The unique ancient and medieval sanctuary of Perperikon, situated in the Eastern part of the Rhodopes Mountains, failed to be among the short-listed applicants for EU funds financing, local Bulgaria radio reported on Monday.

The municipality of Kardjali, where the archaeological site is situated, submitted a project for cultural and historical tourism development under EU PHARE Funds. It applied for financial aid to build up the adjacent infrastructure and to preserve the major excavations, started in 2000.

Considered by archaeologists to be one of the most famous prophecy sites in antiquity, a temple of the Greek god of wine Dionysus, Perperikon has only recently revealed its fabulous palaces and religious altars, Nikolaп Ovtcharov, the head of the local archaeological team explained.

He stressed on the absurdity of the major religious centre's status, as it has been supported with no external financial aid for the whole 4-year period of excavations.

The cult centre of Perperikon is expected to attract nearly 400,000 tourists in 2004.

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