Bononia, Archaeological site in Vidin Municipality, Bulgaria
Bononia is a Roman-era settlement that spans several hectares along the southern bank of the Danube River, with exposed fortification walls and building foundations visible across the site. The uncovered structures reveal how the ancient post was organized and why it mattered as a frontier station.
The Romans founded this settlement in the 1st century AD as a military outpost to guard their northern frontier. The site was expanded and reinforced over time, with extensive defensive structures that served for several centuries.
The local museum displays objects from the Roman period found here, including bronze sculptures and stone inscriptions that reveal daily life and values of the time. These artifacts connect visitors to the people who once inhabited this riverside settlement.
The site sits right next to the medieval Baba Vida fortress, making it easy to visit both places together. Ongoing excavation work continues to uncover new sections, so different areas may be revealed or closed depending on the current work.
The site is part of the UNESCO nomination Frontiers of the Roman Empire and represents the empire's northern defensive line along the Danube. This recognition connects it with a network of similar Roman frontier posts across Europe.
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