Implementation period: 2006 ÷ 2007 years. Value of the implemented project activities – EUR 245 960,00. Phare funded to the European Union.
The main objective of the project was to create a quality product for cultural tourism through archaeological research, conservation, restoration, socialization and provision of adequate access to St. Nikola church, the Fortress of Despot Slav, St. Haralampius Monastery and Virgin Mary Spileotisa Monastery – part of the Archaeological Complex Despot Slav’s Fortress in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Melnik Archaeological Reserve, Municipality Sandanski, District Blagoevgrad.

The project enabled strengthening human resource capacity in site management, devising a cultural tourism development plan for the region and conducting theoretical and practical training in archaeology, conservation and restoration. A Cultural heritage promotion centre was set up under the project.