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.

Trajan founded the city around 102–106, as shown on Trajan's Column, at the junction of the Iatrus and Rositsa rivers where his army had gathered for the Dacian Wars. The Costoboci ransacked it in 170–171, after which the walls were built. It prospered under the Severans, was destroyed by Attila's Huns in 447, and rebuilt with a smaller circuit.

Greek was the city's official language, and its council of archons and assembly of demos ran civic life. A college of priests maintained the cult of the reigning emperor alongside Zeus, Hera, Athena, Heracles, Asclepius, Mithras and Cybele. In 347–348 the Gothic bishop Ulfilas settled nearby and devised the Gothic alphabet, overseeing the translation of the Bible into Gothic.

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.

In 347–348 the Gothic bishop Ulfilas settled near the city with his converts and devised the Gothic alphabet here, overseeing the translation of the Bible from Greek into Gothic. The city was also an episcopal seat: the names of two early bishops, Marcellus (451) and Amantius (518), are recorded.