North Macedonia: Stobi Architectural Conservation (IFR)

Location: Stobi Ancient Theater, E75, Gradsko, North Macedonia

Session Dates: May 23 – June 5, 2026

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/north-macedonia-stobi-architectural-conservation/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), Balkan Heritage Foundation (BHF)

Project Director:
Dr. David Carrington

Project Description:

Learn the art and science of heritage preservation at our archaeological field school in ancient Stobi, once a thriving urban center in Roman Macedonia. Your fieldwork will focus on the iconic Theodosian Palace—an outstanding example of Roman residential architecture adorned with intricate mosaics, a grand peristyle court, and richly decorated rooms. As part of the Balkan Heritage Foundation’s ongoing conservation project, this program offers a holistic, hands-on approach to preserving Roman and Late Roman structures by blending engaging lectures on Roman masonry, practical workshops, and guided excursions that deepen your understanding of heritage conservation in a real-world setting. Make the most of your summer by developing essential skills in practical conservation techniques while contributing to this vibrant region’s rich cultural legacy!

Field school highlights:

• Gain in-depth training in preventive and interventive conservation, archaeological survey, advanced documentation methods, and more.
• Work with local experts and a dynamic international team to support the sustainable conservation of Stobi’s Theodosian Palace.
• Enjoy guided excursions to renowned heritage sites like Bitola, Heraclea Lyncestis, and UNESCO-listed Ohrid Lake while immersing yourself in the heart of the scenic and complex Balkan region.

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman, Early Byzantine, Classical

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Participants stay at the recently renovated, air-conditioned cabins at the archaeological base camp next to the ancient site of Stobi. Students will be housed in rooms with 2–3 beds each. Each cabin has 4 bedrooms, a living room, and 2 bathrooms with showers. A washing machine and Wi-Fi are available for free. The Stobi cleaning staff will clean and disinfect the rooms & bathrooms and common spaces every day. In the beginning of the field school students will be introduced to the safety protocol for the hotel, the shuttle and the site upon arrival. The closest village to Stobi is Gradsko (5 km), where there are grocery stores, a pharmacy, an ATM, and medical facilities. The closest big supermarket, drug-stores, pharmacies, banks with ATMs and hospitals are in the city of Negotino (13 km from Stobi). Meals: Three meals (fresh, homemade food) per day are covered by the reimbursement fee. Meals usually take place at the field house premises, except for lunch packages during excursions. This field school can accommodate vegetarians, vegans and individuals with lactose-intolerance diets. Kosher and gluten-free diets are impossible to accommodate at this location.

Academic Credit:
4 semester (6 quarter)