The Paradise Birds of the Bishopʼs Basilica of Philippopolis Come to Life in a Game
On March 3rd, Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. childrenʼs writer and avid animal lover Elena Pavlova will be visiting the Great Basilica of Plovdiv to present the “100 Birds” trivia game, developed together with Milena Radeva, and to give 50 sets* away to the most curious visitors.
The game is inspired by the basilicaʼs unique mosaics of feathered creatures and aims to popularize Bulgariaʼs rich cultural heritage among the young people by presenting it an accessible and fun way. It consists of 52 cards with questions and answers, a game board, 4 colourful playing pieces, game instructions and brief information about the depicted birds, nested in a simple and convenient travel box.
The “100 Birds” project was implemented by the Union of Bulgarian Illustrators with the financial support of America for Bulgaria Foundation and in partnership with Ancient Plovdiv municipal institute. “For us, this is a very different initiative because it fits into a broader educational context. In addition to focusing on the cultural heritage, we also hope to draw the attention to often neglected topics such as the key role of birds in the ecosystemʼs health, as well as the importance of mosaics fine art — all aspects of our lives the younger generation will take up the baton to preserve,” commented Milena Radeva, founder of the Union of Bulgarian Illustrators.
The presentation of the “100 Birds” game will be accompanied by an exhibition (from February 26, 2024) featuring eleven educational panels with additional information about some of the feathered artifacts in the Great Basilica which can be visited every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fees: BGN 12 for adults and BGN 5 for students.
* Valid until all sets are given away.
