Specialists from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will familiarise themselves with the history of the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon near the Bulgarian town of Kardzhali.

This will be done within the framework of the "Perperikon - past and future" project, which will be realised next year.

A total of EUR 748 203 will be allocated under the European Economic Area (EEA) Grants for the restoration, renovation and protection of cultural heritage.

The beneficiary of the grant is the municipality of Kardzhali in partnership with the city's regional historical museum, while Bulgaria's culture ministry is the managing body.

The contract was concluded in the spring of this year, with the works to be completed by the end of April 2016.

The main aim of the project is to restore, conserve and popularise the archaeological complex as a uniqie part of the Bulgarian and European cultural heritage.

Perperikon has become more accessible after the creation of special tourist alleys and paths, which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the acropolis and the palace - sanctuary without inflicting damage on the archaeological monument.

The new project will allow for conservation-restoration works to be carried out in the southwestern part of the acropolis.

It foresees conservation, restoration and exposition of three altars, a cistern, four dwellings, the fortification wall with two bastions, the polygonal tower and the street network.

Among the activities to be organised under the project is a seminar, which is expected to be attended by participants from Bulgaria, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein specialising in the field of cultural heritage.