EXPLORATIONS IN A SANCTUARY NEAR THE TOWN OF BATAK (Kostadin Kisyov – kostadin_kissiov@abv.bg) The central and southern parts of the rocky mountain peak with an area of 0.1 ha was explored. The sanctuary was surrounded with a wall built of stones in opus emplectum without bonding medium. A structure with an irregular quadrangle layout, measuring 8 m by 7 m and built of uneven stones, was discovered. It dates to the 4th century AD and sherds were found in its interior. A second construction with circular layout and 6 m in diameter, built of uneven stones and dated to the 4th century AD, was discovered nearby. Sherds and fragments of clay eschara decorated with stamped cord and dated to the Late Hellenistic period were found between the stones of both constructions. Three circular clay altars were discovered. The first altar dates to the 4th century AD and was destroyed. Its surface was decorated with geometric motifs by stamped cord. A small ceramic bowl was found close to it. The second altar is 1.10 m in diameter and 30 cm in height. A large ceramic vessel, a small bowl and two round terracotta plates were found close to it. A coin of Constantine the Great was found within the large vessel. Sherds were found close to the third altar dated to the Late Hellenistic period. The sanctuary had two periods of functioning. The first one is in the Late Hellenistic period and the surrounding wall and the staircase were built in that time. The second period dates to the 4th century AD.