Places of interest
Nicopolis ad Istrum
Nicopolis ad Istrum is an ancient Roman town, located 18 km to the north from the town of Veliko Tarnovo. This town was established by the Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117) to commemorate his victory over the Dacians (106). The town is situated on the left bank of Rositsa river and has the architectural layout specific for that time – fortification wall with rectangular shape and four main gates, orthogonal system, clearly outlined neighborhoods (Insulae), a central square (agora), a town hall (senate) and a small theatre (Odeum). The rich architectural and sculptural decoration of the town shows similarities to some towns in Asia Minor – Efes, Milet and Palmira. The archeological complex Nicopolis ad Istrum includes also the necropolis and the Roman country houses located outside the fortification walls. Excavations here are still continuing. The town is transformed into outdoor museum and thousands of Bulgarian and foreign tourists and scientists visit it every year. The ancient town of Nicopolis ad Istrum is included in the indicative list of UNESCO in 1984.
Nicopolis ad Istrum is an ancient Roman town, located 18 km to the north from the town of Veliko Tarnovo. This town was established by the Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117) to commemorate his victory over the Dacians (106). The town is situated on the left bank of Rositsa river and has the architectural layout specific for that time – fortification wall with rectangular shape and four main gates, orthogonal system, clearly outlined neighborhoods (Insulae), a central square (agora), a town hall (senate) and a small theatre (Odeum). The rich architectural and sculptural decoration of the town shows similarities to some towns in Asia Minor – Efes, Milet and Palmira. The archeological complex Nicopolis ad Istrum includes also the necropolis and the Roman country houses located outside the fortification walls. Excavations here are still continuing. The town is transformed into outdoor museum and thousands of Bulgarian and foreign tourists and scientists visit it every year. The ancient town of Nicopolis ad Istrum is included in the indicative list of UNESCO in 1984.
