About us
The Centre for Underwater Archaeology (CUA) is a Bulgarian state cultural institution
an independent legal entity funded by the national budget under the authority of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The main tasks of the institute are related to the preservation, research, and documentation of underwater cultural heritage within the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of Bulgaria in the Black Sea, as well as in the inland water bodies of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The Centre for Underwater Archaeology provides expert opinions upon request from state authorities and institutions in connection with the preservation of the underwater cultural heritage of the Republic of Bulgaria. Since its establishment in 1978, the CUA has been based in the town of Sozopol. The Center is the oldest institution of its kind in Eastern Europe and represents the first such organization to operate actively in the Black Sea basin.
Tracing the Footsteps of History
1978
Establishment of the First Underwater Archaeological Base in Bulgaria
On March 15, 1978, on the initiative of Prof. Aleksandar Fol, the Marine Research Base was founded in Sozopol – the first organization in the Black Sea region and Eastern Europe dedicated to the study of underwater cultural heritage.
1982
Renamed as the Center for Maritime History and Archaeology
The Base was restructured and became a branch of the Regional Directorate “Cultural and Historical Heritage” – Burgas, with expanded activities and research capacity.
1985
National Status
The Center was transferred to the National Polytechnic Museum – Sofia, in order to fulfill national tasks in the field of underwater archaeology, beyond the framework of regional subordination.
1992
Creation of a Central Base under the Ministry of Culture
By Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 127, a Central Base for Underwater Archaeological Research was established under the Ministry of Culture – recognition of the Center’s strategic role at the national level.
2002
Establishment of the Center for Underwater Archaeology as a Cultural Institute
By Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 128 of 2002, the Center for Underwater Archaeology was established as a state cultural institute under the Ministry of Culture – a structure that continues to function to this day.
2003
Bulgaria Ratifies the UNESCO Convention
Thanks to the accumulated expertise of the Center for Underwater Archaeology and the efforts of dedicated experts and policymakers, Bulgaria became the first country in Europe to ratify the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
2024
Application to UNESCO for a Regional Institute
On the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and with the active participation of the Center for Underwater Archaeology, Bulgaria submitted an official application to UNESCO for the establishment of a Category 2 Regional Institute based in Sozopol – for the Black Sea region.
Our team
Director
Maritime Archaeologist
Maritime Archaeologist
Maritime Archaeologist
