A first phase of the archaeological excavation, which started in an area near St. Vlas’ mausoleum in the Gökmedrese district of Sivas province in Türkiye, has been completed. Around 10,000 historical artifacts, tandoors, floors, water wells and 22 walls were discovered during excavations in the area.

Among the walls found, the most remarkable was a 20-meter-long and 3.5-meter-wide wall. Art historians believe that this is the wall described in legends regarding St. Vlas’s burial place. After being martyred by the Romans, St. Vlas was buried by a woman at the bottom of Sivas’ walls, according to legend.

Furthermore, nearly 1200 churches have been named after St. Vlas, who lived in the third century AD.