The Ancient Town of Nicopolis ad Istrum

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Founded by the Roman Emperor Trajan, this is a rare ‘Victory Town’, established to commemorate his victories over the Dacians in 101 and 106. This ancient settlement once spanned an area of 30 hectares, surrounded by fortress walls. The architecture that lined the network of streets was shared similarities to those found in Asia Minor - the most important of these appeared on the coins the town minted. During the early Byzantine period it served as an episcopal centre, until it was destroyed by the Avar invasions at the end of the 6th century. In the 10th century, a Bulgarian settlement rose from the ruins, until finally being abandoned for good in the 14th century. Today, visitors to this tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site can walk the Roman streets, to examining the foundations of buildings, columns, friezes and even ancient sewers in this archaeology park-cum-lapidarium.