Nicopolis Ad Istrum

     Just 28 km north of Veliko Tarnovo you can visit the ancient Roman city of Nicopolis ad Istrum. Its name translated from Latin means “City of Victory on the Danube”. It was founded in 102. after Christ by the Roman emperor Trajan in honor of his victory over the Dacians.

     The town is located on the left bank of the river Rositsa, which was its main water source. This is evidenced by the remains of a specially built aqueduct with an incredible length of 25 km – starting from the cave near Musina and passing through the village of Dichin.

     Nicopolis ad Istrum was fortified with defensive fortress walls, and its streets were built at right angles, forming the so-called Hippodamian system. Even today you can see the preserved roads in the city, built of huge stone blocks.

     The ancient city had a small theater called “Odeon”, a central town square or also known as “Agora”, a ring colonnade, a city council – “Bulevteriona”, a public toilet – “Latrina” and a public bathroom – “Termi” . Many different buildings with exotic names, typical of ancient urban planning.

     The city square (Agora) of Nikolopolis ad Istrum is built on a level higher than other roads in the city. It could only be reached on foot. The city theater (Odeon) was located on it, which had a capacity of 400 seats and 11 shops.

     There are also many necropolises in the city, some of which have raised mounds. This was imposed by the diverse ethnic and social system of Nicopolis ad Istrum, which led to a variety of funeral rites.

     During Bulgarian-British archeological excavations in the ancient city in 1986-1989, 55 species of birds were found, some of which have already become extinct, such as: bearded vulture, dragonfly, sokeritsa, white angel and others.

     Thanks to the Operational Program “Regional Development” from December 2012. almost BGN 2 million have been invested in Nikopolis ad Istrum for the improvement and modernization of the reserve. With the help of this initiative, the city welcomes Bulgarian and international guests who want to touch its incredible history and magic. Every year a Roman Festival is organized here, performances of battles from Roman times, as well as activities from that time.

      For directions to Nikopolis ad Istrum from Chamurkov guest house in Veliko Tarnovo click on this link