Bulgaria Inside

Remains of the ancient Roman settlement Nicopolis ad Istrum are situated 18 km north of Veliko Turnovo, on the road to Rousse. The settlement was founded in the 2nd century AD by emperor Trajan. Nicopolis ad Istrum means city of the Danube victory.

The city was situated on a crossroad. It was near the important roads to present-time Varna and the road connecting present-time Svishtov to Istanbul.

As every city in the Roman empire that appeared accidentally, construction features straight streets that cross each other an angles of 90 degrees. Archaeologists found out that the settlement initially lacked fortress walls. These were constructed later on, after a devastating barbarian assault.

A gate was situated somewhere close to the walls. The main gate, however, was situated in the west, looking towards the capital of the empire. It was called Romana gate. The town had sewerage system.

Excavations revealed some of the community buildings. A small theater, shops and municipal buildings were discovered around the main square. A public bath was situated there, as well. Some of the buildings featured floor heating systems.

The settlement could mint its own coins. Archaeologists discovered nearly 1000 types of bronze coins, featuring various images. People of several religions lived there, which explains the variety of funeral rituals in the region.

According to historians, the ancient settlement was destroyed in the beginning of the 7th century during an assault. The remains gained fame and were researched in the 20th century. Research continued once again in 2007.

Today, tourists have been granted free access to the remains.