Workshop for Architectural Conservation of Archaeological Sites

The Project and Course

General information

Project type: Field school in architectural conservation of archaeological remains. The variety of activities and the team's professionalism and flexibility make this project suitable for both beginners and advanced students in architecture, Roman, Late Roman and Medieval archaeology and conservation.

Тhe field school started: 2025

Site and venue: The Archaeological site of Stobi is located near the village of Gradsko, Republic of North Macedonia. Since 2012, Stobi is included in the World Monuments Fund Watch list among the sites with universal significance - read more here!

Period in the project's focus: Roman, Late Roman (2nd century - 6th century CE)   

Major field school topics/activities:  

BHF Partners in this project:    

• National Institution Stobi, Republic of North Macedonia;    
• Skillington Workshop, UK  
• New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria.

Field school coordinators: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (Director of NI Stobi) &  Dimitar Nikolovski (archaeologist, NI Stobi, PhD Candidate in Archaeology);

Visiting professor: Dr. David Carrington, founder and Managing Director of Skillington Workshop and accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR)

Field school sessions available: 

• Two week session: 10 - 24 May, 2025 

Application deadlines:  Until the places are filled, or 10 April, 2025

Minimum length of stay for volunteers: Two weeks 

Minimum age: 18

Number of field school places available: Maximum 18  

Project language: English

Academic credits available: 6 ECTS credits are available through New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria. 

Experience required: No previous experience is required.

Special requirements: The project is not recommended for individuals with solar allergies or other special illnesses that might be exacerbated during the intensive outdoor activities. The average May temperatures in the area are 20-30°C (77-88°F) or higher. All participants should bring clothes and toiletries suitable for hot and sunny weather. Bear in mind that chillier days are very rare but not uncommon.       

The participants should have medical insurance including repatriation. The participants should inform the project staff about any health issues, allergies, and food preferences.  

Participants are expected to prepare for the field by reading the readings that will be sent by e-mail before the beginning of the project.    

Participants will use the tools and equipment available at the site and are not expected to bring any additional equipment.

The Site and the Excavation Project

The ancient city of Stobi was the largest city in the northern part of the Roman province Macedonia, later capital of the province Macedonia Secunda and important urban, administrative, trade and religious center during the Roman and Late Roman periods. Located at a strategic position at the intersection of the two main roads - the north-south road (Thessalonica-Stobi-Singidunum) and the diagonal road (Heraclea-Stobi-Serdica), the town possessed all preconditions for greater rise and development.

First historical records for Stobi are found in Roman historian Titus Livus, who recorded the Paionian urbs vetus Stobi as а place close to the battleground where Macedonian King Philip V defeated the Dardanians in 197 BCE. The same author reveals that in the period after 168 BCE, when the Romans conquered the Macedonian kingdom, Stobi entered the fourth meris, and became a trade center from where salt was distributed to the north, to Dardania. When the Roman province of Macedonia was established in 147 BCE, Stobi was the largest city in the northern part.   

Roman period: The trading and strategic position allowed for Stobi's continual rise in the following centuries of Roman rule. Pliny recorded Stobi as oppidum civium Romanorum, a status gained during the time of Augustus meaning that there must be a community (conventus) of Roman citizens who possessed ius Italicum, besides the local population and other foreigners. The citizens who enjoyed Roman civil rights belong to the tribes Aemilia and Tromentina.

Stobi became a municipium, a status which appeared on the first coins minted in Stobi by Vespasian in 72/73 CE, and on a few inscriptions dated in the period between 1 ^st and 3^rd century CE. The imperial mint at Stobi, with interruptions, lasted until the time of Caracalla (198-217 CE). The town suffered in the second half of the 3 ^rd century, due to the invasions of the Goths and Herules in 267/69 CE, and later, around the year of 300 CE, by an earthquake. These events, along with the general crisis in the Roman Empire caused a decline of the prosperity of Stobi.

Few public buildings from this period are partially uncovered at the site: the Theatre, the House of Polycharmos with the northern part adapted to a Synagogue, the Temple of the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis, the Building with Arches (the Library), and partially uncovered urban villa named Casa Romana, located close to the Erigon River. The grand architecture, the manner of building and the used materials along with the magnificent marble, stucco, painted and sculptural decoration attests to a city where not only local prominent families but some of the emperors themselves counted among its benefactors.  

Late Roman period: The large reconstruction of the city occurred during the 4^th and especially in the 5^th century. Since Emperor Constantine issued the Milan Edict in 313 CE which made Christianity equal to the other religions, many cities throughout the Empire became bishop’s seats, including Stobi. Budios was the first recorded bishop in Stobi, who participated at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325 CE. Besides Budios, six other bishops from Stobi are recorded in the sources or inscriptions.

In 388 CE, Emperor Theodosius visited Stobi and issued two edicts while there. When a new provincial division was carried out in 386 CE, Stobi probably remained in Macedonia Prima, and later in the 5^th century it became the capital of the newly formed province of Macedonia Secunda. Ancient sources mention eight cities within the province and Stobi was mentioned as first. In 447 CE Stobi and seventy cities or towns on the Balkans suffered in the raids of the Huns, while king Theodoric and the Ostrogoths plundered Stobi on their way to Dyrrachium in 479 CE.

Most of the excavated buildings and fortifications at Stobi are from Late Antiquity, and were erected between the 4^th and 6^th century. A new inner fortification wall was built on the eastern side in the early 5^th century, thus shrinking the city’s territory. Some of the existing houses were renovated and more large residences were built with many rooms organized around the central inner courtyard with fountains and pools, lavishly decorated with mosaics and rich architectural marbles: the House of Parthenius, the Theodosian Palace, the House of Peristeria, the so called Casino, as well as two public baths and the city fountain among them. The buildings were divided by streets, some of them paved and colonnaded.

Christianity largely shaped the urban layout of the city. The Early Episcopal basilica was built in the late 4^th century, renovated by bishop Eusthatios in the early 5^th century. In the late 5^th century a new, larger Episcopal basilica was built on an artificial terrace, 4.5 meters above the Early church. Three more basilicas are known from the second half of the 5^th century within the city walls (North basilica, Civil basilica, Central (Synagogue) basilica and three outside the fortification: the Cemetery basilica, Basilica Extra Muros and Basilica in the village of Palikura, 2km southeast of Stobi.

The earthquake in the early 6^th century  damaged many of the buildings. Major repairs and rebuilding is recorded on the public and residential buildings as well as on the fortification. The incursions of the Slavs and Avars and other tribes from the north during the second half of the 6^th century devastated the cities throughout the Balkans. In addition, the bubonic plague during Emperor Justinian's reign caused a decline of the population as well as climate changes in the second half of the 6^th century until the final  abandonment of the city in the first decades of the 7^th century. The city was probably hit by another earthquake shortly before or after it was abandoned.   

Medieval period: The last historical records mentioning Stobi refers to the victory of the Byzantine emperor Basil II over the military garrison stationed in Stobi in the year of 1014. During the Medieval period (11^th - 14^th centuries) a small settlement existed, judging by the remains discovered in the southeast part of the city, around the Temple of Isis and in the corridors of the abandoned theater, while the small cemetery was found above the remains of the Civil and Central basilica. In the following centuries Stobi vanished into oblivion until it was discovered in the second half of the 19^th century.

History of excavations:

For more than a century the ancient city of Stobi has been attracting scientists from all over the world to reveal its secrets. 

The first known excavations began during World War I by German officers and the archaeologists Hald and later Krischen;

1923 to 1940 - Excavations, directed by Balduin Saria and R. Eger, Kj. Truhelka, V. Petkovic, J. Petrovic, Dj. Mano-Zissi - the Belgrade National Museum;

1955 to 1969 - Excavations carried out by the Archaeological Museum of Skopje and the Agency for Protection of Monuments of Culture, Macedonia;

1970 to 1980 - Excavations, directed by Dj. Mano-Zissi and J. Wiseman - the Museum of Veles, Macedonia, University of Austin, Texas, and later Boston University - both from USA.

1992 to 1995 - rescue excavations by the Agency for Protection of Monuments of Culture, Macedonia;   

The National Institution Stobi (NI Stobi) was founded in December 2008 as an independent governmental institution under the Ministry of Culture. The large-scale excavations conducted by Dr. S. Blazhevska (NI Stobi) began in 2009. Until 2025 numerous archaeological and conservation projects were successfully completed (for more information, see: www.stobi.mk).    

Despite all the excavation campaigns, only 15% of the territory within the city wall of Stobi has been excavated.   

The Field School

FIELD SCHOOL FOR PRESERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS 

This is a new field school launching in 2025 and will provide a unique opportunity for students and volunteers to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the conservation of authentic archaeological structures in the ancient city of Stobi made with Roman and Late Roman masonry.

During the workshop participants will be guided through the consequent stages of study, conservation and documentation as well as the history and technology of Roman and Late Roman archaeological masonry structures.

The project includes three modules:

• practical work in documentation and both preventive and interventive conservation of archaeological structures
• lectures on history and conservation on set archaeological structures   
• as well as excursions to the town of Bitola, the archaeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis, Ohrid, and Ohrid Lake (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Refer to the Course Program and Agenda

By the end of the workshop, the participants will:

• develop basic/further practical skills (depending on the participants' initial level of qualification) in the conservation and documentation of archaeological structures
• be able to recognize the many types of pathology of archaeological masonry and their causes
• become familiar with the history and techniques of Roman masonry construction
• deepen their knowledge through a first-hand experience of Roman History, Arts and Archaeology in the region of ancient Macedonia
• meet professionals who work in the areas of conservation and Classical Archaeology.

All participants will receive:

• Reading materials (in PDF version by e-mail);
• Balkan Heritage Field School Certificate specifying the fieldwork hours, educational modules, and sites visited;
• T-shirt.

The Team   

Instructors, Trainers and Area Supervisors:        

Dr. David Carrington, founder and Managing Director of Skillington Workshop and accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR).  

The Program

The two-week field school session provides a minimum of 75 hours of fieldwork, workshops/lab work, lectures/instructions and guided tours.

Lecture topics include:   

• Roman construction techniques 
• Understanding traditional mortars 
• Pathology and conservation of archaeological stone masonry 
• Ecology and archaeological ruins 
• Practical techniques such as consolidation using mortars
• Different approaches to treating wall heads
• Earth mortars
• How to present the pointing of archaeological structures
• Reconstructing/ restoring losses
• Site maintenance

Reading Background

Ashurst, J. (ed) Conservation of Ruins, Routledge, 2007

Copsey, N. Hot mixed lime and traditional mortars, Crowood Press, 2019

Copsey, N. The rudiments of traditional mortar preparation and use. Archaeology and Science, 2022

Dilaria S., Secco M. Mortar recipes through the Ages. A brief review of data from Prehistory to Late Antiquity, Archaeology and Science, 2022

Henry, A. et al. (ed) Earth Brick and Terracotta Part A, Historic England, 2015

Martin, B., Wood, C. (ed) Practical Building Conservation: Mortars, Renders and Plasters, Historic England, 2012

Martin, B., Wood, C. (ed) Practical Building Conservation: Building Environment, Historic England, 2014

McCaig, I. (ed) Practical Building Conservation: Conservation Basics, Historic England, 2024

Odgers, D., Henry, A. (ed) Practical Building Conservation: Stone, Historic England, 2012

Travel & Accommodation & Practicalities   

Travel   

The nearest airports: Skopje, R. of North Macedonia (80 km/49 mi) and Thessaloniki, Greece (160 km/100 mi.) Transfers to Stobi from these airports may be arranged by request.  Individual or group transfer prices may vary, depending on the number of passengers, from 80 to 200 EUR.

How to get there? Stobi is located in the center of the Republic of North Macedonia. It can be easily accessed by: 1. travelling by bus or car on highway E-75 (from Athens, Greece to Belgrade, Serbia and Central Europe across R. of North Macedonia) - the highway exit STOBI is just in front of the site's entrance; 2. catching a bus/train from Skopje (R. of North Macedonia) or Thessaloniki (Greece) - the stop is at Gradsko (5 km. away from Stobi), from there participants/visitors can get a taxi to Stobi or request a free pick-up available from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm on arrival day (please ask for details); 3. from neighboring towns of Negotino (13 km) and Kavadartsi (20 km) participants can take a bus to Gradsko or a taxi directly to Stobi.      

A detailed travel info-sheet will be provided to enrolled students.

Visa requirements: Citizens of EU, EEA, USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Republic of North Macedonia for up to 90 days. Citizens of all other countries may need a visa. The Balkan Heritage Foundation can send an official invitation letter that should be used at the relevant embassy to secure a visa to the program. For further details please visit our Visa information page.  

Accommodation & Meals 

Accommodation: Participants will be accommodated in the recently renovated air-conditioned cabins at the archaeological base next to the ancient ruins of Stobi, in rooms with two to three beds. Every cabin has 4 bedrooms and living room, 2 bathrooms with showers and WC. A washing machine and Wi-Fi are available for free at the site. 

Meals: Three meals (fresh, homemade food) per day are covered by the reimbursement payment. They usually take place (except for the lunch packages during the excursions) at the base's premises. Requests for vegetarian food are accepted. Specialized diets (vegan, kosher, gluten-free etc.) are difficult to maintain in this location.

Participants must pay on their own for extra meals, beverages, services and products. There is no option for single room accommodation at Stobi.   

Free Time & Trips

Free time: Films, sports games and visits to the neighboring towns/villages are the options for free time in the evenings.    

Technicalities & Practicalities

Insurance: The reimbursement payment does not cover insurance. It is mandatory to arrange your own health insurance before your trip to R. of North Macedonia. There are hospitals, clinics and pharmacies in all the larger towns. Foreigners must pay for health services but might receive a refund if their home country has signed the Health Insurance Convention with R. of North Macedonia (you should check this information with your Ministry of Health). The insurance must cover as a minimum the following risks: medical treatment in case of an accident or disease, as well as costs related to evacuation and repatriation.

Weather: Moderate continental climate dominates in Stobi. Summers there are usually hot (up to 40-45° C; 100 – 110° F). Rainy and chilly days in this season are rare but not excluded.

What to bring?   

• A pair of working shoes (sneakers, running shoes) and a pair of comfortable shoes for walking/hiking;
• Clothing suitable for an outdoor working environment: sun-hat and light clothes with long sleeves and legs (protecting from the sun and insects), including a light raincoat (consider weather conditions - hot and sunny, but rain may fall as well);   
• Wide brim hat;   
• Small backpack (for your water bottle, snacks, camera, etc.)
• Medication - only prescription medicines you may need since you can buy all basic non-prescription drugs in North Macedonia.
• A converter to EU type electricity wall-plug if needed.
• A good attitude for work, fun, study and discoveries ;)

   

     

• NB! Excavation & documentation tools and materials, as well as working gloves are available at the site!
   

The Cost   

All field schools are conducted as non-profit projects by the Balkan Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria. Their costs, including students' costs related to participation in the field school are covered by the reimbursement payments made by field school students.

BHFS project reimbursement payment covers: Educational and fieldwork activities, full-board accommodation (hotel + 3 meals per day), tools, materials, project handbook or readings, issue of Certificate of Attendance, administrative costs, travel related to the fieldwork and the excursions included in the field school program plus relevant entrance fees.

BHFS project reimbursement payment does not include: travel costs to and from the project venue or related to activities not included in the field school program; medical products and services and any expenses related to medical quarantine (food delivery, accommodation, etc.).

The costs in USD are approximate. Please check current exchange rates!

Early Bird Cost - until January 31, 2025:

Early Bird Cost for a two-week project session is 2799 EUR/ approx. 2900 USD

Regular Cost - after January 31, 2025:     

The Regular Cost for a two-week project session is 2999 EUR/ approx. 3100 USD   

Reimbursement Transfer Options:

- Bank transfer
- Online transfers via the Balkan Heritage virtual POS Terminal. VISA, MASTERCARD & MAESTRO cards are accepted.      
-  Wise money transfer

For further information contact Admissions Office at: [email protected]!

 Discounts off the regular cost:

* 5% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Participation in more than one BHFS project in 2025 (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
2. Membership in the Archaeological Institute of America.

* 10% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Participation in any BHFS project/s in the past.

* 12% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Group Participation (three or more people who participate together in one BHFS project in 2025). The discount is valid for each participant.

* 15% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost is available for:

1. Group Participation (three or more people, who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2025 (the discount is valid for each participant).
2. BHFS alumni, who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2025. (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
3. BHFS alumni who attended a full project in the past and return to the same project.

NOTE, 5% OF EVERY COST FOR THIS PROJECT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE BALKAN HERITAGE PROTECTION FUND'S ACTIVITIES!

For more information about scholarships, low-cost flights, hotels, etc. please feel free to contact us or look at our recommended links.

Academic Credits   

 US credit units are available to all students. To obtain US credis and certification apply and enroll directlythrough the Institute for Field Research (IFR), USA. They will be awarded 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter units) through our academic partner Connecticut College and will receive a letter grade. The tuition fee is included in the IFR admission fee.   

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credit units are available for students attending European universities . They shall enroll directly through the Balkan Heritage Field School. New Bulgarian University grants 12 ECTS credits for attending the four-week session. Transcripts of Records (ToR) are available upon request for an additional tuition fee. For details: Regulations for Obtaining Transcripts of Records.

Participants in the field school who do not need academic credit units are not expected to pay for them.