Abritus, Archaeological site in Razgrad, Bulgaria

Abritus is a Roman fortress in Razgrad featuring substantial stone defensive walls built across a wide area. The site today contains the remains of its main gates, residential quarters, administrative buildings, and a museum displaying finds from the excavations.

The fortress was built during Roman rule as a military and administrative center in the region. In 251 AD a major battle took place here between Roman forces and Gothic warriors, marking a turning point in the province's history.

The name Abritus is Latin for "steep", according to linguists. Two Christian churches were found in the city: a three-aisled one in the western part of the fortress and a single-aisled basilica at its highest eastern end, surrounded by many farm buildings. A bishop named Marcian is recorded here around 458.

The site is open and walkable, allowing visitors to grasp the scale and layout of the ancient settlement across its grounds. The attached museum and multimedia center provide context through displayed artifacts and informational panels about life in the fortress.

The 835 gold coins found just inside the eastern wall, weighing 4 kg and dating from the 5th century, form the largest late antique gold hoard in Bulgaria. They were probably buried during the Gothic invasion of 487. The coins are well preserved, with legible inscriptions and reliefs.