Bulgarian archaeologists are to concentrate their efforts on uncovering the acropolis of the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon in the forthcoming months.

This was announced by archaeologist Nikolay Ovcharov in an interview for Focus news agency, who claimed that this year would be decisive for the completion of Perperikon.

Ovcharov said that if everything went according to plan the excavations could start on Sunday and the archaeologists would have four months to complete the works on the acropolis.

Ovcharov pointed to the benefits of designating places such as Perperikon and the first Bulgarian capital of Pliska as priority sites, which allowed for the allocation of subsidies.

According to him, this policy turned Perperikon into a developed tourist center, which attracted more than 250 000 visitors annually.

In his words, Perperikon was pointed everywhere as an example for the successful development of tourism and that of an archaeological site.

Ovcharov stated that Perperikon represented a huge responsibility, especially with the allocation of BGN 220 000.

Perperikon was also awarded funding from the Norway Grants, amounting to BGN 1.5 M, which will be spent on conservation and restoration.