Roman City Nicopolis ad Nestum

Nicopolis ad Nestum was founded in 106 AD by Emperor Trajan to commemorate his victory in the Second Dacian War. The name means 'City of Victory on the Nestos,' named after the Mesta River. The city emerged on the site of an earlier Thracian settlement and developed into an important economic and cultural hub. It was one of three fortified cities founded by Trajan after his victory in the Balkans. Its favorable location on important trade routes leading to the Aegean Sea and Philippopolis significantly contributed to its rise. From the 2nd to the 6th century, the city experienced its golden age until it was destroyed by Slavs and Avars at the end of the 6th century. In the 9th and 10th centuries, it was re-established under the name Nicopol but only existed until the 13th century, perishing during the Crusades.

The ancient remains of Nicopolis ad Nestum are located in Bulgaria, near the village of Garmen in the Goze Deltschew district, within the Blagoevgrad Oblast. The site is situated at an elevation of approximately 525 m above sea level.

Today, visitors can explore the impressive ruins of the Roman city of Nicopolis ad Nestum. Excavations have uncovered a 280-meter-long city wall, foundations of administrative buildings, and religious sites. Particularly noteworthy are the remains of the city wall, which in places stand up to six meters high, as well as the ruins of a city wall tower and former residential buildings. The public baths (thermae) in the southern city center are also still recognizable, with their changing rooms, hot and cold pools, and underfloor heating. Archaeological finds such as coins, statues, and mosaic floors testify to its former splendor. Some of these finds are exhibited in the historical museum of Goze Deltschew.

• Slavova Fortress (Fortress), approx. 34.9 km away
• Tsepina Fortress (Цепина) (Fortress), approx. 60.9 km away
• Samuil's Fortress (Fortress), approx. 67.8 km away
• Rila Monastery (Sacred Building), approx. 70.7 km away