Fresco-Hunting Expedition to Medieval Balkan Churches, Bulgaria

1. The Standard Field Project (16 - 30 May) is comprised of:

Fieldwork that entails the creation of both graphic (drawn) and photographic records of ecclesiastic edifices and frescos (two to three churches will be in the focus of study);

Educational course - specialized lectures in South East European Medieval History, Orthodox iconography, introduction to Documental Photography, Fresco Conservation and Restoration as well as Workshops for Graphic Documentation (drawn and photographic record) and Processing of Digital Images and Development of Digital Archives.

Excursions/guided tours of Sofia and the Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bulgaria and the following 14th-century sites in Serbia: Poganovo Monastery, Sveti Nikola church in Stanichene, Momchilov Grad Fortress in Pirot (refer to the Field School Agenda!).

2. The Extended Field School Project (16 May - 6 June is comprised of:

All the elements of the Standard Project mentioned above during the first two project weeks;   

Introduction to Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), a powerful technique to expose minute surface details by dynamic relighting;

Study-trips to prospective sites in Western Bulgaria assessing their current condition and potential to be included in the expedition’s agenda;

Photo-excursions to medieval eccelsiastic monuments in Eastern Serbia.