During May, October, and November, the first phase of the conservation and restoration project for the walls of the Theodosian Palace was successfully completed. This initiative forms part of a broader conservation effort for the palace, funded by the American J.M. Kaplan Fund. The work focused on the walls of the western rooms, which were in a critical state of deterioration. Conservation efforts were led by Trajče Nacev, David Carrington, and Graham Aubrey, supported by an international team of professionals — including conservators, architects, and archaeologists—from the National Institution Stobi, the National Conservation Center, the Balkan Heritage Foundation, and Skillington Workshop, representing N. Macedonia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and Greece.

A highlight of this project is the application of the "conserve as found" approach for the first time at Stobi and probably in the wider region of Macedonia. This method emphasizes minimal intervention, replacing only the most deteriorated stones and mortar with materials nearly identical to the originals. Lime mortar, free of cement, was used exclusively, ensuring the preservation of the walls' original form, including all their irregularities, stone types, mortar details, and joint patterns. This approach consolidates the structure and halts further degradation while maintaining its authentic appearance. Unlike the prevalent practice of idealized reconstruction in our country, the walls retain their historical character and do not appear artificially restored.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Balkan Heritage Foundation from Bulgaria, with Silvana Blaževska and Dimitar Nikolovski as coordinators from the National Institution Stobi.

Click here for gallery.