Nicopolis ad Istrum, Roman archaeological site in Veliko Tarnovo Province, Bulgaria.
Nicopolis ad Istrum is an ancient city with straight streets that intersect at right angles, following Roman urban planning principles. The excavations reveal remains of buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure spread across a large area.
Emperor Trajan founded the city between 106 and 110 CE to commemorate his victory over the Dacians in the northern Balkans. It became an important administrative and trade center in the region.
The site shows how craftspeople from Eastern Mediterranean regions blended Roman building methods with local traditions in their work. Walking through the remains, you can see how different cultural influences came together in the structures.
The site has informational panels in Bulgarian and English to help you understand the different areas. There are benches, tables, and water sources where you can take breaks while exploring.
The burial grounds show features that are more typical of North African design than of standard European patterns from that era. This reveals unexpected connections between this Balkan city and distant Roman regions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
