Ancient Town Nicopolis ad Istrum

Emperor Trajan ordered the construction of Nicopolis ad Istrum in 102, following his victories over the Dacians, to secure the Roman border along the Danube. The city, whose name means “City of Victory on the Danube” despite being situated on a tributary, experienced its golden age under Trajan, Hadrian, and the Antonine and Severan dynasties. Initially known as Nicopolis ad Haemum, the epithet “ad Istrum” later became more popular. From the late 2nd century, it belonged to the province of Moesia Inferior and developed into the most significant city in inland Moesia by the mid-4th century. After being damaged by Goth invasions in the 4th century, it was rebuilt in the 5th and 6th centuries before succumbing to the onslaught of the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century.

The ruins of the ancient city of Nicopolis ad Istrum are located in Bulgaria, approximately 18 km north of Veliko Tarnovo and 3 km southeast of the village of Nikyup in the Veliko Tarnovo district. The site lies at an elevation of approximately 68 m above sea level.

Visitors can explore the impressive remains of the ancient city of Nicopolis ad Istrum today. The area is designated as an archaeological reserve and offers insights into Roman urban planning, including excavated streets, sewage systems, and parts of the fortifications.

• Patriarchal Monastery of Sveta Troitsa (Sacred Building), approx. 10.5 km away
• Trapezitsa Fortress (Fortress), approx. 14.8 km away
• Tsarevets Fortress (Царевец) (Fortress), approx. 15.3 km away
• Roman Castellum Novae (Ancient Buildings), approx. 47.5 km away