The ruins of the Roman city Nicopolis ad Istrum are about 20 kilometers north from Veliko Tarnovo, on the road to Ruse, 3 kilometers southeast of the village Nikyup on the left bank of the Rosica River.
The city was founded during the 2nd century by the Roman Emperor Trayan, in honor of his victory over the Dacians in the year 106. For this reason, the city was sometimes known as the City of Victory on the Danube. Located at a crossroads of North, South, East and West, the city reached its peak during the reign of the Severans (from the end of the 2nd century to the beginning of the 3rd century). During this period, more than 1,000 types of bronze coins were cut in the city. The city was laid out in an orthogonal system, i.e. straight streets, oriented on the four cardinal directions, intersecting at right angles.
In the beginning, the city did not have defenses, and it was devastated by the Barbarians in 172. After the devastation, 8 meter walls were built around the city, above which rose 12 meter high towers. The power supply of the city is provided by three aqueducts, the longest reaches 26 kilometers.
Remains of public buildings, temples, and shops attest to the prosperity of the city. Excavations made by archaeologists and conservation work have helped to return this city lost in the 7th century (destroyed in an attack by the Avars, according to historians). We encourage you to visit this place if you have an interest in the Roman era.
Museum
Historical Monument
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Veliko Tarnovo