Bulgarian archaeologists discovered in the town of Sandanski a bronze cross, which is estimated to be 1500-years-old.

The cross, which was found during excavations in the Bishop’s basilica, had been used in liturgical processions in the 5th and 6th centuries AD, private News 7 TV reports.

The Bishop’s basilica is one of the largest archaeological monuments from the early Christian period in Bulgaria.

The discovery was unexpected as it was thought that all movable monuments and vessels used in liturgies had been taken out by the clergy when the basilica went on fire.

Prior to the discovery of the 55-centimetre cross, archaeologists had unearthed two similar crosses, but of smaller size.

The archaeological excavations at the basilica should be completed by the end of the summer.

The cross will be exhibited at an archaeological park in a museum in Sandanski, where most of the early Christian monuments will be displayed.