological site of Crkviste - one of the oldest buildings unearthed in Macedonia - is a large church complex with 35 meters of length and 13 meters of width. It is located in the vicinity of Kokino. 

Macedonia's Culture Minister visits Heraklea

Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska, Bitola mayor Vladimir Taleski and the director of the Office for Cultural Heritage Protection, Viktor Lilcic visited Friday the archaeological site of Heraclea where numerous important artefacts have been discovered recently.

Heraclea, founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC, is part of the capital projects funded by the government due to its immense significance, the Ministry of Culture says in a press release.

This year's archaeological excavations in Heraclea, financed by the Culture Ministry, include a research of the new basilica from the early Christian period. Its size confirms the importance of this ancient city as a developed center in the early period of Christianity. A fully-preserved beautiful mosaic have been unearthed during the excavation process.

"These mosaics, which make Heraclea so famous, are an exciting discovery and are immensely significant in enriching Macedonia's archaeological science," she said.

Over 400 artefacts, many fragments of frescoes, ceramic bowls as well as coins have been found during excavations conducted this year.