The Roman
Emperors Route
and the Danube
Wine Route
20 ancient Roman sites + 12 wine regions in Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia
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Romans and Danube | tour operators
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Table of Content
03
Explore
the Roman Emperors Route
and the Danube Wine Route
(introductory), Table of Contents, Impressum
04
Highlights
of the Roman Emperors
and the Danube Wine Routes
08
Romans
along the Danube:
Timeline, List of Emperors
11
The Danube Limes:
Roman Imperial Navy
on the Danube
13
Travel RER and DWR:
One-week Trip along the Routes
16
Roman Sites
along the Roman Emperors Route
and the Danube Wine Route
24
Wine Regions
along the Roman Emperors Route
and the Danube Wine Route
29
What else can I do?
Further activities along Danube
www.danube.travel
31
Support services on RER and DWR:
Tour operators, Travel agencies
CIP - Каталогизација у публикацији
Народна библиотека Србије, Београд
634.8(497 Подунавље)(036)
338.48(37)(036)
SORGES, Jürgen
The Roman Emperors Route and the Danube
Wine Route / [Jürgen Sorges ; photography
Miodrag Bogdanović ... [et al.]. - 1st ed. Belgrade : Danube Competence Center, 2013
(Belgrade : Lighthouse). - 29 str. : fotogr.
; 30 cm
Podatak o autoru preuzet iz kolofona. - Tiraž
2.000.
ISBN 978-86-88595-04-9
a) Винарство - Подунавље - Водичи b)
Градови, римски - Водичи
COBISS.SR-ID 202658828
Explore
Roman Emperors Route
and the Danube Wine Route
the
Located in the Middle and Lower Danube Region, the Roman Emperors
Route (RER) and the Danube Wine Route are part of the European network
of cultural routes. The main objective of the routes, encompassing 20 spots
along the Roman Emperors Route and 12 wine regions along the banks
of the Danube, is the promotion and development of cultural cross-border
tourism in the Danube regions of Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia,
which contribute profoundly to the European heritage and cultural identity. Visitors will easily discover the great value of the sites along the most
exciting and second longest European river. You can try the overwhelmingly beautiful long-distance experience of crossing the entire area from
the Adriatic Sea to the Danube Delta (the Black Sea), or you can spend
your holidays discovering only parts of the route-it’s up to you. Whether
you’re hiking, driving, cycling, travelling by boat or train, or combining the
lot, the cross-border journey along the ancient Roman Danube Limes will
reveal the outstanding natural beauty of the river Danube and hidden historic and archeological treasures, still mostly unknown in the western and
northern Europe. Some of the archeological sites have been discovered,
excavated and scientifically researched only recently, during the last two
decades. Treasure hunters and collectors will be amazed by the abundance
and quality of evidence of ancient Roman presence in this part of Europe.
The best way to explore the long forgotten Roman arts and architecture is
to go slowly. Take your time to marvel the breathtaking mountains, valleys
and vineyards spread across the rolling hills. Viticulture here is over two
thousand years old. The wines produced here were among the best in Europe in the 19th century. Vineyards will keep beckoning you to come and
taste local dishes and wines along the way. Wine tasting is offered in perfectly restored and modernized wineries, many of them boasting hundreds
of years of grape growing tradition. Local and regional food and wine will
convince even the most sceptical gourmets and wine enthusiasts. Today,
many internationally recognised grape varieties compete with the traditional ones, which are proudly cultivated as unique symbols of regional
identity. Red, white, or rosé ‒ a wide range of products and a growing list
of international awards show the ever-bigger efforts of wine makers along
the Danube Wine Route. Definitely taste the big brands but never forget the
small, family-run wine cellars-they are an experience in itself!
Time is the key ingredient of a successful holiday on these routes. International, national, regional and local tour operators will happily show
you around, whether you prefer organised group travel or individual, tailor-made experience. They will make sure you have all the comfort you
need. Top notch food and brand new accommodation, new roads, bridges
across the Danube and the friendliest border control officers guarantee
smooth travels. Museums, beautiful towns showing off a variety of architecturall styles and nature parks are always worth a stop. If you are still
not convinced, consider the unbeatable hospitality and friendliness of the
locals living along the routes. So, pack up, come and enjoy our tours and
take home unforgettable memories.
Danube Competence Center (DCC)
Čika Ljubina 8/I, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Phone: +381 (0)11 655 7116; Fax: +381 (0)11 263 0399
Email: [email protected] Web: www.danubecc.org
IMPRESSUM
For publisher: Boris Čamernik, General Secretary
Author: Jürgen Sorges
Editor: Danko Ćosić
Proofreading and editing: Jelena Milićević
Design: Miodrag Bogdanović
Photography: Miodrag mitja Bogdanović, Stjepan Felber, Mislav
Pavošević, Archeological Museum of Narona, Vlasta Klarić, Varaždinske
Toplice Heritage Museum, Martin Bahmann, Conrad Cichorius,
Dragoljub Zamurović, TOS Archive, Ministry of Economy and Energy of
the Republic of Bulgaria, Gica Baestan, Ivan Rous, Romanian National
Authority for Tourism, DCC Archive
EDITOR`S NOTE / Responsibility of content: DCC
Print: Lighthouse, Belgrade
Circulation: 2000 1st edition 2013
ISBN 978-86-88595-04-9
The Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route
3
Highlights
of the
Roman Emperors and the Danube Wine Routes
recommended by Jürgen
Sorges, travel journalist from Germany
Sirmium
Colonia Pietas
Iulia Pola Pollentia
Herculanea and
Insullae Pullariae
Colonia Ulpia Traiana
Augusta Dacica
Sarmizegetusa
Pula and Brijuni Island,
Croatia
Visit the religious and secular monuments in
and outside the town walls (500 x 600 metres)
of the former Roman regional capital of Dacia.
It was established several years after the final
fall of Dacian stronghold Sarmizegetusa Regia, some 40 km away. Visit the Archeological
Museum and the exhibition on the first floor,
opened on 18 September 2010 (Trajan`s birthday). If you get hungry, there are two restaurants at the entrance to the archeological site
offering traditional Romanian food.
See page 20 ▲
Pula has a 3,000-year-old history. It was conquered
by the Romans in 177 BC. Visit the town’s landmark, the amphitheatre (also known as “Arena”),
built under the first Emperor Augustus and reconstructed by Emperor Vespasianus. Admire the
Arch of the Sergii, erected 29–27 BC, the Temple
of Rome and Augustus, the Roman city walls, the
Gate of Hercules, the Twin Gates (Porta Gemina),
ruins of the Small Roman Theatre and feel the slow
pace of the old city centre adorned with Medieval
and Renaissance buildings, the Byzantine chapel of
St Mary Formosa, St. Francis Church and Pula Cathedral. Admire the ancient Roman settlements and
villas of the famous Brijuni Islands, Austro-Hungarian fortresses and numerous dinosaur footprints on the island of Veliki Brijun. Observe the
flora, fauna and sea world of the Brijuni National
Park and have a walk around the island that was a
former summer residence of Josip Broz Tito.
See page 19 ▲
4
The Roman Emperors Route
Sarmizegetusa, Romania
Felix Romuliana
Gamzigrad, Zaječar, Serbia
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll
and relax in this well preserved and maintained
area. Explore Emperor Galerius’ palace and
admire his porphyry bust in Zaječar’s Archeological Museum.
See page 22 ▼
Ilok Winery
“Stari Podrum”
Ilok, Croatia
Walk through the 15th- and 18th-century wine
cellars, do the wine tasting and enjoy the famous Traminac white wines, eat out and spend
the night in the new rooms of the old cellar
complex. Want something more sophisticated?
Take a guided tour or cycle to the vineyards,
have a glass of wine, dinner and spend the night
at the noble, Italian-style Odescalchi Country
Villa at Ladanjsko imanje Principovac.
See page 26 ▲
Kale Fortress
Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Feel the breeze and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views from the Kale fortress, originally built
by the Romans, protected by the massive rocks.
Discover the secret tunnel to the downtown
mosque. Don’t miss the prehistoric drawings
in Magura Cave (25 km away) and relax with
a good glass of sparkling wine at the Magura
Cave Winery, one of the top seven wineries in
the Vidin wine region.
See page 18 ▼
Negotin
Wine Region
Negotin, Serbia
Before driving 25 km from Negotin and enjoying a glass of over two-hundred-year old wine
at Rajacke Pimnice and Rogljevo Pimnice, the
twin candidates for the UNESCO World Heritage List, do some sightseeing of Negotin. Then
do the wine tasting in the friendly atmosphere of
Rogljevo and have a delicious traditional Serbian meal at Rajacke Pimnice. Stay overnight!
See page 28 ▲
Pleven Wine Museum
5 km from Pleven, Bulgaria
The privately run unique wine museum in Bulgaria is situated in an artificial cave. It offers a
profound view into Thracian, Greek and Roman
wine history and presents all major Bulgarian
wines since 1912. After the guided tour, enjoy
the wine tasting, relax in the Kaylaka Park and
spend the night at the Park Hotel Kaylaka. Visit
the Pleven Regional Museum, Pleven Diorama
and Ulpia Oescus, just 55 km away from Pleven.
See page 25 ▼
Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia
Visit the outstanding Imperial Palace, take a
guided tour of the ancient Roman capital (often called “the mother of cities”) on a guided
city tour up toon the river Sava, admire golden coins of Empress Helena and the Venus of
Sremska Mitrovica in the town museum, have
a break at the chic coffee shop or at the restaurant inside the Imperial Palace.
See page 23 ▲
Spalatum Diocletian`s
Palace and Salona
City of Split, Croatia
Visit the vibrant city of Split with its wide range
of attractions, starting from the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, built for retirement of the Emperor in 305 AD. The Palace and historic city
around it have been included in UNESCO’s register of World Cultural Heritage in 1979. Enjoy
Croatian hospitality, food and wines in taverns
and restaurants, visit the archeological museum
and drive 5 km off Split to Solin to visit ruins of
Salona, the Croatian Pompeii, once the capital of
Roman Province of Dalmatia, destroyed in the
middle of the 7th century by Avars and Slavs,
today existing as a charming historical hub.
See page 19 ▼
Vinju Mare Winery,
Oltenia Wine Region
Vinju Mare, Romania
Explore the delicious red wines, especially
those made from the rare, native grape variety,
Feteasca Neagra. Ask for the dry red wine
Prince Vlad. Treat yourself with the sweet, traditional Tămâioasă Românească white wine
(Romanian Muscatel) or have a glass of the extraordinary Merlot Rosé (it may contain 15.7 %
alcohol)! Don’t miss the drive to the new vineyards on the Gipsy’s Hill, where they expect
outstanding harvests in the forthcoming years.
See page 27 ▲
and the
Danube Wine Route
5
The
Roman Emperors Route
and the
Danube Wine Route
• ADRIATIC SEA • ARCHEOLOGY • ARCHITECTURE • BERMET
• BLACK WINE • CONSTANTINE THE GREAT • CULINARIAN
DELIGHTS • CULTURAL HERITAGE • DANUBE RIVER • GOLD
• GOURMET EXPERIENCE • MARBLE • MICROCLIMATE
• MUSEUMS • ROMAN STATUES • ROMANTIC CITIES •
SENSATIONS, SOIL, SUN • TERROIR • TRAJAN • TREASURES •
PROMENADES • RIVER BANKS • FOUR COUNTRIES • VINEYARDS
• WINE CELLARS • WINE TASTINGS • WINE ROUTES
6
The Roman Emperors Route
and the
Danube Wine Route
7
List of 21
Illyrian Roman
emperors
connected
with the
Danube region,
the Roman
Emperors and
the Danube
Wine Routes
(249–565 AD)
Trajan Decius ‒ ruled: 249–251
Hostilianus ‒ ruled in 251
Claudius II Gothicus ‒ ruled: 268–270
(either from Illyricum or Moesia Superior,
Thrace)
Quintillus ‒ ruled in 270
Aurelian ‒ ruled: 270–275 (either from
Dacia ripensis, Dacia or Illyricum)
Probus ‒ ruled: 276–282
Diocletian ‒ ruled: 284–305
Maximianus Herculius ‒ ruled: 286–305
Galerius ‒ ruled: 305‒311
8 AD: Roman author Ovid (Publius Ovidius
Naso; 20 March 43 BC – 17 AD) is exiled by
Augustus to Tomis (today: Constanta, Romania) and dies there. He is the first to mention
the Roman Navy Fleet on the Danube (12 AD).
The Roman
Emperors and
the Danube
Wine Routes
Timeline
From 14th c. BC to 1453 AD
Wine
14th‒10th century BC: Thracians cultivate wine
grapes. Homer mentions a magic Thracian wine
in his Iliad and Odyssey. One of the oldest wine
grapes is Bulgarian Mavrud.
Thracians worship the Orphic wine god Zagreus; ancient Greeks identify him with Dionysus, Romans with Bacchus. Thracians never
mix wine with other ingredients or water.
650–250 BC: Greek colonial cities on the coast
of the Black Sea use the Danube for navigation
and trade as far as the Iron Gates of the Danube,
which they could not pass through. The main
trading goods are wine, oil and ceramics.
1st century BC: Romans adopt this tradition,
establish new trading posts, and plant more
vineyards.
Anastasius I ‒ ruled: 491–518
Roman Republic, First Emperors
229‒228 BC: Roman navy ships cross the Adriatic Sea. The invasion leads to the First Illyrian
War, followed by the second one in 220‒219 BC.
168 BC: Gentius, last king of Illyricum, is defeated.
75 BC: Roman troops reach the Iron Gates of
the Danube.
27 BC: Official inauguration of Roman province Illyria after heavy military campaigns in
35–33 BC by Octavian, Rome’s first emperor
Augustus. Romans follow the ancient Adriatic
Sea ‒ Black Sea connection, also mentioned in
the famous myth of Jason and the Argonauts.
Roman and Wine Routes follow it, too.
12–9 BC: Pannonian Wars extend the territory
of Illyricum to Istria and the river Sava (Croatia). Salona (today: Solin, near Split, Croatia)
becomes capital, Naissus (today: Niš, Serbia)
the seat of military command.
Justin I ‒ ruled: 518–527 (either Thracian
or Illyrian, born in Moesia, Thrace)
1–100 AD
Justinian I ‒ ruled: 527–565
6–9 AD: Great Illyrian Revolt: Romans divide the province into Pannonia (north) and
Dalmatia (south, today: Croatia) in 10 AD. The
term Illyricum remains. In the late Roman Empire it is used for all Roman Balkan provinces
along the Danube.
Constantine I the Great ‒ ruled: 306–337
Maximinus Daia ‒ ruled: 308–313
Jovian ‒ ruled: 363–364
Valentinianus I ‒ ruled: 364–375
Valens ‒ ruled: 364–378
Gratian ‒ ruled: 375–383
Valentinianus II ‒ ruled: 375–392
Marcianus ‒ rule:d 450–457 (either from
Illyricum or Moesia, Thrace)
Leo I ‒ ruled: 457–474
8
The Roman Emperors Route
From 33 AD: Romans build roads, strongholds and fortresses along the new Danube
military border line. Cities of Celtic origin such
as Singidunum (today: Belgrade, Serbia) or
Noviodunum (today: near Isaccea, Romania)
are fortified. A total of 100 Roman military
sites and settlements have been identified
along the Danube, from Croatia to the Black
Sea (Romania, Bulgaria).
87‒88 AD: Emperor Domitian leads a military
campaign against the Dacians (today Romania).
Five legions are ambushed and defeated by the
Dacian king Decebalus (rules: 87–106; original
name: Diurpaneus) at Tapae. In 88, the Romans
are defeated again at the same location.
End of 1st century AD: Seven Roman legions
(1 legion = 6,000 soldiers) control the new
provinces: three in Pannonia, two in Moesia,
two in Dalmatia. The Danube military path controls the Danube Limes (Water Limes; today:
from Austria to Bulgaria, Romania). Roman
Navy Fleet (Classis Pannonica, Classis Histrica,
Classis Moesica) controls the river.
101–200 AD
101‒102: Trajan (Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Divi Nervae filius Augustus; 18 Sep 53–9
Aug 117; emperor: 98–117) conquers the Kingdom of Dacia (today: Romania) in two wars.
During the first military campaign (25 March to
May 101), Trajan’s troops cross the Danube and
defeat the Dacian army, again at Tapae (today:
near the Iron Gates of Transylvania, Romania).
Decebalus, also known as “the Brave”, launches counterattacks. Trajan returns and forces him
into a peace deal and to pay tax.
103: Pannonia is split into two provinces: Upper Pannonia and Lower Pannonia. Sirmium
(today: Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia) becomes
capital of Lower Pannonia.
103–105: Apollodorus of Damascus builds Trajan’s Bridge over the Danube. The bridge ruins
can be seen near Drobeta Turnu Severin (Romania) and 4 km away from Kladovo (Serbia).
105‒106: Roman victory after the siege of
Sarmizegetusa (today: Sarmizegetusa Regia,
Romania, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site). The
Dacian capital is destroyed, Decebalus commits
suicide. In the 20th century, he is commemorated with Europe’s tallest stone sculpture at the
Iron Gates of the Danube. Trajan builds a new
capital Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana, 40 km
away from the old one. A memorial plaque, Tabula Traiana, commemorates the completion of
Trajan’s military road at the Iron Gates. Trajan
creates a first tow path and a ship canal, too. Trajan’s Column (Rome, completed in 113 AD) records the triumph of Trajan’s campaign in detail.
106–109: Colonia Ulpia Oescus (today: village
of Gigen, Bulgaria) becomes one of the biggest
Roman settlements along the Lower Danube.
107: Limes Transalutanus is built in what is
Romania today. The 235 km long border runs
from south to north, with military strongholds,
valla with wooden palisades. It is extended under Iulius Severus (120–126) and finished under
Emperor Septimius Severus (193–211).
108‒109: Tropaeum Traiani, a Roman memorial of victory and defeat, is erected in the
Roman province of Lower Moesia (today:
Adamclisi, Constanta County, Romania). The
structure, inspired by the mausoleum of Augustus in Rome, is inscribed with the names
of 3,000 legionaries and auxiliary soldiers who
died in the battles of Tropae. The monument is
restored in 1977. Archeological artefacts are
displayed in the nearby museum.
117–138: Emperor Hadrian (Publius Aelius
Traianus Hadrianus Augustus; 24 Jan 76–10
July 138; emperor: 117–138), successor and
earlier legate of a legion and the governor of
Upper Pannonia (today: partly Croatia), orders
the dismantling of Trajan’s Bridge to protect
the Empire from invasions. He consolidates the
Danube Limes with outposts, watchtowers and
fortifications. Roman Empire reaches its peak.
Hadrian orders the assassination of Apollodorus
of Damascus (65–130) after a disagreement
over architectural designs. The bust of the architect can be admired in front of the Regional
Museum in Drobeta Turnu Severin (Romania).
138–161: Time for good wine! During the reign
of Antoninus Pius (Titus Fulvius Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius; 19 Sep 86–7
March 161; Roman Emperor 138–161), people
enjoy the most peaceful years in a long time.
There are some troubles in Dacia, but no major
wars. Antoninus invests in culture, theatres, science and mausoleums. People go to feasts (conviviums) and enjoy great food and wine.
161–180: Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius
Antoninus Augustus; 26 Apr 121–17 March 180;
Roman emperor: 161–180, rules with co-emperor Lucius Verus 161–169 and with Commodus
177–March 180), a philosopher on the throne,
favours stoicism. Unfortunately, he has to fight
in Parthia and along the Danube to defend the
provinces of Upper and Lower Pannonia (today:
partly Croatia, Serbia) and Dacia (today: Romania) against the Germanic tribes of Marcomanni,
who cross the Danube for the first time in 166.
Twelve legions are ordered to protect the Danube Water Limes: four in Pannonia, four in
Moesia, two in Dacia, only one in Noricum and
one in Raetia. Like Hadrian and Antoninus Pius,
he was no friend of the Christians’.
180–192: Commodus (Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus; 31 Aug 161–31
Dec 192; Roman emperor: 180–192, co-emperor
177–180), son of Marcus Aurelius, born “in purple” and assassinated in 192, is one of the most
important emperors. Still a boy, he gets the honorary title Germanicus at Carnuntum (today: near
Vienna, Austria), during the Marcomannic wars
(172). In 178 he is on the Danube front, where
Marcus Aurelius dies. In the forthcoming years,
the decline of the Empire starts. In 183, he once
again fights in Dacia (today: Romania). In his
late years, Commodus suffers from megalomania, thinking he is Hercules or a new Romulus.
Having faught as a gladiator every day, he is
finally poisoned and strangled in his bath by a
wrestling partner. The Roman Senate damns him
to oblivion (“Damnatio memoriae”).
201–300 AD
193–235: Emperor Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus Augustus; 11 Apr 145–
4 Feb 211; Roman emperor: 193–211; co-emperor with Caracalla (198 – 209), and with
Caracalla and Geta (209–211) starts returning
the strength, power and glory to the Roman Empire, but ends in political turmoil and crisis.
212: Emperor Caracalla Caracalla, the eldest son
of Septimius Severus (rules: 198–217), assassinates brother Geta (rules: 209–211) and grants
full Roman citizenship to all free people of the
provinces. On 8 April 217, Caracalla is assassinated by order of Macrinus (rules: 217‒218).
244–247: Limes Transalutanus (Romania) is
left under Emperor Philip the Arab, after the
Goattacks by the Goths.
249–251: Bad luck on the Danube. Emperor
Trajan Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius; ca. 190 or 200/201–June 251;
Roman Emperor: 249–251), born in Budalia
near Sirmium (today: Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), losses his son Herennius in a battle against
the Goths in Lower Moesia (today: near Plovdiv, Bulgaria). In 251, his own life ends on the
battlefield at Aribus (today: Razgrad, Bulgaria).
Trajan Decius is the first in the long line of
eighteen Roman emperors born in Illyricum.
The other emperors born in Illyricum (before
Constantine the Great) are Hostilianus (251),
Claudius II Gothicus (268–270), Quintillus
(270), Aurelian (270–275), Probus (276–282),
Diocletian (284–305), Maximianus Herculius
(286–305), and Galerius (305–311). The last
one builds a palace in Felix Romuliana (today:
Gamzigrad near Zaječar, Serbia).
271: Emperor Aurelian finally decides to leave
Dacia, north of the Danube (today: Romania).
Provinces Dacia Ripensis (south of the Danube), Moesia and Scythia (up to the Danube
Delta) remain.
27 Feb ca. 272 (or 270‒280): Flavius Valerius
Aurelius Constantinus (Augustus) is born in
Naissus (today: Niš, Serbia). He will be Roman
emperor (306–337; ruling alone from 324) Constantine I the Great, aka Saint Constantine.
Mother Helena (246/250 – 18th of Aug. 330)
is of common background, according to archbishop Aurelius Ambrosius of Milan (Saint
Ambrose, 340 – 4th of April, 397 AD) a “buona
stabularia”, well behaving/doing hostel hostess or inn-keeper. She is consort of Emperor
Constantius Chlorus and Empress until her
politically enforced divorce (289 AD).
Father Flavius Valerius Constantius (31st of
March, 250 – 25th of July, 306) is a noble Roman military officer from Moesia Superior
(area today: Northern Macedonia, Southern
Serbia, Northern Bulgaria, Dobrudja/Romania,
Southern Moldova).
276–282: Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus
(19 Aug 232–Sep/Oct 282) strengthens the
Danube frontier against Germanic tribes and
triumphs against the invading Goths along the
Lower Danube (277), earning himself the honorary title of Gothicus Maximus.
He establishes wine growing around his birth
place Sirmium (today: Sremska Mitrovica,
Serbia), planting the first vineyards on Fruška
Gora (Serbia). Unfortunately, Probus is assassi-
nated in Sirmium by his soldiers. They may not
have been willing to work in agriculture.
286: Emperor Diocletian (ca. 22 Dec 244–3 Dec
311; Roman Emperor 284–305) divides the Roman Empire into the Western and Eastern parts,
ruling the east. The west goes to Emperor Maximian (250–July 310), who rules until 305, and
again 306–308. He built the most significant palaces that demonstrate the best of old Roman architecture on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea.
293: Diocletian establishes the Tetrarchy. Flavius Valerius Constantinus becomes co-emperor (Caesar) by formal adoption and is known
as Constantius Chlorus.
294: Sirmium (today: Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia) becomes one of the capitals, “the glorious
mother of the cities”, of the Tetrarchy. Ten Roman
Emperors are born in or near the city: Herennius
Etruscus (251), Hostilian (251), Decius Traian
(249–251), Claudius II (268–270), Quintillus
(270), Aurelian (270–275), Probus (276–282),
Maximian (286–305), Constantius II (337–361),
and Gratian (367–383). The last emperor of the
reunited Roman Empire, Theodosius I (378–395),
is proclaimed emperor in Sirmium. As well, the
usurpers Ingenuus and Regalianus declared themselves emperors in this city (in 260).
301–400 AD
25 July 305‒306: Constantine I (the Great)
takes over the power.
311: Emperor Galerius (around 260‒Apr/May
311, Roman Emperor 305–311) launches an
early edict of toleration concerning Christians
in Ulpia Serdica (today: Sofia, Bulgaria), which
is proclaimed in Nicomedia (today: Izmir, Turkey).
29 Oct 312: In hoc signo vinces! Constantine
I beats his rebellious co-emperor Maxentius at
the Milvian Bridge, outside Rome. Eusebius
describes the Christian sign in battle as Chi (Χ)
and Rho (Ρ):
Feb 313: Edict of Milan ‒ Emperor Constantine I, ruling the West, and co-emperor Licinius, ruling Balkans and the East, meet in Milan
and agree to treat the Christians well.
8 Oct 314: Constantine I wins the battle of Cibalae (today: Vinkovci, Croatia) against co-emperor Licinius (263–325, emperor: 308–324).
18 Sep 324: Battle of Chrysopolis; Licinius,
co-author of the Edict of Milan, is defeated by
Constantine I and executed (325). Constantine I
ends the Tetrarchy and rules alone.
322: To fight the Goths, Constantine I builds the
earthworks of Limes Sarmatiae (today: Devil’s Dykes, stretching through Hungary, Romania, Serbia), using an earlier defence system of
Marcus Aurelius during the Marcomannic Wars.
In 322, the Constantine’s Wall (today: Brazda
lui Novac, visible today in Ploiești, Romania)
is built beyond the Danube and runs south from
today’s Drobeta Turnu Severin to the east.
326: Constantine I orders the assassination
of his eldest son Crispus (305? – 326) and his
and the
Danube Wine Route
9
wife, Flavia Maxima Fausta (ca. 289 – 298
until 326; daughter of Emperor Maximian).
Distant relatives will be killed later on.
326–328: Helena (Saint Helena), the mother
of Emperor Constantine the Great, travels to the
holy places in Palestine and discovers the relics
of the True (Holy) Cross.
5 July 328: Constantine the Great attends the
official opening of the new Danube stone bridge
connecting Ulpia Oescus (55 km northwest of
Pleven, Bulgaria) and Sucidava (today. Celei,
Romania). Constantine’s Bridge is in use just
for 40 years, due to the fear of invasions.
Constantine I calls his imperial palace in the city
of Serdica (today: Sofia, Bulgaria) “my Rome”.
324–330: Constantine is thinking of making
Sirmium (today: Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia)
the new capital city of the Eastern Roman Empire, but changes his mind. He chooses Byzantium instead, naming it Constantinopolis
(Constantinople). After six years of work, the
city consecration day is on 11 May 330. This
decision starts a Christian period (Eastern Orthodoxy) in the provinces as well, until the final
fall of Constantinople in 1453.
22 May 337: Constantine the Great dies near
Nicomedia. Shortly before his death he is baptized. Nevertheless, he is nominated Divus as
well, following the old Roman tradition of divine consecrations of Roman emperors.
Until 363: Rule of the Constantinian Dynasty continues through Constantine and Fausta’s
sons Constantine II (337–340), Constantius
II (337–361) and Constans (337–350). Their
private residences are in Mediana (today: 5 km
away from Niš, Serbia).
351: Battle of Mursa Major (today: near Osijek, Croatia); Constantine II fights against the
usurper of the Western Empire, Magnentius. One
of the most crucial battles in Roman history, over
55,000 soldiers die, two thirds of the troops of
Magnentius (25,000), and half of the army of
Constantine II (30,000), who wins the battle.
361: Julian (Flavius Claudius Julianus Augustus; 331/332–26 June 363) takes over. Known
as Julian the Apostate or Julian the Philosopher, he is the Caesar of the Western Empire
from 355 and acclaimed Augustus after an uprising in Lutetia (today: Paris, France) by his
soldiers (360). In 361, he travelled the entire
Danube course from Viana (today: Ulm, Germany) to Sirmium to fight Constantius II.
363‒364: After the sudden death of Julian in the
Sassanid War, Jovian (Flavius Jovianus Augustus; 331– 17 Feb 364) is proclaimed emperor
by the soldiers. The former commander of the
imperial bodyguards was born in Singidunum
(today: Belgrade, Serbia). During his short rule,
he re-evokes the edicts of Julian and re-establishes Christianity as state religion. He dies in
his bed in a tent, very likely from the poisonous
carbon monoxide from the warming fire.
364–375: Emperor Valentinian I (321–17
Nov 375), born in Colonia Aurelia Cibalae in
Pannonia Secunda (today: Vinkovci in Vukovar-Syrmia County, Croatia), is the last Roman emperor to carry out military campaigns
on both banks of the Danube. With his brother
10
The Roman Emperors Route
and co-emperor Valens, Valentinian fortifies the
settlements along the Danube.
375‒376: Having been beaten by the invading
Huns, the Goths cross the Danube at Durostorum (today: Silistra, Bulgaria) and invade Roman provinces.
9 Aug 378: Battle of Adrianople (today: 13 km
north of Edirne, Turkey). Emperor Valens (328–
378) is defeated by the Visigoths and looses
more than 20,000 soldiers. The battle is part of
the Gothic War (376–382), which initiates the
collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
Until 395: Emperor Theodosius I (Flavius Theodosius Augustus; 11 Jan 347–17 Jan 395), also
Theodosius the Great (379–395), allows the
Goths to settle south of the Danube in Illyria.
In 391, he declares Christianity the official state
religion. He is the last emperor to rule both the
West and the East, before dividing it: Raetia, Noricum, and Pannonia belong to the West, Moesia,
Dacia, Thracia and Scythia belong to Constantinople. Greek becomes the official language of
the Constantinople court and in the 5th century
for Christians as well. In 7th century, Greek is the
official language of the Eastern Empire.
401–1453
410: Rome is sacked by Visigoths, under the
command of Alaric I.
400–412: Uldin, chieftain of the Huns, appears
on the Danube and attacks Thrace with thousands of Germanic allies. After being an ally to
the Western Roman Magister Militium (leading
military general) Stilicho against the Goths, he
tries to overrun the Roman Province of Moesia
in 408 but is pushed back north of the Danube.
The Eastern emperor Theodosius II (408–450)
improves the Roman fleet on the Eastern Danube which successfully controls the Roman
border (Danube Limes). Uldin dies in 412, the
Huns divide into three major groups.
441: Big parts of the Danube provinces fall under the Huns. King Attila (434–453) reigns in
Pannonia (today: Hungary).
470: Goths finally leave Pannonia, Germanic
Lombards arrive.
476: Having moved to the Balkans in search of
new settlements, Germanic tribes overrun and
destroy the Western Roman Empire. The emperors move to the new capital, the city of Ravenna.
515: While Illyrian bishops withdrew from Rome
in the 5th century, forty Illyrian bishops from the
Western Balkans declare their renewed loyalty to
Rome and the Catholic Church – a milestone in
the forthcoming Christian history of the Balkans.
Until 565: Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian I (Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Justinianus Augustus; ca. 482–14 Nov 565; emperor: 527–565), tries to re-establish the Western
Roman Empire and succeeds, but only partly.
Known as Justinian the Great, he is the last
emperor to speak Latin as a first language. He
is the last to fortify the Danube Limes, especially Singidunum (today: Belgrade, Serbia), and
Viminacium (today: near Kostolac, Serbia).
A bubonic plague ends all revival. The Black
Death of 541‒542 sweeps the Balkans and
spreads all the way up to Scandinavia and Ireland. It is one of the greatest in history (25 million people die worldwide).
567: Lombards leave Pannonia in fear of Avars
and settle in today’s Northern Italy.
579–582: Battle of Sirmium (today: Sremska
Mitrovica, Serbia). Avars besiege the fortified
city and win. In forthcoming years, they conquest
and plunder all Eastern Roman settlements along
the Danube to Tomis (today: Costanta, Romania)
assisted by their new allies (Slavic tribes).
River Dancers
The Roman Imperial Fleet on
the Danube
593–595: The Danube cities are re-conquered for
the Eastern Roman Empire by general Priskos,
who has his headquarters in Singidunum (today:
Belgrade, Serbia). Successful peace talks on the
Danube island of Singa (near Vinča, the Iron
Gates of the Danube). Peace in 598.
599–602: Emperor Maurikios of Constantinople crosses the Danube at Viminacium (today: near Kostolac, Serbia) to fight the Avars,
but does not succeed and is assassinated. The
Danube Limes and Roman power (Orbis Romanus) come to their end.
750: Another disastrous plague epidemic
emerges. It is the last one. There will be no more
plague in the Byzantine Empire and the Balkans
until 14th century.
6th to 9th century: Following the Avars (they
were called “Avars” in respect of their long
hair), Slavic tribes and Bulgars enter from
North Eastern Europe the Balkans regions.
A strong sign of this period are the relics of
the so called Trajan’s Wall (Valul lui Traian
in Romania), three main linear earth fortifications (valla) found in Moldova, Romania, and
Ukraine. Contrary to the name Romans and
especially Emperor Trajan are not responsible
for these fortifications, which protected the
land between the Danube and the Black Sea
from invasions. The Small Earthen Dyke (61
km long), extends from Cetatea Pătulului on
the Danube to Constanţa. The second vallum,
the Large Earth Dyke (54 km long), starts on
Danube, follows the Carasu Valley and ends at
Palas, west of Constanţa. The third, the Stone
Dyke, is made of earth, but has a stone wall on
its crest (59 km long) and extends from south of
Axiopolis to the Black Sea coast (all Romania).
29 May 1453: Ottomans besiege Constantinople and end the Eastern Roman Empire.
The Romans decided early to use the Danube as
a natural barrier, frontier and a border. In addition, the Danube waters saved lots of energy and
money. The Germanic Limes (Limes Germanicus) ended near the city of Regensburg (Germany) on the left (northern) bank of the Danube,
protecting the Roman provinces of Germania
Inferior and Raetia. The Danube was to become
the “water limes” for the provinces further east:
Noricum, Pannonia, Moesia and Scythia to the
Danube Delta. These new Danube Limes, or
Ripa Danuvii, became the longest and biggest
structure ever built in Europe. Efforts are now
being made to get the ruins of the Danube Limes
on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was protected by the limes road, a typical military road
along the southern bank of the river, most of it
built under Domitian and Trajan but finally completed under Emperor Caracalla. The early Roman military camps on the river bank were built
all the way to the cities, and fortified and walled
strongholds and fortresses (castra) were established. Today, more than one hundred Roman
settlements along the Danube have been identified. They were added numerous watch towers
and signal posts, built within just 2 km. However,
it was the Imperial Roman Navy that had the
real control over this water border with the unknown, undiscovered areas: marine superpower,
consisting during Emperor Diocletian of 64,000
men. Part of it became the famous Danube Fleet
(Classis Histria)-the earliest records of it go
back to 20 BC‒10 AD. The fleet was divided into
three parts: Classis Germanica, Classis Pannonica, and Classis Moesica.
The Pannonian Fleet (Classis Pannonica)
operated from its headquarters in Carnuntum
(today: east of Vienna, Austria) and Tauronum
(today: Zemun, municipality of Belgrade, Serbia) near Singidunum (Belgrade), where the 4th
Roman legion was based. The most threatened
was the Lower Danube with more than 1,000
km to be defended. This longest part of the water
limes was at first defended by two legions, and
under Emperor Marcus Aurelius by four legions.
This section of the Danube was where the Flavian Fleet of Moesia (Classis Flavia Moesica)
was established and operated from 20 BC to 10
AD. It covered not only the river from the Iron
Gates up to the Danube Delta, but also along the
northern coast of the Black Sea up to the Crimea
(from 41 AD). Flavia, the honorary title, was
also given to the Pannonian Fleet in 75 AD by
Emperor Vespasian. Its headquarters were originally at Novidunum (literary: “new fortified settlement” on the Danube, today: Isaccea, Tulcea
County, Dobruja, Romania). In 85 AD, Domitian
moved the headquarters to Sexaginta Prista,
the “city of sixty ships” (today: Ruse, Bulgaria).
This naval centre, established by Vespasian in
late 69 and early 70 AD, was rebuilt and heavily fortified around 250 AD, after the attacks by
the Goths, and destroyed in the 6th century by the
Avars and Slavic tribes. Other important anchors
of this fleet were at Novae (today: 4 km east of
Svishtov, Bulgaria), Ulpia Oescus (today: 55 km
northwest of Pleven, Bulgaria) and Tomi (today:
Constanta, Romania).
The main role of the Danube Fleet ‒ which, in
addition to the headquarters had over two dozen ports, marinas and wharfs along the Danube making it a great economic factor ‒ was to
guarantee Roman peace (Pax Romana) through
border control. It also played a big role in the
logistics for the legions, transporting food, weapons and troops. Finally, as was the case during
Trajan’s campaigns against the Dacians, they had
to support and help the legions during the war.
These disciplined marines of the Classis Histria
had an ambitious plan: each kilometre (or rather, Roman mile) of the river had to be checked
out once a day. This Herculean work functioned
perfectly until 350 AD. Even during the rule of
Marcus Aurelius, who had to fight Marcomannic
wars several times along the Danube (from 166
AD). The Imperial Roman Navy also crossed the
Danube to the north. It defended bridgeheads
and toeholds along the northern banks, inspected buffer zones and helped the legions to protect
new lime earth walls in province of Dacia.
Rowing, Rowing, Rowing The Ships of the Roman Naval Fleet
The Danube fleet consisted of a great variety of
vessels. The most common one was navis liburna, a small galley, used for patrols, raids and
attacks. It was similar to the ancient Greek ship
penteconter with 25 oars on each side, a mast and
a sail. It could reach a maximum speed of 9 knots
(18 km/h). It had a rostrum (naval ram) to enter
and sink ships in battles. Armed with two banks
of oars, a bireme was 24 metres long and up to
3 metres tall. This type of galley had 120 rowers.
Armed with three banks of oars, a trireme had
170 rowers and a deck crew of 30 men. This was
a common war ship in the Mediterranean, able
to cross up to 120 km a day. The Imperial Navy
used even larger vessels: quadriremes and quinqueremes, and even bigger flagships for commanders. These vessels were heavily equipped
with ballistae (missile weapons that launched
projectiles at distant targets) and catapults.
The favourite of the Romans sailing the Danube
(and ancient ship spotters) was this small military vessel ‒ the speedy navis lusoria (“dancing” or “playful” ship). It was perfect for patrols,
raids and transport of the troops. It had 30 oarsmen and an auxiliary sail. Just 21 x 2.8 metres,
it could navigate even the less deep tributaries
of the Danube. These “dancing queens” sailed
and ruled the Danube waves and were good for
fighting. Emperor Theodosius maintained 90
lusoriae; in 412, 110 of them were used in the
war. Students at the University of Regensburg
(Germany) proved its mobility with a replica
named “Regina” in 2006. They sailed down to
Budapest, covering 100 km a day.
Roman navy ships were often decorated with a figurehead (parasemum) and were named after gods
(Mars), mythological heroes, (Hercules), geographical maritime features (Oceanus), concept names
(Concordia, Pax, Victoria) or after important military events (e.g. Dacicus, to honour the memory of
Trajan’s successes in the Dacian Wars).
Sailing the Danube,
Protecting the Territories
The Romans used pontoon ships for quick
transfers of troops from one bank of the Danube to the other. They used naves cursoriae
for the transport of mail and naves iuridica for
official VIP visits from Rome. The most common ones were naves agrariensis, used for the
transport of foodstuffs, and naves actuariae,
shallow-draught vessels with 30 oars.
The navy, of course, protected freight ships and
rafts cruising the Danube. These were sometimes moved along the newly installed tow
paths. Salt and iron from Noricum, cattle, foodstuffs, cereals, ceramics, gold (from Dacia),
wine and olive oil from the Balkan provinces
were traded between the East and the West,
to and from Rome, and from the North to the
and the
Danube Wine Route
11
In the Heartlands of the Route:
A One-week Roundtrip to Roman and Oenological
Treasures of the Middle and the Lower Danube
South. Sirmium (today: Sremska Mitrovica,
Serbia), on the banks of the Sava, was not only
the capital of the province and the Empire but
also a trading focal point where the North, the
South, the West and the East met.
Navy marines spent their pay in the civilian
parts of naval city bases, the cabanae (named
after simple pubs and brothels for soldiers), increasing the total economic turnover. After their
military service was completed, they settled
along the Danube.
Sailing through Migrations The End of the Naval Power
There were some wooden bridges but there
were only two stone bridges on the Lower Danube: Trajan’s Bridge and Constantine’s Bridge.
Both were dismantled soon after opening in fear
of invasions from north and northeast. Author
Jordanes called these areas, i.e.. the flatlands of
Pannonia that were difficult to defend, “vagina
gentium” (“the womb of all nations”) in his
major work Getica (551 AD), a description of
the early history of the Goths.
It all started when Germanic tribes and Goths
beat Roman ships in two attacks around 256
AD. One took place on the Danube. They built
their own fleet, raided the cities all the way
down to Athens and attacked the Danube fleet.
The next shock came in 267–270, with an even
bigger invasion. According to the historian Augusta, in late 268 and early 269 more than 2,000
ships with 325,000 men landed on the Thracian
shores of the Black Sea to conquer the Roman
Balkan provinces. The first big migration could
only be stopped by Emperor Claudius II, who
defeated the invaders in the Battle of Naissus
(today: Niš, Serbia).
Among other things, this led to the final fall of
the province of Dacia in 271. In addition, all
fortified places along the Danube shrank in size.
Fewer inhabitants concentrated in the walled city
areas. In some cases, cities were reduced to their
amphitheatres, which were turned into fortified
castles and last strongholds of Roman defenders.
Classis Moesica remained in function until the
start of the 5th century, when the fleet was integrated in the Byzantine Navy of Constantinople.
In the Western Roman Empire, which fell in 476
AD, there was no longer an active navy fleet.
People had to wait until the 19th century for another fleet similar to that of the ancient Roman
fleets. It was the Austro-Hungarian Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaft. The “dancing ships”
were spotted again on the Danube in the 20th
century but this time they were carrying tourists.
The boat of the ancient James Bond
The ancient Roman navy used very small
rowing boats for the transport of special
mail and for secret service activities on the
Danube. These spy boats, dubbed musculi
(little mice), caused considerable stress to
the enemies. They seemed to be as effective
as the proverbial fly on the wall ‒ there is no
record of any of them ever being captured.
12
The Roman Emperors Route
Discoveries between the Iron Gates
Along the Romanian national road DN68 dozens of fluttering flags indicate that you have arrived. They have a brand new blue and white
logo of the Roman Emperors and the Danube
Wine routes, turning the main road of a tiny Romanian village of Sarmizegetusa into a history
promenade. Here, in Hateg County, 8 km from
the famous Iron Gates of Transylvania and
160 km north of the Danube, there is a museum with a monumental name: Colonia Ulpia
Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa. Its
director, Dr Gicá Báestean laughs ‒ indeed, Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa is hard to memorise. Yet, not everything
about this place is complicated and thanks to
Mr Báestean’s detailed explanations in perfect
English the one-hour tour becomes an experience in itself. The tour starts at the entrance of
the archaeological site just opposite the restored
municipal building. While strolling across the
grounds of the ancient amphitheatre, passing by
the ruins of the temple and the foundations of
Praetorium Procuratoris where some 1,900
years ago Roman officials made decisions on
the welfare of Roman cities and colonies, one
can’t help but notice that Roman history can be
entertaining. Don’t expect lists of dates and figures on this tour. Expect to hear stories about
a daily Roman life, mixed with humour. You
may also talk to the archaeologists working on
the site. Mr Báestean introduces the visitors to
the scientists of Cluj University, who have been
excavating at the former Northern Gate of Roman Sarmizegetusa since 2013. You can also
see the marble Forum, where an oven hole still
indicates where the 19th century villagers burnt
marble to paint their houses. Mouth-watering
traditional dishes are offered in the two restaurants at the entrance/exit, but there is still the
Archaeological Museum to see, just 150 metres away. There, on the first floor, Dr Báestean
opened an interesting exhibition in 2010. Based
on experimental archaeology, it displays giant
replicas of Roman soldiers, in full gear. There
is Roman jewellery and pottery, Roman tools,
models of reconstructed archaeological sites,
and for kids, an ancient money box and two Roman dices, one irregularly shaped, most probably to play tricks on a naive legionnaire. Glass-
ware exhibits prove that there used to be at least
two Roman glassblowing workshops on this
location. Finally, there is a turibulum, a vessel
for burning incense. Don’t leave without one of
the three new English language brochures and
Sarmizegetusa will stay in your mind for ever.
A tongue twister will be your new evergreen.
On the way to the Danube, stop at one of the
restored village churches along the road. Their
facades are often decorated with frescoes. The
one in Bautar, 8 km outside Sarmizegetusa, is
dedicated to St Elijah and is absolutely wonderful. Before crossing the Danube, relax at Baile
Herculane, the old Austro-Hungarian Hercules
Baths (Herkulesbad). Follow the signs to the
statue of Hercules on Hercules Square in the
old town. The Hotel Ferdinand is right there
too, great for the lovers of fine wining and dining. Walk around and you’ll find the spas the
Romans used 2,000 years ago. Have a walk by
the Hercules bas-reliefs and see the ruins of the
Roman aqueduct on the river bank.
of its kind in Europe. You can also see it from
the Kladovo side of the Danube, after visiting
Roman Diana fortress. The Continental Hotel
in Drobeta also organises the Danube cruises
(cost in 2013: €8 per person; info: reservation.
[email protected]). Whichever way
you decide to do it, waltzing the Danube at the
spectacular Iron Gates is a must!
Another must is the Drobeta Regional Museum (2013: in reconstruction), where there is
also a new Archaeological Park. Visit the ruins
of the medieval church and Trajan’s Bridge,
designed by Apollodorus of Damascus and
built in 102–105. You can see the bust of the
architect in the park.
Time permitting, step into the Orthodox St
George’s Church, located at the top end of Independence Road. Better yet, check out the Vinju
Mare Winery, just 25 km northwest of Drobeta. Once in the village, follow the signposts to
Crama (wine cellar) Vinju Mare and make
sure to do the wine tasting (60–90 minutes).
Treat yourself to the dry red wine Prince Vlad
Fetească Neagră (Black Feteasca) Grand
Reserve 2011, it comes with the formidable
14 % alcohol. Only 10,000 bottles of this rare
wine are sold a year, and it deserves a special
“Cheers!” (or “Norok!” in Romanian). The dry
Merlot Rosé (13.5 %) is outstanding too. It was
awarded a gold medal at Cannes, France, in
2012. Brochures in English are available. Ask
Adriana Streche or Daniel Alexandru for a
short excursion to the vineyards, especially the
recently planted Gypsie’s Hill.
Of Mammoths and Men
Waltzing the Danube,
Introducing Prince Vlad
On the way to the vibrant town Drobeta Turnu
Severin with its lovely Danube harbour, check
out the restored theatre and don’t miss the exciting water-play fountain (it starts at 9 a.m.).
You should also have a look at Orsova. This is
the departure point for boats taking tourists on
excursions to the Iron Gates of the Danube.
Admire the world famous Tabula Traiana and
the incredible Decebal monument, the biggest
A revedere Romania! After crossing the Danube and a quick passport check, you arrive in
Negotin, Serbia. Explore its Holy Trinity Cathedral (1876), the equestrian monument and the
Museum of Hajduk Veljko, the ethnographic
collection of the Museum of Krajina, the birth
place of the famous Serbian composer Stefan
Mokranjac, the Church of the Holy Mother of
God (1803) and local monasteries. Pay tribute
to Bacchus and visit Matalj Vinarija for some
wine tasting. The Municipality of Negotin was
also a home to the Romans. In a Roman settlement and a mausoleum (293–311) of Vrelo
Šarkamen archaeologists unearthed (1996)
and the
Danube Wine Route
13
Rzeszów
Katowic
Krakáw
Hradec
Králové
is also
famous for its Mona Lisa-like ancient-Ro- Neolithic and Early Bronze Age paintings on the
man tomb fresco. Don’t miss the only restaurant cave walls made of bat guano. Wrap up warm!
in Rajačke Pimnice and enjoy traditional Serbian The temperature here is only 12°C.
Pardubice
dishes with the Traian or Ostrava
Gamay wines (barri- The Magura Bat Gallery is where you’ll meet
Praha (Prague)
que) of the Negotinska Krajina wine region.
oenologist Dr Ognyan Tzetanov and Adriana
Plzeñ
A trip to Vidin, Bulgaria, is short and easy. You Srebrinova, independent wine consultant and
are nowOlomouc
in the triangle of Serbia, Romania and wine maker, and test the dry sparkling wine
Bulgaria. Vidin offers excellent accommodation Magura, a 2006 Cuvée du Nord of Rendezof vous wine series, whose 2003 vintage was
Jihlava (e.g. Hotel Anna-Kristina) and a wide rangeZilina
attractions. Walk through the Vidin River Park awarded a silver medal at the Decanter World
Prešov
Zlin
along the Danube
Brno and discover the new health Wine Awards. While you are there, why not
path (donated by the British Embassy in Bulgar- taste a grape brandy too, Vrachanska Temenuia). Before you stop for a drink (at the Paradise ga or Magurska? You won’t be disappointed.
České Budějovice
beautiful royal gold jewellery dating back to the Bar, for example), have a short walk to
the Baba Before continuing to Pleven, consider
visiting
Košice
Trenčín
reigns of Emperors Galerius and Maximinus Vida fortress, nowadays often used by film mak- the nearby Vragansky Balkan Nature Park at
Banská
Daia. At present, there are ongoing excavations ers. Even Hollywood likes the ancient walls dat- Vratska.
It is aBystrica
great place if you like hiking or
of the Roman settlement Selište.
ing back to the Roman times, when Vidin was mountain-biking. The Natura Visitor Centre is in
If you are a wine lover, you simply must re- known as a Roman fortress
and the city of Bon- the Old Mosque.
Trnava
serve an entire afternoon for Rajačke Pimnice nonia. Since 2013 Vidin has been connected
Nitra to Before entering Pleven and visiting Pleven Epoand Rogljevske Pivnice, both candidates for the Romania
Bratislava
via a new bridge over the Danube.
poe (Panorama) and the Regional Historical
UNESCOLinz
World Heritage List. Visit the restored Begin the next day with an excursion to the fan- Museum, follow the signs to Ulpia Oescus at
Wien
stone buildings and cellars,Sankt
countPölten
old barrels,
tastic Kale Fortress of Belogradchik, a UNE- Gigen village. This is the place where Emperor
check out the viticulture tools and portraits of the SCO World Heritage Site candidate, also nom- Constantine the Great personally attended the
patron saint of wine makers, St Trifun, or simply inated in the 2009 campaign for the new Seven opening of a brand new bridge across the Danube,
enjoy modern art on display. Tihomir, Mirjana and World Wonders. The nearby Roman outpost aptly named Constantines’s Bridge, on 5 July
Salzburg
her father Bata Petko will show you the local wineEisenstadt
Latin Fortress is part of the famous Belograd- 328 AD. Today,
the ruins of this biggest ever RoBudapest
museum and the cellar where all the wines are chik Rocks. The earliest structure was of Roman man stone bridge on the Danube can only be seen
aged for minimum 7 years. Don’t be surprised origin (1st‒3rd century). In 2014, a new road will on the Romanian side, in Celei, once a Roman
if Bata Petko opens a secret door. You will see take tourists to the Visitor Centre and enable easy fortress of Sucidava. At Oescus, a new excavasome giant mammoth bones, discovered some access for the busses. Spend the afternoon in the tion campaign started in 2013, to be completed in
years ago in southern Serbia. If you are interest- Magura Winery & Cave. Situated next to the 2020. You can have a chat with the archaeologists
ed in mammoths, go to the Roman site of Vimi- beautiful lake Rabisha, the 15-million-year-old and students here, who will be delighted to show
nacium where a 5–million-year-old skeletonGraz
of a Magura Cave was restored in 2011. There are you around the site. Ask them to show you the
mammoth was discovered in 2009. Viminacium no mammoth skeletons here but there are some beautifully restored Roman well and the Fortu-
ovy Vary
CZECH REPUBLIC
SLOVAKIA
AUSTRIA
HUNGARY
L'viv
Ternopil
na Temple. Wine enthusiasts must go to the only ful inn-keeper? Speaking of inns, do enjoy the
Bulgarian wine museum in Pleven to see its selec- outstanding Serbian cuisine in local restaurants,
Khmelnytskyy
with some of the best wines
tion of 7,000 special Bulgarian wines (the oldest and wet your throats
ones are from 1912) and the exhibition of Bulgar- to be found along the Serbian wine routes.
ian wine history. Taste the native Bulgarian grape The old Roman capital Sirmium, today SremsMavrud, which has been cultivated for 3,000 ka Mitrovica, will probably be one of the highyears. Luciano Pavarotti was a fan. You should lights of the trip. The new Visitor Centre at the
Ivano-Frankivs'k
also taste Emporion,
a Cabernet & Mavrud blend Imperial Palace offers information and excelfrom the nearby Chateau Kaylaka. A rakia dis- lent guided tours of historic monuments and even
tillery (late 19th century) is not to be missed either. of the local coffee shops and restaurants. Enjoy a
glass of Chardonnay or a Bermet from one of the
Chernivtsi
wine cellars
(podrums) of Fruška Gora. See
Palaces and Cellars
the miniature model of ancient Sirmium and the
Uzhhorod
Be prepared, crossing the Bulgarian-Serbi- mosaics. Visit the Archaeological Museum and
an border may take some time. But it is worth admire Venus of Sremska Mitrovica. Check out
the wait, as Bora Dimitrijević, the brilliant di- the Avar golden belt. Avars were the ones who
rector of Felix Romuliana in Gamzigrad, near ended the Roman presence here in 582 AD. You
Zaječar, will guide you through the ruins of the can also see the replicas of ancient goldbars. The
palaces of Emperor Galerius and his mother gold originates from the Dacian mountains, situand share with you some interesting details of ated north of Sarmizegetusa.
Roman life. Don’t miss the National Museum When you arrive at Ilok, Croatia, former Roand its fabulous labyrinth mosaic. Visit the spas man cavalry fort Cuccium, you must visit the
in Gamzigradska Banja, like the Romans did. Old Wine Cellar (Stari podrum). Ask for the
Further south, in Niš, in the ancient Roman city outstanding Traminer, especially Traminac
of Naissus, everything revolves around Emperor Premium 2011 (Premium Traminer), awarded
Constantine the Great. This is where he was a gold medal in Paris 2012. You can also go to
born. Check out the attractions near the Ottoman the new Wine & Tourist Centre Ilok-Sirmium
fortress. The main Roman site, however, is the or visit a smaller winery, such as the one run by
Mediana, where around forty Roman villas used the Stipetić family. Paula Stipetić hosts the wine
to be, including the Imperial Palace of Emper- tasting. Have a glass of the famous Graševina
or Constantine and his sons. Did you know that made from Welschriesling or Italian Riesling
Constantine’s mother Helena (also known as St varieties. As Ilok is on the crossroads of the DanHelena, St Helen, Helena Augusta) was not of ube Bike Trail and the hikers’ Sultan’s Way,
noble origin but a buona stabularia, a success- many bikers and hikers join guided tours or vis-
it local hotels and restaurants here. There is the
Principovac hotel and restaurant in the former
residence of the Odescalchies, the Italian noble
family. You may play some golf here too. The
Hotel Dunav on the bank of the Danube offers
great hospitality and wonderful sundowners on
the Danube. Ask for a classic dish, the Danube
fish soup, or even better, for poderane gače.
Unique for Ilok, they can be savoury or sweet,
and their name means “torn underpants”. You
should have them with a glass of Traminer (they
serve it in the Old Wine Cellar).
Croatia is the home of more outstanding Roman
sites ‒ Zadar, Split, the ancient Narona, to name
but a few. There is one place that is more special than others: Pula, or Pola, as it was known to
the Romans , or if you like long names, Colonia
Pietas Iulia Pola Pollentia Herculanea. Go to
Pula during the film festival and watch movies
in the Arena, the former great amphitheatre.
See the
exhibition of Viticulture and Olive Oil
Chişinău
Production in Istria during the Roman Period in the subterranean part of the Arena. Sail to
the protected Brijuni Islands, one of the many
Croatian national parks. This is the place to be
for all those who want to relax, sunbathe, swim
in the sea, enjoy a good glass of wine with some
Mediterranean specialities or learn about the Roman history of the isles. An interesting fact for
all the fashionistas out there: the renowned company Brioni that specialises in men’s fashion,
located in (modern) Rome, is named after these
islands. Also, there are 3 villas available for VIP
guests, and two hotels offering accommodation.
UKRAINE
MOLDOVA
Ode
Alba Iulia
SLOVENIA
Da
Varaždinske Toplice
17 km
(35min)
267 km
(2h 28min)
be
Ščitarjevo
Trieste
330 km
(3h 28min)
CROATIA
ROMANIA
2
Sremska Mitrovica
Drobeta
Turnu-Severin
45 km
(54 min)
285 km
(2h 55min)
BOSNIA
AND HERZEGOVINA

Nin
35 km
(33 min)
Beograd
(Belgrade)
SERBIA
307 km
(3h 3min)
17 km (21min)
Zadar
158 km
(1h 37min)
1
Baile Herculane
6
Ilok
103 km
(1h 24min)
129 km
(1h 50min)
nu
Zagreb
Ljubljana
Sibiu
Ulpia Traiana
Sarmizegetusa
73 km
(52min)

Klagenfurt
Brijuni Pula
Islands 7
Vinnytsya
Sarajevo
52 km Vinju
(1h 1 min)
Negotin
Zaječar
Felix
Romuliana
157 km
(2h 4min)
5
Vidin
29 km (27 min)
Mare
270 km (4h 9min)
3
59 km (52 min)
Belogradchik
208 km (3h 3min)
Split
Niš
Ancona
14 L'Aquila
The Roman Emperors Route
4
Pleven
BULGARIA
Itinerary proposal for Sofiya
travelling along the Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route
(Sofia)
Travel like the Romans did
Over time, the Roman Empire created a very complex network of roads
used daily by traders, travellers and soldiers. New travel habits created
new needs for travel maps. Romans had one-dimensional maps, with information on distances and times required for travelling. Along the road
lines they used to put markings with travel distances and times (mille
passuum, literally „a thousand paces“, where each pace was two steps,
Danube
41 km (47 min)
23 km (23 min)
Magura
Cave
Bucuresti
(Bucharest)
Corcova
probably about 1,479 metres). Apart from expressing distances in miles,
they would draw red stair-like lines between the towns, where each stair
marked one day of travel. This way, travellers knew not only the distances they needed to cover, but also how long it would take them to get
where they wanted.
Pogorica
MONTENEGRO
Fly in Sibiu - Day 1 Romania - Roman heritage location “Alba Iulia” Roman heritage location “Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa” - Optional overnight stay: old Roman spa Baile Herculane - Day 2
Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria - Drobeta Turnu Severin - Vinju Mare Vinery
and/or Corcova Vinary (Muntenia and Oltenia Hills vine region) - Negotin
- Rajacke and/or Rogljevske pimnice (Negotinska krajina wine region) Optional overnight stay: Vidin (Bulgaria) - Day 3 Bulgaria - Vidin - Roman heritage location “Kale fortress of Belogradchik” - Magura Winery
Skopje
& Cave - Roman heritage location “Ulpia Oescus” - Optional overnight
stay: Pleven - Day 4 Bulgaria, Serbia - Pleven - Chateau Kaylaka winery
(North - Central wine region) - Optional overnight stay: Zaječar (Serbia) Day 5 Serbia, Croatia - Roman heritage location “Felix Romuliana” - Niš
- Sremska Mitrovica - Roman heritage site “Sirmium” - Old Wine Cellar
(Stari podrum)(Ilok wine region, Croatia) - Optional overnight stay: Ilok
- Day 6 Croatia - Ilok - Zagreb - Optional overnight stay: Brijuni Islands Kırklareli
Day 7 Croatia - Brijuni Islands - Pula
Edime
Istanb
and the Danube Wine Route
15
SLOVAKIA
České Budějovice
Chernivtsi
Uzhhorod
Košice
Trenčín
Banská Bystrica
Trnava
Bratislava
Linz
Sankt Pölten
MOLDOVA
Nitra
Chişinău
Wien
Salzburg
Odesa
Eisenstadt
Budapest
AUSTRIA
HUNGARY
Graz
Roșia Montană
Alba Iulia
Klagenfurt
ROMANIA
Ulpia Traiana
Sarmizegetusa
SLOVENIA
n
Da
Varaždinske Toplice
ub
Zagreb
Ljubljana
Istria
e
Ščitarjevo
Trieste
CROATIA
Sremska Mitrovica
Kladovo
Kostolac
Brijuni Pula
Islands
Beograd
(Belgrade)
BOSNIA
AND HERZEGOVINA
Nin
Zadar
Danube
Felix
Romuliana
Belogradchik
Gigen
Ruse
Svishtov
Niš
Split
Ancona
Roman Tomb (Silistra, Bulgaria)
Adamclisi
Silistra
Požarevac
SERBIA
Sarajevo
Bucuresti
(Bucharest)
Sofiya
(Sofia)
Vid
BULGARIA
MONTENEGRO
Pogorica
Edime
Skopje
L'Aquila
Tirana
Istanbul
Tekirdağ
Komotini
MACEDONIA
Kırklareli
Campobasso
Thessaloniki
Bari
Çanakkale
ALBANIA
Napoli
Balıkesir
Kasani
Potenza
Kerkyra
Mytilini
Larisa
Ioannina
Manisa
GREECE
Izmir
Larnia
Aydin
Catanzaro
Athina (Athens)
Patra
Palermo
Tripoli
MALTA
Vallelta
Roman Sites
Ermoúpoli
Iraklio
along The Roman Emperors Route
and the Danube Wine Route
16
The Roman Emperors Route
Having built the first Roman fortress in 29 AD,
the most important Roman force along Lower
Danube, XI Claudia Legion, settled here in 106
AD to stay till 6th century AD. Durostorum got
municipality status in 167 AD and prospered.
In the 4th century they were mostly defending
themselves from the invaders. Durostorum also
saw persecutions of Christians during Diocletian’s rule (303–313 AD). The first Christian
martyrs were Roman soldiers who were executed and later canonised. St Dasius, for example,
was beheaded after his refusal to take part in a
pagan celebration. Pope John Paul II donated
his right humerus (a long bone in the arm) to the
Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul. Other martyrs were St Julius, St Valentinus, St Pazzicratos, St Markinianus, St Nicandros, St Calinicos
and St Emilianus, who died in a fire in 362 AD.
Coffins of martyrs St Maximus, St Dadas and
St Quintilianus were discovered in a Christian
mausoleum at the necropolis of Durostorum.
But the most impressive discovery (1942) was
that of the Roman tomb (4th century AD). The
interior of this brick-built, unicameral, vaulted
structure (3.30 x 2.60 m, 2.30 m high) is decorated with fresco-secco paintings. The western
wall shows its bareheaded owner (master of
the tomb), aristocrat, dressed in a purple tunic.
To his right is his wife, carrying a flower and
wearing a tunic, a pearl necklace and earrings.
The most beautiful is the young lady on the
south wall, who carries a scent box.
The Durostorum ruins are part of the National
Archaeological Park and Reserve of Durostorum–Drustar–Silistra. The Regional History
Museum displays 300 Roman bronze, iron,
silver and golden artefacts.
Silistra (population: 50,700) was the winner of
the 2010 European Commission Destination of
Excellence Award. When you are in the area, do
go to the Turkish fort Medzhidy Tabia and the
nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Srebarna Nature Reserve.
Location:
119 km to Ruse, 141 km to Varna, 431 km to
Sofia; GPS N 44°11`47” E 27°26`71”
Information:
Tourist Information Center, ul. N. Y. Vaptsarov 55, 7500 Silistra, Tel./Fax +359 86 820487,
[email protected], www.silistra.bg/news.php,
www.ss.government.bg/
Regional Historical Museum, ul. G. S. Rakovski 24, 7500 Silistra, Tel. +359 86 820386, [email protected], http://bulgariatravel.org/
en/object/195/Arheologicheski_muzej_Silistra
Opening hours: May-Sep Tue-Sat 9.30-17.00,
Sun, Mon closed; Oct-Apr Mon-Fri 9.30-17.00,
Sat, Sun closed
The Roman Legion Camp Novae
(Svishtov, Bulgaria)
Sexaginta Prista (Ruse, Bulgaria)
A Thracian settlement became a Roman naval
centre on the Lower Danube in 70 AD, under
Emperor Vespasian. The Roman fortress Sexaginta Prista, “a city of 60 ships” (sexaginta =
60, pristis = a Greek-style guard ship) became
a major river port with anchoring berths and
wharfs for the famous Roman Imperial Danube
Fleet. It controlled economic and military traffic
between the Black Sea and the Iron Gates. The
Danube Limes road, connecting Singidunum
(Belgrade, Serbia) and the Danube Delta was
very important. The fortress is today a part of the
Regional History Museum. Its defence walls,
tower and barrack ruins are still visible. An inscription is a testimony of the destruction of
Sexaginta by the Goths in 250 AD. It was rebuilt
and expanded under Emperor Diocletian. It was
finally destroyed in the 6th century by the Avars.
When visiting the Regional History Museum in
the Battenberg Palace, wine enthusiasts should
have a look at the famous Borovo Silver Treasure (383–359 BC), a ritual wine set of five
gold-plated silver items, discovered in 1974.
In 2006, the museum added to its collection a
bronze helmet (late 4th to early 3rd century BC)
of an officer in the army of Alexander the Great.
Ruse (population: 150,000) is connected with
Giurgiu (Romania) via a bridge over the Danube, built in 1954. Dubbed Little Vienna, this
beautiful city is known for its Neo-Baroque
and Neo-Rococo architecture and its many museums. Worth seeing is the birthplace of Elias
Canetti, the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1981, and the nearby rock churches
of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location:
300 km from Sofia, 200 km to the Black Sea;
routes E 79, E 70, E 85 and A 2/E 83 from Sofia
and Pleven; GPS N 43°50`77” E 25°57`14.91”
Information:
Tourist information center, ul. Aleksandrovska 61, 7000 Ruse, Tel./Fax +359 82 824704,
http://tic.rousse.bg, www.ruse-bg.eu/en/
Roman Fortress Sexaginta Prista, ul. Tsár
Kalolan 2, 7000 Ruse, Tel. +359 82 825004,
wwwmuseumruse.com
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 9.00-12.00, 12.3017.30; Sun, Mon closed
Regional Museum of History, Ul. Alexander
Battenberg 3, 7000 Ruse, Tel. +359 82 825006,
www.museumruse.com
Opening hours: daily 9.00-18.00
Svishtov (population: 35,900) was originally a
Roman camp and colony Novae, as mentioned
by the ancient geographer, Ptolemy. It was a base
camp of the famous VIII Augusta Legion since
45 AD, and of Legio I Italia, 25 years later. A cornerstone of the Danube Limes defence, a series
of military campaigns started from here, including the very last Maurice’s Balkan campaigns
(591–602), before being destroyed in 613.
Originally covering 17 hectares, the later enlarged camp (by 10 hectares) consisted of the legions’ headquarters, officers’ residences, baths,
barracks and a civil settlement outside the fortified walls of the rectangular camp (485 x 365
m). The northern gate opened to the port. A huge
military hospital (Valetudinariam) built under
Emperor Trajan and with the Asclepius and
Hygeia Temple, provided medical care for 300
wounded legionaries at a time. The most important though was the Principia (headquarters),
where statues, a portrait of Emperor Caracalla
and a treasure of coins were discovered. The
Ostrogoths under Teodoric the Great made it
their capital from 476 to 488, having conquered
Singidunum (Belgrade, Serbia) in 471 AD.
There is evidence of early Christians living in
the town that became bishop’s seat in the late
5th and early 6th century. The archaeological exhibition presents collections of crockery, glassware, bronze artefacts, coins, jewellery, inscriptions and marble sculptures. Go to the Visitor
Centre and its computer-animated helpdesk to
find out more. The festival of ancient heritage,
The Danube Eagle, takes place every year at
the end of May. When in Svishtov, the southernmost harbour on the Danube, you can take a
Ro-Ro ferry to the Romanian Zimnicea.
Location:
North Central Bulgaria, 80 km from Pleven,
90 km from Ruse; 251 km from Varna, 237 km
from Sofia; Novae archeological area: 2 km east
of Svishtov;
GPS N 43°36`48.85” E 25°23`27.54”
Information:
Council of Tourism, ul. Dimitar Hadjivasilev
2, 5250 Svishtov, Tel. +359 631 60371, Tel./
Fax +359 631 60768, www.visitsvishtov.com,
www.svishtov.bg
Archeological exposition Novae, ul. Dimitar
Shishmanov, 5250 Svishtov, Tel. +359 631
60467, [email protected], www.visitsvishtov.com/
new/landmarks.php?id=3&info=28
Opening hours: Apr-Oct daily 11.00-21.00,
Nov-Mar closed; guided tours (Bulgarian, English, German)
and the
Danube Wine Route
17
Colonia Iulia Iader (Zadar) and
Aenona (Nin), Croatia
Ulpia Oescus (Gigen, Bulgaria)
Kaleto Fortress
(Belogradchik, Bulgaria)
The Belogradchik fortress is the main attraction
of this little town (population: ca. 5,300), situated 545 metres above sea level and 50 km south
of the Danube. The citadel (10,210 m²) was an
inspiration for the name of the town, meaning
literally “small white construction”. The name
of the fortress, Kaleto, comes from the Turkish
“kale” (fortress). The complex of three separate
courtyards is connected via gates and walls (2
metres thick, up to 12 metres tall). The earliest
structure of Roman origin (1st‒3rd century) was
built on the top of the rocky hill, integrating the
natural defence of the surrounding 70-metre
tall limestone rocks. The legionnaires stationed
here used to control the military road to the Roman logistic centre, Naissus (Niš, Serbia). The
road started in Ratiaria (later Colonia Ulpia
Traiana Ratiaria; today near Archar, a village
in Vidin province), where Legio IV Flavia Felix was based until the conquest of Dacia (106
AD), together with the Roman navy (during the
reign of Emperor Vespasian). Ratiaria, also on
the Danube Limes road, was commercially important because of a gold mine in its vicinity.
When you get here, enjoy the panoramic views
and the breathtaking Belogradchik Rocks, a
candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage
List. Not surprisingly, this site won the 2008
European Destination of Excellence Award.
The strategic advantages of the fort were recognised by the Byzantines and Bulgarians, and
also by the Ottomans, who took over in 1396.
The fortress got its present look in 1805–1837.
It is a mix of typical Ottoman-style architecture
with some elements added by French and Italian
engineers. Explore the garrison buildings, the
old prison and the entrance to the secret tunnel
to the downtown mosque.
Location:
65 km east of Vidin, Bulgaria; Magura Cave: 45
km east of Vidin, 20 km west of Belogradchik;
GPS N 43°37`24.1” E 22°40`37.69”
Information:
Tourist Information Center, 1a Poruchik
Dvorianov str., 3900 Belogradchik, Tel. +359
877 881283, Tel. +359 936 3291, www.belogradchik.biz/belogradchik.en.html, www.belogradchik-eu.net
Opening hours fortress/visitor center: daily
Jun-Sep 8.00-21.00, Oct-May 9.00-17.00
18
The Roman Emperors Route
Near the confluence of the Iskar and the Danube and an old Thracian village, the first urban
buildings were erected during the campaign of
Emperor Trajan (106–109) on the ruins of the
former permanent camp of the Fifth Macedonian Legion (10 AD). Outside the Roman city
walls, there are still remains of the stone and
soil defence walls, built in 71–101. After 271
AD, the legion returned and built a second fortified city (Oescus II).
A flourishing town Oescus later upgraded to
Colonia Ulpia Oescensium (167 AD) and citizens were granted all Roman rights. The city
protected the Danube Limes road and the military road to the present-day Plovdiv (Greek:
Philippopolis; Latin: Trimontium). Storgosia
(near Pleven) was also built on this road.
The majestic Roman ruins in the area (280,000
m²) demonstrate the wealth of the city during the
rule of the Antonine and Severan dynasties. Near
the entrance there are administrative buildings,
and there is a perfectly reconstructed Roman
well in front of public bath I. Archaeological
research in 1904-1905 identified three public
thermae and uncovered a perfectly preserved
road from bath I to the remarkable Temple of
Fortuna (190-191 AD), dedicated to the protector of the city. The statue of Goddess Fortuna
is exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum Sofia. The famous mosaic The Achaeans
(3rd century AD) was unearthed across the road
in 1948 (it is now kept in the Pleven Regional
Historical Museum). The forum is dominated by
the Temple of Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno,
Minerva) and a basilica. Further on, the civilian
houses of Oescus II extend.
On 5 July 328 AD, Emperor Constantine
the Great personally opened Constantines’s
Bridge, once the biggest stone bridge on the
Danube. Its ruins can be seen in Celei, Romania, once a Roman fortress of Sucidava. The
bridge was used only for a short period of time.
It was dismantled before the Goth invasions
(376–378 AD). In 411 AD, the Huns destroyed
Oescus. Emperor Justinian I tried to re-establish
Oescus, but all the efforts were stopped in late
585 and early 586 AD by the Avars.
Location:
Signposted; village of Gigen: 55 km northwest
of Pleven; GPS N 43°42`30.6” E 24°27`58.84”
Information:
Regional Historical Museum, ul. Stoyan Zaimov 3; 5800 Pleven, Tel. +359 64 822692 (Secretary), www.plevenmuseum.dir.bg
Opening hours (museum/site): 1st of Apr.-31st
of Oct. Mon-Sat. 9.30-12.00, 12.30-18.00, Sun
closed
Toes are us…
At Nin, touching the big toe of the bronze
statue of Grgur Ninski, Bishop and great
advocate of old Slavonic language, will bring
good luck.
Kalelarga, also known as the “Wide Street”, is
a street in Zadar (population: 75,000) that connects People’s Square with the Forum, the city’s
main square. It follows the main ancient Roman
city road, Decumanus Maximus. Roman urban
character is still present on the Zadar peninsula
but the first settlers were Liburnians, known as
excellent sailors and merchants.
Romans came in mid-2nd century BC, adopting
the Greek name for the people living here Iadassinoi and calling the settlement Iader/Iadera.
The construction of the city started with Emperor
Augustus. The Forum (45 x 90 metres), finished
in the 3rd century AD, had a capitol in the southwest, with a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno
and Minerva. The monumental Roman column
was used as “the pillar of shame” in the Middle
Ages. One of the Venetian-style city gates, the
Sea Gate, consists of a Roman triumphal arch,
erected by Auniana Melia in memory of her
husband. Zadar’s latest attraction, the Museum
of Ancient Glass (MAS), has the biggest collection of ancient Roman glassware outside Italy.
Nin (population: 1,300) is next to Zadar. In ancient
Rome it was called Aenona (also Nona). Romans
built a forum, an amphitheatre and the biggest
temple on the Dalmatian coast here. Eight statues
of Roman emperors have been discovered here.
Recent excavations have brought to light a rare
Byzantine mosaic (17 x 30 metres) on the floor
of a Roman villa. Nin has had a spa since the
Roman times. Peloid mud was and is still being
used to heal skin diseases. Aenona was destroyed
by the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century.
Location:
Southern Croatia, North Dalmatia;
GPS N 44°6`53.7618” E 15°13`44.2266” (Zadar),
N 44°14`36.654” E 15°11`2.8602” (Nin)
Information:
Tourist Information Centre, Mihovila
Klaića 1, 23000 Zadar, Tel. +385 23 316166,
www.zadar.travel
Archeological Museum, Trg opatice Čike 1,
23000 Zadar, Tel. +385 23 250516, www.amzd.hr
Opening hours: July-Aug daily 9.00-22.00,
June, Sep daily 9.00-21.00, May Mon-Sat
9.00-19.00, Apr Mon-Sat 9.00-17.00, Oct
Mon-Sat 9.00-15.00, Nov-Mar Mon-Fri 9.0014.00, Sat 9.00-13.00, Sun closed
Museum of ancient glass, Poljana Zemaljskog
odbora 1, 23000 Zadar, Tel. +385 23 363833,
www.mas-zadar.hr
Opening hours: 16th of June-Sep daily 9.0021.00, Oct-Apr Mon-Sat 9.00-16.00, Sun
closed, May-15th of June Mon-Sat 9.00-19.00,
Sun closed
Tourist office, Trg braće Radić 3, 23232 Nin,
Tel. +385 23 265247, www.nin.hr/en/
Museum of Nin Antiquities, Trg Kraljevac 8,
23232 Nin, Tel. +385 23 264726, www.amzd.hr
Opening hours: July-Aug daily 9.00-22.00,
June, Sep daily 9.00-21.00, May Mon-Sat
9.00-19.00, Apr Mon-Sat 9.00-17.00, Oct
Mon-Sat 9.00-15.00, Nov-Mar Mon-Fri 9.0014.00, Sat 9.00-13.00, Sun closed
Amphitheatre Colonia Pietas Iulia
Pola (Pula) and Insullae Pullariae
(Brijuni Islands), Croatia
Diocletian’s Palace in Split and
Salona (Croatia)
Pula (population: 57,800) got its name from a
Venetic or Illyrian tribe Histri, who settled here
before the Romans. Pola, as it was called by the
Romans, became an official colony in 46-45 BC,
with the population of 30,000. It became a centre
of wine production, fishing, shipbuilding and a
major port for all trade with Roman provinces
along the Lower Danube. Pula’s triumphal Arch
of the Sergii (29–27 BC) was built in memory of
Lucius Sergius Lepidus, a tribune in the 29th Legion and a participant in the sea battle of Actium
that made Octavian the first emperor Augustus.
The Pula Arena, the city’s great amphitheatre
(27 BC‒68 AD), is the symbol of Pula. Gladiators
fought here in front of up to 20,000 spectators until
the start of the 5th century. Today, it is a venue for
open-air summer performances. In the subterranean section, the exhibition Viticulture and Olive
Oil Production in Istria during the Roman Period shows the importance of the top quality olive
oil and wine production since Roman times.
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has Roman roots of worship ‒ a
temple of Jupiter used to be here. The first Christian churches were built on this site in the 4th‒5th
century. Pula had ten city gates, including the
Gate of Hercules (1st century AD) and the Twin
Gates (Porta Gemina) (mid-2nd century AD).
When in Pula, take a stroll around the attractive
old city quarter, explore the Byzantine Chapel
of St Mary Formosa (6th century AD) and the
castle with four bastions.
The best preserved is the once richly decorated
Roman villa rustica (1st century BC), stretching
one kilometre along the Verige bay, on the island
of Veli Brijun, the largest island of the Brijuni
Archipelago. The Brijuni National Park consists
of 14 islands, home to many animal and plant
species. Visit the island of Veli Brijun, enjoy the
safari park (zebras, Somali sheep, zebus, and an
elephant) and explore the island that was once a
presidential residence of Josip Broz Tito (18921980), the former president of Yugoslavia.
Location:
Istria peninsula;
GPS N 44°52`26.81” E 13°50`59.72” (Pula);
N 44°54`35.15” E 13°46`27.46” (Brijuni Islands)
Information:
Pula Tourist Board (Info Point), Forum 3, 52100
Pula, Tel. +385 52 219197, www.pulainfo.hr
Opening hours: daily 8.00-22.00 (summer),
9.00-16.00 (winter)
National Park Brijuni, Brionska 10, 52212 Fažana, Croatia, Tel. +385 52 525882, 525888, Fax
+385 52 521124, 521367, www.brijuni.hr/en/
Pula Arena, Flavijevska bb, 52100 Pula,
Tel. +385 52 219028,
www.ami-pula.hr/en/collections-on-other-locations/amphitheater/amphitheater/
Opening hours: daily 25th of Act-31st of March
9.00-17.00, Apr 8.00-20.00, May, Sep 8.00-21.00,
June 8.00-21.30, July/Aug 8.00-24.00, 1st of Oct24th of Oct 9.00-19.00
Split was built around the Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian (293–305 AD), a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The city was named after
the spiny broom, a shrub common in the area.
Diocletian (ruled: 284–1 May 305) commissioned a palace for his retirement and lived in
it until he died. The massive structure (38,000
m²) faced the sea on the southern side and was
supported by an aqueduct that supplied water
for the emperor and up to 10,000 people living
in the palace and its surroundings.
Visitors enter through the Brass Gate, the ancient Porta Meridionalis, the gateway to the
harbour. Today, you can watch the changing
of the guard, when “Emperor Diocletian” appears with six Roman guards and greets the
masses at Peristyle (June–Sep, daily, 10.00–
21.00; the guard changes at 12.00). Peristyle
was designed for worshiping the cult of the living son of Jupiter. Dressed in purple, Diocletian
would appear at the entrance to Vestibule, which
was rectangular outside and oval inside and decorated with mosaics. The cellars of Diocletian’s
Palace are now used for exhibitions, plays and
for the International Flower Show (May).
Walk to the Golden Gate (Ancient Roman: Porta Septemtrionalis, Venetian: Porta Aurea). Diocletian passed through it for the first time on 1
June 305 AD. Or follow Pope John Paul II who
passed through the Silver Gate (Roman: Porta orientalis) in 2000. Stop by the Iron Gate
(Roman: Porta Occidentalis) where the Statue
Nike, the goddess of victory, used to be. It was
removed in the 5th century by the Christians.
Go on a half-day bus excursion to Salona. In
119 BC, Quintus Caecilius Metellus decided to
station his army there during the winter. It was
Julius Caesar, then the governor of Illyricum,
who gave it the Colonia Martia Julia Salona status and made it the capital of Dalmatia.
When Salona was destroyed in 6th‒7th century,
its inhabitants fled to Split and lived in what had
remained of Diocletian’s Palace.
Location:
GPS N 43°30`24.912” E 16°26`32.82”
Information:
Tourist Information Center „Peristil“, Peristil bb, 21 000 Split, Tel. +385 21 345606, www.
visitsplit.com
Archeological Museum, Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25, 21000 Split, Tel. +385 21 329340, www.
armus.hr,
www.mdc.hr/split-arheoloski/eng/
index.html
Opening hours: June-Sep Mon-Sat 9.00-14.00,
16.00-20.00, Sun closed; Oct-May Mon-Fri 9.0014.00, 16.00-20.00, Sat 9.00-14.00, Sun closed
Archeological Complex of Salona and Tusculum, Put starina bb, Manastirine, 21210 Solin,
Tel. +385 21 211538, www.mdc.hr/split-arheoloski/eng/FS-dislocirani.html
Opening hours: May-Oct Mon-Fri 7.00-19.00,
Sat 9.00-19.00, Sun 9.00-13.00; Nov-Apr MonFri 9.00-15.30, Sat 9.00-14.00, Sun closed
Aquae Iassae (Varaždinske Toplice)
and Andautonia Archaeological Park
(Ščitarjevo near Zagreb) (Croatia)
Varaždinske toplice (population: 6,400) is known
as the oldest Croatian health spa. Hot springs and
medical treatments were offered here since the Roman settlement of Aquae Iasae, today the archaeological site of Varaždinske toplice. Aquae Iasae
was named after the Illyrian tribe Jasi, meaning
“water of the Jasi”. It flourished for 300 years
(until the 4th century AD). Public baths (6,000
m²) were situated on the terrace of the Varaždin
hill, a residential area was at the foot of the hill.
Goths were the first to interrupt the pleasures of
hot springs and relaxing massages in the 3rd century AD. Constantine the Great restored the thermae before the next migrating invaders brought
them to their end. Excavations in 1967 unearthed
a beautiful statue of goddess Minerva wearing a
legionary helmet. Visitors who come here in June
will enjoy the annual Aquafest.
Roman heritage enthusiasts should also stop by
at Šćitarjevo, a village between Zagreb and Velika Gorica, an ancient Roman settlement called
Andautonia (1st–4th century AD). It used to be
an important river port. In 1994 the archaeological park consisting of a Roman town, street,
bath house and necropolis opened here. Excavations of Roman artefacts and art workshops
for the public often take place in the park. Visiting the nearby Muzej Turopolje (Turopolje
Museum) and the Archeological Museum in
Zagreb is highly recommended.
Location:
Varaždinske Toplice: Zagorje region, Northeastern Croatia; Andautonia: village of Ščitarjevo, 12 km to Zagreb, 8 km to Velika Gorica;
GPS N 46°12`29” E 16°25`17” (Varaždinske
Toplice), N 45°46′18″ E 16°7′5″ (Ščitarjevo)
Information:
Zagreb County Tourist Information Center,
Preradovićeva 42, Zagreb. Tel: +385 1 4873 665,
www.tzzz.hr
Aquae Iasae Tourist office, Trg slobode 16,
Stari grad, 42223 Varaždinske Toplice, Tel.
+385 42 633133, www.toplice-vz.hr, www.
varazdinske-toplice.hr
Andautonia Archaeological Park, Parish courtyard, Ščitarjevo, 10410 Velika Gorica, www.
andautonia.com/eng/english.html
Opening hours: 1st of May-1st of Nov Sat, Sun
12.00-18.00, Mon-Fri by appointment.
Muzej Turopolje Trg kralja Tomislava 1, Ščitarjevo, 10410 Velika Gorica, Tel. +385 1 6221325,
www.muzej-turopolja.hr
Archeological Museum in Zagreb, 19 Nikola
Subic Zrinski Square, 1000 Zagreb, Tel. +385 1
4873101, www.amz.hr
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10.00-18.00,
Thu 10.00-20.00, Sun 10.00-13.00, Mon closed;
complimentary museum tour: Sat 15.00
Touch the Toe again twice...
Many Split visitors believe in touching
the big left toe of Splits monumental, 10
m high statue of Grgur Ninski (Gregory of
Nin). It promotes luck and fortune, as in Nin.
and the
Danube Wine Route
19
Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta
Dacica Sarmizegetusa
(Sarmizegetusa, Romania)
Narona (Vid, Croatia)
On the banks of the Neretva River, 58 metres
above sea level, Greek merchants developed the
emporion, a trading place for importing goods
to Illyria (4th century BC). Roman armies arrived here for the first time in 156 and then in
135 BC and some of the major military campaigns against the Delmati were launched from
the town. Octavian (later Augustus) established
a regional administrative centre Colonia Iulia
Narona in the 1st century BC. Inscriptions mention various Roman divinities worshiped in
Narona (Jupiter, Asclepius, Mercury, Mars, Fortuna, Diana, Neptune, Ceres). A forum, mosaics,
parts of marble sculptures (e.g. Emperor Vespasian’s head), baths and a theatre have been found
here during several excavation campaigns from
1877 to 2004. The artefacts are being kept in the
Archaeological Museum Narona (2007), Croatia’s first “in situ” museum, built on the site of
Augusteum-a Roman temple erected around 10
BC in honour of Augustus. It was discovered in
1995 and 1996. There were 19 marble statues of
Roman emperors and other members of imperial
families in the temple. The monumental statue of
Augustus is 3 metres tall! The museum tour extends to the archaeological park where sepulchral
and decorative monuments and a mosaic can be
seen. Excavations in the Upper Town (Gornji
grad) and Lower Town (Donji grad) unearthed
Hellenistic city walls (renewed in the 2nd century
AD): city gates and six towers on the northern
wall and four towers along the southwest wall.
Visit the Ereš Tower while visiting the city walls.
The tower was constructed in 1825–1851, it contains 40 ancient Latin and two Croatian inscriptions. The Erešove Bare archaeological site is
located in the Bare Marsh, west of Lower town.
Here, a Roman villa rustica was built in three
phases (2nd –5th century). In the 5th century an
early Christian single-nave church with a narthex
and annexes to the northern and southern sides
was built at the site of today’s Church of St Vitus
(30 x 25 metres), which became a model for the
early Christian architecture in the hinterland.
Location:
3 km from Metkovic, near Dubrovnik;
GPS N 43°4`52.24” E 17°37`41.24”
Information:
Dubrovnik and Neretva County Tourist
Board, c/o Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Tel. + 385
20 324999,
www.visitdubrovnik.hr/en-GB/Attractions
Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Brsalje 5, 20000
Dubrovnik, Tel. +385 20 323887, www.
tzdubrovnik.hr/eng/
Archeological Museum of Narona, 20352 Vid,
Tel. +385 20 687149, www.a-m-narona.hr/en/
Opening hours: 15th of June-15th of Sep TueSun 9.00-19.00, Mon closed; 16th of Sep-14th of
June Tue-Fri 9.00-16.00, Sat 9.00-17.00, Sun
9.00-13.00, Mon closed
20
The Roman Emperors Route
The Roman settlement of Sarmizegetusa (“fortress on the top of the hill”) should not be confused with Sarmizegetusa Regia, the ancient
royal Dacian stronghold (and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site), situated 40 km northeast.
The new capital Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta
Dacica Sarmizegetusa developed from a small fort
(castrum) of IV Flavia Felix Legion in a strategically
important location - near the Gates of Transylvania.
Sarmizegetusa became a Roman colonia. Emperor
Hadrian honoured Trajan with the new city name
Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa. To the existing 33 hectars of the fort, aditional walls (500 x 600 metres) were added forming
a rectangular urban area, whilst additional 50‒80
hectars became the extra muros zone for public
monuments, houses, tombs and temples. As the legion moved to Berzovia (in Banat), it did not take
long before Colonia Dacica Sarmizegetusa became
a provincial capital with 25,000 inhabitants, a lot
more than in the modern-day village (population:
1,300). The amphitheatre, the only one in Dacia,
built under Emperor Antoninus Pius (ca. 160 AD)
could accommodate 5,000 spectators. After 271
AD, when Romans left Dacia, the elliptical building
was blocked with tombstones, making it a fortress
for the remaining inhabitants. Most impressive are
the temples of Liber Pater and Goddess Nemesis,
the sanctuary of Aesculapius and Hygeia and the
Great Temple (43.6 x 34 metres). Two glassblowing
workshops were discovered here. The procurator of
Dacia ruled from Praetorium Procuratoris. When
you pass the granary (horreum) and new excavations
at the Northern Gate, you arrive at the Forum Vetus (Old Forum) with a monumental entrance gate,
tetrapylon (a monument of a cubic shape with an
arched gate on each of the four sides).
The Archaeological Museum is currently exhibiting the newly excavated artefacts and replicas
of Roman military equipment, jewellery, pottery
and the highlight ‒ Medusa’s Head.
Location:
8 km from Iron Gates of Transylvania,
160 km north of Drobeta Turnu Severin;
GPS N 45°30`59.88” E 22°47`08.22”
Information:
Archeological Site Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, Main road (DN 68), 337415 Sarmizegetusa village, Hunedoara County, Tel. +40 254
776418, www.mcdr.ro
Opening hours: daily 8.00-20.00 April-October,
9.00-17.00 November-March
Archeological Museum, Main road (DN 68),
337415 Sarmizegetusa village, Hunedoara County,
Tel. +40 254 776418, www.mcdr.ro
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.00-17.00, Mon closed
www.cimec.ro/Arheologie/UlpiaTraiana/index.html
Daily life in ancient times
Archeological Museum of Sarmizegetusa presents also not perfectly shaped Roman dices, most
probably used for playing foul tricks on others. An
ancient money box, made of pottery, shows the
long tradition of money saving in coin banks.
Roman camp and the cities of
Apulum (Alba Iulia, Romania)
Tropaeum Traiani
(Adamclisi, Romania)
The name of the village Adamclisi (population: 2,150) means “church of a man” and it is
assumed that it comes from the mistake interpretation of an Ancient Roman monument for a
church by Turks. The monument was Tropaeum
Traiani (Trajan’s Trophy). It was inaugurated
in 109 AD, after three years of construction, celebrating the Roman victory over the Dacians after
the war conducted from 101-102.
The main part of the monument is a 4-metre tall
stone tambour (drum-shaped structure) and the
trophy on top of it. Today, 48 (out of 54), original
metope - decorative bas-reliefs on the monument
walls depicting major events of Trajan’s military
campaign - are exhibited at the Archaeological
Museum at Adamclisi.
On the eastern side there is a funerary tumulus (the
tomb of a Roman commander) and on the western
side of the Tropaeum there is an altar dedicated to
the Roman soldiers fallen during the battles.
Close to the monument there was the Municipium Tropaeum Traiani, a home to retired
soldiers, Roman traders and local Dacians, until
the Avars arrival in 587 AD. Four city gates, the
main road (Via Principalis), the remains of six
basilicas have been found as well as countryside
villas (villae rusticae) situated in the rural territories of Tropaeum Traiani. Constantine the
Great re-fortified the municipality, after it was
partly destroyed in 170 AD.
For this reason, an inscription dedicated to Constantine the Great and Licinius was placed at the
Estern Gate of the city. Additionally, the city gate
was also decorated with a 2 metres tall trophy,
similar to that one exhibited on the top of the
monument. Both, the small trophy discovered
at the Eastern Gate of the city and the original
pieces of the trophy on the top of the monument
are now on the display at the Archaeological Museum, situated at the centre of Adamclisi village.
On the way to Constanta, at the north end of
this location, visit the vineyards of the winery
Podgoria Murfatlar.
Location:
On national road Bucharest-Calarasi-Constanta; 70 km southwest of Constanta;
GPS N 44°06`06.73 E 27°57`18.14”
Information:
Tropaeum Traiani/Archeological Museum
Complex of Adamclisi, 907010 Adamclisi, Tel.
+40 241 614562,
www.cjc.ro/engleza/adamen~1.htm
http://constanta.inoe.ro/pagini/adamclisi.html
Opening hours: daily 8.00-20.00 (peak season); Wed-Sun 9.00-17.00, Mon, Tue closed
(low season)
The battle of Sarmezegutsa
The final battle of Sarmezegutsa (106 AD)
and the victory over Decebalus are depicted
on Trajan’s Column (Rome).
Histria (Istria, Romania)
According to Eusebius of Caesarea, the Pompeii of Romania with reputation of the European Heritage Label was founded by Greek
settlers from Miletus between late 657 and early
656 BC, and according to Pseudo-Scymnos,
in 630 BC. It existed until the 7th century AD.
Along with Tomis (6th century BC; today Constanta) and the Dorian colony Callatis (6th century BC; nowadays Mangalia), it was one of the
most important Greek colonies on the Black Sea
coast. When Romans took over Histria in the 1st
century BC, these three cities got civitates liberae or stipendiariae status, allowing them to
keep their Greek institutions.
Around 170 AD, Histria was heavily destroyed
by the Goths. It never fully recovered, but it was
prosperous through the Byzantine times. Avar
invasions have put an end to the city’s existence. It is also possible that Histria’s inhabitants
left due to the loss of their harbour and moved to
nearby Roman settlements. Ancient Histria was
directly situated on the peninsula on the Black
Sea coast. The ancient coastline has changed
due to the Danube’s sedimentary deposits.
Histria’s ruins, some up to 7.5 metres tall,
demonstrate the importance of the city. Visit
the Main Gate and the Main Square of the late
Roman town, the sacred area with Aphrodite’s
Temple and Temple of Zeus Polieus, the tabernae (shops) in the commercial district, two
Roman thermae (baths), the Episcopal Basilica,
the extra muros basilica, the Roman-Byzantine
city walls. Rich collections of votive, funerary
and decorative reliefs, Greek and Roman ceramics, architectural elements, sculptures, jewellery and cult objects are on display at the local
Histria Museum. All 430,000 items are kept at
the Museum of National History and Archaeology (Constanta).
Location:
51 km from Constanta, 5 km from the commune of Istria; Access to Histria Fortress and
Lake Sinoe via DN 2A (heading for Tulcea, up
to Ovidiu intersection), DN 22 (to Tariverde),
local road DJ 22A (via Nuntasi to Histria);
GPS N 44°32`49.45” E 28°46`23.10”
Information:
Histria Museum, Loc. Histria, 907155 Istria,
Constanta County, Tel. +40 241 614562,
www.cimec.ro/web-histria/index_eng.htm
http://www.olkas.net/lemmata/24_Histria Opening hours: May-Sep daily 9.00-20.00,
Oct-Apr Wed-Sun 9.00-17.00, Mon, Tue closed.
In 106 AD the Roman XIII Gemina Legion
built the biggest fort of its time in Dacia (480 x
430 metres) and remained there until 275 AD.
The fort took the name Apulum from the nearby
Dacian settlement Apulon. Alba Iulia is fascinating because of its urban duality. Built in stone
outside the fortress under emperors Hadrian and
Antoninus Pius, the first settlement Apulum I
became Municipium Aurelium Apulense under
Marcus Aurelius. Emperor Commodus (180–192
AD) made it Colonia Aurelia Apulensis.
Emperor Septimius Severus (193–211 AD) built
the second city, Apulum II, south of the fortress,
where service stores for the soldiers were, known
as Municipium Septimum Apulense. Between
these two cities, archaeologists discovered the
Dealul Furcilor-Podei necropolis and the Statia
de Salvare necropolis.
Roman coins, ceramics, marble votive statues,
remains of the Nemesis and Mars Sanctuary and
an ancient Mitra temple have been discovered
here. The ancient Alba was a copy of Rome, just
smaller. The Southern Gate of the Roman fortress, the double-gate Porta principalis dextra
near the Praetorium consularis Daciarium Trium (the headquarters of the Roman governor) are
very impressive. See also the Bethlen Bulwark of
the medieval fortress (16th–17th century) and St
Eugene Bulwark of the Vauban-style Habsburg
Citadel built in 1714–1738 on the site of the Roman camp. Stroll around the tree-lined paths of
the Habsburg Citadel, admire the beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral (13th century) built on
the site of an 11th-century Romanesque church.
It dates back to Prince Gelu (Latin: Iulius), who
ruled Alba in the 10th century. He lent his name
to modern Alba Iulia.
See also the Orthodox Cathedral of Reunification, where Romanian King Ferdinand and
Queen Marie were symbolically crowned on 15
Oct. 1922. See the Princely Palace where Prince
Michael the Brave resided 1599-1601. Admire
the Batthyaneum Library from 1780, the Apor
Palace (17th century), and stop at the Union Hall,
where the National Assembly signed Romanian
Unification Act on 1 Oct. 1918.
Location:
380 km `from Bucharest (route E 81),
100 km from Cluj, 241 km from Arad;
GPS N 46°04`01.89” E 23°34`20.11”
Information:
Tourism Center, Strada Mihal Viteazul 15,
Poarta IV a, 510018 Alba Iulia, Tel. +40 745
081021, www.stiri.turismalba.ro,
www.apulum.ro/en/prezentare.htm,
www.romaniatourism.com/alba-iulia.html
National Museum of Unification, Strada Mihai Viteazul 12-14, 510010 Alba Iulia, Tel. +40
258 813300, http://mnuai.ro/muzeu/,
https://apulumarchaeology.wordpress.com/
Opening hours: Tue-Sun Jun-Sep 10.00-19.00,
Oct-May 10.00-17.00, Mon closed
Alburnus Maior Roman Mining Galleries
(Roșia Montană, Romania)
Roșia Montană, a small mountain commune
named after the river Roșia, meaning “the
Roșia of the mountains”, is located at an altitude of 800 metres in the South Apuseni
Mountains of the Western Transylvania. Being part of the Golden Quadrilateral, it is
famous for its richness in mineral resources,
especially gold. It was the goldmines that attracted Emperor Trajan here after his decisive
victory over Dacians (106 AD). Roman miners, colonists from the Illyrian South Dalmatia, who worked at Alburnus Maior, dug out
ca. 110 tons of gold and an unknown amount
of silver. Until 271 AD, these treasures were
shipped from Alburnus Maior via the Mureș to
the Danube and then to Rome.
Roșia Montană is famous for several Roman
underground galleries, which are partly open
to the public. The local mining museum,
Muzeul Mineritului, shows artefacts and
mining practice from antique to modern times
and has a 400-metre long Roman mining tunnel (1.90 metres high, 1.10 metres wide) that
follows natural gold deposit.
The most important discovery was that of 25
Roman wax tablets in these galleries (1822
and 1850). The oldest one dates back to 6 Feb
131 AD.
These Transylvanian wax tablets are rare examples of the Ancient Roman everyday justice, social and economic life. One tablet is a
miner’s work contract.
Every year in August, during the Miner’s
Day, the manifestation FânFest is organized
in Roșia Montană.
Location:
Alba County; Roșia Montană is reachable
via DN 74 A and DJ 742 (7 km); 10 km to
city of Abrud, 80 km to Alba Iulia; GPS N
46°18`13.25” E 23°06`52.30”
Information:
Roșia Montană Commune, Principală 184,
517615 Roșia Montană, Tel. +40 258 783101,
www.primariarosiamontana.ro
Muzeul Mineritului Aurifer Roşia Montană,
Str. Principală, 178, 517615 Roșia Montană,
Tel. +40 258 783165, www.alba.djc.ro/ObiectiveDetalii.aspx?ID=2184
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.00-14.00; guided
tours (duration: 90 min.)
and the
Danube Wine Route
21
Felix Romuliana
(Gamzigrad, Zaječar, Serbia)
The imperial palaces of Emperor Galerius and
his mother Romula were heavily defended by
a double fortification system. The first wall
was built in 297 AD, after the victory of Galerius over Persians, and the second one, with 20
round and polygonal watchtowers in 305-306
AD. The building of palaces did not start before 305 AD. Research indicates a former urban
settlement. There may have been a countryside
villa (villa rustica) of Galerius’s father, a birth
place of Galerius (250 AD). The brave and glorious military emperor got his surname Armentarius (herdsman) because he grazed cattle in
his youth. Although Galerius and his mother did
not like Christians, it was Galerius who stopped
the persecutions of Christians with his edict of
30 April 311. He died the same year, after several military interventions north of the Danube.
Galerius never saw the finished complex (313
AD): two luxury villas, two temples (one dedicated to pagan mountain gods that his mother
was a priestess of), public buildings, frescoes,
stucco, floor mosaics, statues. The ruins of his
funeral mound and mausoleum and the one of
his mother, who was named patron of the palace grounds, are situated 1 kilometre east of the
main entrance gate, on the Magura hill.
The best way to explore Felix Romuliana is to
take a guided tour. Worth seeing are the Town
Museum and what is left of the byzantine
church, built under Emperor Justinian I after the
Huns had destroyed Felix Romuliana in 441 AD.
Felix Romuliana became a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 2007. Before visiting the Zaječar National Museum, where you can see the
outstanding artefacts of Felix Romuliana such
as porphyry bust of Galerius, head of Hercules,
mosaics of Dionysus and the labyrinth, check
out the hot springs of Gamzigradska Banja.
Location:
Near road Paracin-Zaječar; 11 km from Zaječar;
GPS N 43°53`57.4512” E 22°11`39.1344”
Information:
Tourist office Zaječar, Svetozara Markovića 2,
19000 Zaječar, Serbia, Tel. 19 421521,
www.zajecar.info
National Museum, Moše Pijade 2, 19000 Zaječar,
Tel. +381 19 422930, www.muzejzajecar.org
Opening hours: Mon, Sat 8.00-16.00, Tue-Fri
8.00-18.00, Sun closed, Sat. Nov.-Mar. closed
Archeological Site Felix Romuliana, Gamzigrad, 19000 Zaječar, Tel. +381 19 450019,
Guided tours Tel. +381 64 2809485 (Dir. Bora
Dimitrijević), www.muzejzajecar.org
Opening hours: daily Apr.-Oct. 8.00-20.00,
Nov.-Mar. 8.00-16.00
Slippery, slithery city…
Legend wants, that Gamzigrad, literary
”Slithertown“, was named due to the huge
number of snakes, found in the complex of
Felix Romuliana.
22
The Roman Emperors Route
Diana - Đerdap Region
(Kladovo, Serbia)
The Roman military fortress Diana (castrum;
100 x 200 metres) was constructed in 100–101
AD, when Emperor Trajan was preparing for his
Dacian campaign. It became a major military
border fort in the province of Upper Moesia and
controlled the Danube Limes and the entrance
to the first Danube canal (Sipian Canal). The
canal was built under Trajan in the first decade
of the 2nd century. For the first time it was possible to navigate up and down the Danube without
being hindered by whirlpools, rapids, cataracts
and underwater rocks. In the late 3rd and early 4th
century, Diana got a fortified rampart with towers
towards the Danube. After the destruction by the
Huns, it was rebuilt under Justinian I in 530 AD.
The Roman compound Pontes (“bridges”) controlled the crossing of the Danube via a bridge
built by Appolodorus of Damascus (103–115).
The bridge, better known as Pons Traiani (Trajan’s Bridge), had 20 pillars (up to 45 metres
tall) and it was 1,127 metres long. Dismantled by
Emperor Hadrian, who feared invasions, it might
have been used again under Severus and Constantine the Great before being destroyed by the Danube waters. There is still one pillar on the Serbian
bank, four may be seen in the new Archeological
Park in Drobeta Turnu Severin in Romania.
There is also evidence of a second bridge at
Pontes, which crossed Trajan’s Sipian Canal.
The attractive trip down the river from Kladovo
to the Iron Gates of the Danube includes the
visit of Tabula Traiana, the memorial plaque
put up in 100 AD to commemorate the end of
the construction of the Via Traiana road. On the
Romanian side of the Danube there is the biggest European monument carved in the rocks.
It presents Decebalus, the king of Dacians who
was overpowered by Trajan’s legions.
All attractions from the Iron Gates of the Danube and Đerdap Gorge are part of the Đerdap
National Park that stretches along the Serbian
side of the Danube.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum in
Kladovo and see the plaster casts of Trajan’s
Column or the relief of the Temple of Mitra.
Location:
Diana: near Karatas, in vicinity of Kladovo;
Pontes: near Kladovo, 3 km from Kostolac;
Trajan`s Bridge at Kostolac;
GPS N 44°38`27” E 22°33`25”
Information:
Tourist Organization of Kladovo, Dunavska 16a, 19320 Kladovo, Tel. +381 19 801690,
http://tookladovo.rs, www.kladovo.rs
Branch: Tourist Info Centre, Kralja Aleksandra 15, 19320 Kladovo, Tel. +381 19 801773
National Archeological Museum Derdap, Trg
Kralja Petra bb, 19320 Kladovo, Tel. +381 19
803900, www.narodnimuzej.rs
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00, Mon closed
Derdap National Park, Visitor Center, Kralja
Petra I 14a, 19220 Donji Milanovac, Tel. +381
30 590788, www.npdjerdap.org/en/
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7.00-15.00, Sun closed
Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia)
Viminacium
(Kostolac and Požarevac, Serbia)
Viminacium (450 hectares) is one of the earliest
Roman settlements on the Danube. Porta Praetoriana leads to the Roman camp (castrum; 442
x 385 metres), built in the early 1st century AD
by VII Claudia Legion. Near the confluence of
the Mlava and the Danube, Viminacium flourished as a capital of Upper Moesia, the military
headquarters and a navy base of the Danube Imperial Fleet. The baths were in use for over three
centuries. One kilometre of a 9-kilometre long
aqueduct, built by two Roman legions in the 1st
century AD has been excavated here.
Caracalla was the acclaimed Emperor in Viminacium. In 239 AD, Emperor Gordianus III
granted full civil rights to the upgraded Colonia
Viminacium and allowed the minting of copper
coins.
Disasters did struck the thriving city. The new
Emperor Hostilian, who stayed here from June
to November 251 AD, died of the plague that hit
Viminacium. His mausoleum (20 x 20 metres),
plundered after 312 AD, is a must see.
High quality glass objects, abundance of jewellery, coins and ceramics (vessels, lamps, bricks,
water supply pipes) demonstrate the high standard of the Roman way of life. The biggest attractions are the fresco paintings in pagan and
Christian tombs (4th century). See Cupido, the
Chi Rho christogram and a Mona Lisa-like
wall fresco.
When the gladiator arena was excavated in 2012,
the bones of bears and camels were found. A
Roman cemetery (2nd and 3rd century AD) was
brought to daylight, together with beautiful pieces of jewellery. The Roman villa Domus scientiarum Viminacium houses a tourist centre and
an archaeoly museum. The Viminacium Tavern
serves refreshments and classical Roman dishes.
Location:
82 km to Belgrade; 35 km from junction of E
75 (exit Požarevac; look for Kostolac B power
plant); 1km further on (signposted); Viminacium has its own dock at Danube (5 km to site;
please call Viminacium tourist service for transport); GPS N 44°46`9” E 21°15`30”
Information:
Tourism organization of Požarevac (Viminacium): Veljka Dugoševića 25, 12000 Požarevac, Tel. +381 12 542277, www.topozarevac.rs
Tourist Information Center (Turistički informativni centar) in Moše Pijade Str.
National Museum Požarevac, Dr. Voje Dulića
10-12, 12000 Požarevac, Tel. +381 12 223597,
www.pozarevac.rs/narodni-muzej-pozarevac
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8.00-17.00, Sun
8.00-14.00
Archeological Park Viminacium, 12208 Stari
Kostolac BB, Tel. +381 62 669013 (tourist service), www.viminacium.org.rs
Opening hours: daily May-Sep 9.00-19.00,
Oct-Apr 9.00-17.00
Mediana (Niš, Serbia)
The modern-day Niš, once the antique Roman
city of Naissus, claims its fame for being the
birthplace of Emperor Constantine I (the
Great), who ruled from 306 to 337 AD and
became St Constantine. In 2013, Niš hosted
celebrations dedicated to the anniversary of
Constantine’s Edict of Milan, 1,700 years ago.
Romans arrived here in 75 BC, developing Naissus into a highly important gateway between the
East and the West. Roman tombstones inside
the Ottoman fortress and artefacts in the National Museum, including a replica of Constantine’s
marble head, are proof of Roman presence. Constantine’s father Flavius Valerius Constantius
(31 March 250–25 July 306), a noble Roman
military officer from Moesia Superior, became
a co-emperor Constantius Chlorus in 293 and
a founder of the Constantinian dynasty. Constantine’s mother (born ca. 272 AD), Helena
(246/250–18 August 330), was a buona stabularia (inn-keeper) in Naissus.
Historic sources confirm the presence of Constantine in the city when he was a child, then in
315, 319, 324, and 334 AD. He commissioned
a complex of imperial villas at Mediana, his
summer residence between 317 and 330. The
huge area (400,000 m²) consisted of 40 Roman
villas, including the Imperial Palace (6,000 m²),
80 buildings, thermae, granary (horreum) and a
water tower. Two early Christian churches were
excavated here in 2000 and 2007. They may
have been built in 378 AD.
After Constantine’s death, a number of Roman
emperors stayed in Mediana: Constantine`s
sons Constatius II and Constans (in 340 and
350), Julian the Apostate (in 361),Valentinian
I (in 364). Constantius III was born in Naissus
(425). Like many Roman cities in the region,
Naissus was destroyed by the Huns in 442.
A small museum at Mediana displays its smaller
artifacts. The bigger, more important ones are in
the National Museum.
Location:
6 km east of Niš, in suburban village of Brzi
Brod; GPS N 43°18`37” E 21°56`56”
Information:
Tourist Information Center Niš, Vožda
Karađorđa 5, 18000 Niš, Tel. +381 18 521321,
www.visitnis.com, www.ni.rs/tourism.html
Info branch „Fortress“: Tvrdjava, 18000 Nis,
Tel. +381 18 250222
National Museum Niš‚ Generala Milojka Lešjanina 14, 18000 Niš, Tel. +381 18 248189, Fax
+381 18 246622, www.narodnimuzejnis.rs
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10.00-17.00, Sat., Sun
10.00-15.00, Mon closed;
Archeological site Mediana, Bulevar Cara
Constantina bb, 18000 Niš, Tel. +381 18
550433, www.narodnimuzejnis.rs
Opening hours: see National Museum
On the crossroads of the West and the East, the
North and the South, on the banks of the river Sava (Latin: Savus), the Roman settlement
Sirmium, probably occupied by the Romans in
13–9 BC, became one of the most important cities of the Late Roman Empire. In 103 AD, it became the capital of the Roman province of Lower Pannonia. In 293 AD, when the Empire was
split into four parts (Tetrarchy), Sirmium was
one of the four capitals of the Empire, along with
Augusta Treverorum (Trier, Germany), Mediolanum (Milan, Italy) and Nicomedia (Turkey).
Trajan started his campaign against Dacians
here, Emperor Galerius had his seat here. As
many as ten Roman emperors were born in or
around Sirmium. In Christian times, the first
bishop and martyr Irenaeus was beheaded on
a bridge on the river Sava in 304 AD. Later,
Sirmium hosted two synods (357–359).
The Sirmium Imperial Palace, a basilica, was
discovered in 1957. The roof of the new Visitor
Centre now protects huge parts of the palace
walls and the ruins of administrative premises
and emperors’ private residential chambers. The
best preserved are the three levels of mosaic pavements. A marble fountain is under reconstruction.
There is a large apse that is thought to have been
a ceremonial hall for official receptions.
A scale model of what Sirmium looked like in
the 4th century AD shows a road network, aqueducts, military fortifications and a circus. Still
unexcavated hippodrome was the second biggest in Europe (150 x 450 metres). Guided city
tours include the Archaeological Museum near
St Demetrius Church, where votive altars of
legionnaires, a tombstone with a gryphon on
it, golden coins of Constantine and Helena and
replicas of goldbars produced in Sirmium on 18
January 379 AD, are the highlights of the collection. The marble head of the goddess Venus
of Sremska Mitrovica deserves special attention (1st century BC). A lone brick commemorates the final fall of Sirmium in 582 ‒ the Avars
took it after three years of siege.
Location:
Srem/Syrmia District, province of Vojvodina;
69 km west of Belgrade; 145 km from Kostolac;
GPS N 44°58`12” E 19°36′37“
Information:
Tourist Organization of the City of Sremska
Mitrovica, Svetog Dimitrija 10, 22000 Sremska Mitrovica, Tel. +381 22 618275,
www.tosmomi.rs
Archeological Museum Srem (with Lapidarium), Trg Svetog Stefana 15, 22000 Sremska
Mitrovica, Tel. +381 22 623245, http://tosmomi.
rs/en/turisticka-ponuda/kultura/muzej-srema
Opening hours: Sat-Mon 7.00-15.00, Tue-Fri
7.00-20.00, branch Vuka Karadžića 3 (thematic
exhibitions): Mon-Fri 7.00-15.00
Sirmium Imperial Palace (Carska palata
Sirmijuma), Pivarska 2, 22000 Sremska Mitrovica, Tel. +381 22 618817,
www.carskapalata.rs/imperialpalace.html
Opening hours: daily 9.00-17.00
and the
Danube Wine Route
23
Northwest Region
(Vidin Area), Bulgaria
POLAND
Berlin
Warszawa (Warsaw)
Brest
Potsdam
Kódz
Zielona Góra
Kyyiv (Kiev)
Lublin
Dresden
Liberec
Wine Regions
Luts'k
Kielce
Wroclaw
Zhytomyr
Rivne
Cherkasy
Opole
Ústínad Laben
Rzeszów
Katowic
ovy Vary
Hradec Králové
L'viv
Krakáw
Vinnytsya
Ternopil
UKRAINE
along The Roman Emperors Route
and the Danube Wine Route
lzeñ
CZECH REPUBLIC
Khmelnytskyy
Pardubice
Praha (Prague)
Ostrava
Olomouc
Ivano-Frankivs'k
Jihlava
Zilina
Zlin
Brno
České Budějovice
Prešov
SLOVAKIA
Chernivtsi
Uzhhorod
Košice
Trenčín
Banská Bystrica
Trnava
Bratislava
Linz
Sankt Pölten
Salzburg
MOLDOVA
Nitra
Chişinău
Wien
Odesa
Eisenstadt
Budapest
AUSTRIA
HUNGARY
Graz
Klagenfurt
ROMANIA
SLOVENIA
nu
Da
Zagreb
be
Ljubljana
Trieste
Osijek
CROATIA
Ilok
Fruška Gora
Vršac
Beograd
(Belgrade)
BOSNIA
AND HERZEGOVINA
The Danube
Terraces
Bucuresti
(Bucharest)
Smederevo
SERBIA
Dobrogea
Hills
Belogradchik Tourist Information Centre,
ul. Poruchik Dvoryanov 1a, 3900 Belogradchik,
Tel. +359 877 881283
Muntenia and Oltenia Hills
Negotin
Danube
Vidin
Ruse
Pleven
Sarajevo
Ancona
Sofiya
(Sofia)
BULGARIA
MONTENEGRO
Pogorica
24
Edime
Skopje
L'Aquila
The Roman Emperors Route
Tirana
Campobasso
MACEDONIA
Komotini
As part of the Danubian Plain wine region
(also known as the Danube River Plains),
Vidin area enjoys hot summers with extensive
sunny days, excellent microclimate and specific soil (red, sandy limestone). This is where
the first wine school opened in 1887. Today,
seven winemakers in Vidin area continue the
long winemaking tradition and focus on having high-quality of vineyards and wine cellars.
Red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot
Noir, traditional Pamid or Gamza) have the
best conditions for growing. White grape varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling,
Aligoté, traditional Tamyanka or Misket) are
perfect for dry or sparkling wines. Visit Magura Winery & Cave! Fifteen million years old,
Magura Cave was restored in 2011. It contains
fantastic Neolithic and Early Bronze Age rock
paintings, made with bat guano. Magura Bat
Gallery is where selected wines age at 12°С
and appropriate humidity. Have a sip of the dry
sparkling Magura or a Rendezvous 2006 Cuvée du Nord. The 2003 vintage got the prestigious Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine
Awards. Ask for grape brandies Vrachanska
Temenuga and Magurska. Oenologist Dr Ognyan Tzetanov and wine maker Adriana Srebrinova are independent wine consultants here.
They can take you to Borovitza Winery too,
and introduce you to Premiere Cuvée Ognyan
Tzvetanov White Brut, Cuvée Adriana Srebrinova, Les Amis Collection, Borovitza Gamza
and LUX. Check out Chateau Burgozone, Novoselska gamza, or the newcomer Chateau de
Val Winery. Since 1998, Val Markoff has been
producing unique wines such as Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon
Blanc and special blends, aged in American,
French and local Vidin oak barrels.
Location:
GPS N 32°59`37.3158 E 22°52`35.0148”
Information: Vragansky Balkan Nature Park
Visitor Center “Natura” (in Old Mosque),
ul. Pop Sava Katrafikov 17-19, 3000 Vratska,
Tel. +359 926 60318,
www.vr-balkan.net/enwww.vr-balkan.net/en
Opening hours: Apr-31Sep daily 9.00-17.00, 1
Oct-31 Mar Mon-Fri 9.00 17.00, Sat/Sun closed
Kırklareli
Tekirdağ
Istanbul
Wine cellars / vineyards, wine tasting:
Magura Cave Bat Gallery, c/o
Magura Winery & Cave, 5 Alexandar Pushkin
Blvd. (office), 1618 Sofia, Tel. +359 2 8570015,
www.magurawinery.bg www.magurawinery.bg
Borovitza Winery, 3955 Borovitza, Tel. +359 878
510619, www.winwines.net www.winwines.net
Chateau de Val Winery, ul. Parva 201, Gradetz, Tel. + 359 88 8001752,
www.chateaudeval.com/en
The Northeast/Black Sea
(Ruse, Bulgaria)
This region, also known as the Black Sea Coastal, produces nearly one third of all Bulgarian
wines. It extends east and southeast of Ruse to
Shumen, Khan Krum and Veliki Preslav, to
Varna and along the Black Sea coast to Burges and Rezovo. There are three sub-regions:
the Black Sea Coastal region, Drobuja, and Ludogorie (known for its wild forests) in the northeast. A mild climate and long, warm autumns
favour the cultivation of a great variety of (mainly) white grapes, as they accumulate the perfect
amount of sugar. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,
the fruity, semi-sweet Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc),
Muscat Ottonel, Dimyat, Rkazitelli, Traminer,
Alogoté, Riesling are the grape varieties that
give extraordinary semi-dry white or naturally
sparkling wines. The microclimate is good for
red grapes too (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc). The biggest wineries here may
be found around Burges, Khan Krum, Preslav,
Pomorie, Shumen, Targovishte and Varna.
The Black Sea region is known for its typical white grape varieties Muscat Varna and
Dimyat. Dimyat from Varna is ideal for dry,
aromatic white wines and brandies, and has the
fresh, fruity peach aroma.
Every year in August, the seaside resort Pomorie has a festival called the Sea of Wine with
wine tastings and prestigious wine award ceremonies. Pomorie is the proof that wine and
wellness are a perfect match. Even Roman
emperors enjoyed relaxing with some wine
and food in Aquae Calidae (“warm water”) at
Thermopolis (10 km from Burges).
The winery and the gourmet restaurant in the
Rousse Wine House (open daily 11.00–24.00)
in Levent Tabia Fort (1828-1829) are a must.
Have a glass of Khan Krum Mavrud 2011
from Khan Krum Winery or Muscat, Traminer, Chardonnay and Riesling from Targovishte
Winery LVK Vinprom. Check out the Veni,
Vidi, Vici wines from VINI Wines from the
nearby Thracian Valley ‒ they were the highest
ranking wines in Bulgaria 2012.
Location:
GPS N 43°50`58.4304” E 25°57`18.7482”
Wine cellars, vineyards, wine tasting:
Khan Krum Wine Cellar, Khan Krum village,
9863 Shumen, Tel +359 53 33374,
www.khankrum.bg/wines.php
LVK-Vinprom AD, 8, 29 January Str., 7700
Targovishte, Tel. +359 601 69602,
www.lvk-vinprom.com
Rousse Wine House, Leventa Complex, ul. General Kutuzov, 7000 Ruse, Tel. +359 82 862880,
www.leventa-bg.net
Royal Size…
Ancient wine Mavrud is used in the coronation ceremony in Great Britain. Even nowadays
asmall piece of bread soaked in wine is being
put in the mouth of the newly crowned king (or
queen), the former Prince (or Princess) of Wales.
North-Central Region
(Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo), Bulgaria
The North-Central region of Bulgaria, part of
the Danubian Plain wine region, stretches from
Pleven and Veliko Tarnovo, to Ruse. It is also
known as the Danube Valley. The oldest and
most renowned wineries are Raynoff, Pirgovo,
Svishtov and Pleven. They use the same varieties of grapes as in Northwestern Vidin: Pinot
Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Traminer, Riesling,
and are reviving the local Misket Vratsa, Vratsa
Violet, Kailaka Muscat, Tamianka and Gamza.
Many mineral springs add to the authenticity of the local terroir. The city of Pleven is the
heart and soul of Bulgarian wine makers. The
first school for grape growers and winemakers
opened here in 1890. In 1902, the National Institute of Viticulture and Oenology, the fifth of
that kind in the world, was established here. The
Institute cultivated a popular grape hybrid, Storgozia, named after the Roman fortress near Pleven. The main attraction of the Kailaka National
Park is Bulgaria’s first Wine Museum. The statue of Russian General Totleben, who in 1877
blocked the nearby river to end the siege of Ottomanruled Pleven, shows the way to the entrance
gate to Plamen Petkov’s wine cellar Chateau
Kailaka (250 metres from the Wine Museum).
A cross-shaped cave, created by General Vinarov
to celebrate the Russian military glory, houses
the history of Bulgarian wine making, starting
with a statue of the young god of wine Dionysus. Also on display are lynns and vats, the 19th
century vessels in which young women used to
crush grapes with their bare feet. One section is
dedicated to the Bulgarian grape variety Mavrud
that has been cultivated for 3,000 years. Luciano
Pavarotti was a big fan of it.
Thracian, Greek and Roman artefacts in the History Hall pay tribute to the ancient wine gods Zagreus, Dionysus and Bacchus. Replicas of gold
and silver bowls, phials, ancient pottery for wine
fermentation and spilling and conical amphorae
tell of Thracians, who loved their wine pure, and
of Romans and Phoenicians, who preferred mixing it with water, herbs or honey. Thracians used
a special knife, mahaira, to cut grapes, and it is
also on display here.
The Wine Hall stores a collection of 6,000 Bulgarian wines, the oldest one from 1912. A rakia
distiller from the late 19th century is also there.
Guide Nikola Ninoshev will help with decanting
and wine tasting. Taste the Emporion, a Cabernet and Mavrud blend from Chateau Kailaka.
Location:
5 km from Pleven;
GPS N 43°24`29.61” E 24°37`13.0224”
Information:
Wine Museum, Kailaka National Park, ul.
Totlebenov Val 1, 5800 Pleven, Tel. +359 887
731537, www.winemuseum-bg.com
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11.00-18.00,
Mon, Tue closed
and the
Danube Wine Route
25
Muntenia and Oltenia Hills
(Romania)
Baranja Wine Region (Croatia)
Ilok Wine Region (Ilok, Croatia)
The tiny Ilok (population: 6,800), once Cuccium, a Roman cavalry fort on the Danube,
is connected with the Serbian town of Bačka
Palanka via the 825-metre long bridge across
the Danube. In the medieval heart of Ilok, a
brand new wine tourist centre Ilok-Sirmium in
the Baroque Curia Brnjaković offers various
wine tasting and guided tours.
Ilok’s Srijem vineyards are a paradise for white
wine aficionados. Wine growing in Ilok dates
back to Roman Emperor Probus (3rd century AD). In 1699, Emperor Leopold I gave Ilok
and the lands in Srijem to Livio Odescalchi,
an Italian nobleman. His family lived here until
1945, inventing new wine-making technologies
through the decades.
The number one attraction is Stari podrum (Old
Cellar), at Iločki Podrumi winery, a wine and
tourist complex, dating back to 1450. Today Iločki Podrumi produces around 5 mil litres of
wine per year. The wines from this winery have
received more awards than any other in Croatia.
Try also Traminer, or Graševina (Welschriesling or Italian Riesling). You can choose between 17 small and large family wineries that
are part of Ilok Wine Route. Visit a small, family-run winery: Vinarija Stipetić, which has two
cellars, one of them buried in a hill and has been
used since 1890. Relax there with a glass of Riesling (Graševina 2012) or one of the red blends
(Cabernet-Sauvignon, Blue Frankish/Frankovka). The vineyard road train tour will take you to
Ladanjsko Imanje Principovac, a countryside
residence of the Odescalchi family built in 1864.
You will find a bar, a restaurant, apartments,
event hall and even a golf school and practice
course here, and you can admire the unique panoramic view of Srijem and Bačka landscape. Visit the Town Museum in the Odescalchi Castle,
reopened in 2010. Come to Ilok during its annual Grape Harvest festival, and taste wines from
wineries: Trs, Čobanković, Buhač, Knezović,
Dolić-Kraljević, Vino Ilok and other.
Location:
Easternmost Croatian town bordering Serbia;
GPS N 45° 13’ 19.5924“, E 19°22’44.796”
Information/Wine history:
Tourist board of Ilok, Trg Nikole Iločkog 2,
32236 Ilok, Tel. +385 32 590020,
www.turizamilok.hr
Town Museum, Šetalište oca Mladena Barbarića 5,
32236 Ilok, Tel. +385 32 827410 www.mgi.hr
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 9.00-15.00, Fri 9.0018.00, Sat 11.00-18.00, Sun group visits, only;
Mo closed
Wine cellars/vineyards/wine tasting:
Stari podrum (Old Cellar), Šetalište o. M.
Barbarića 4, 32236 Ilok, Tel. +385 32 590 088,
www.ilocki-podrum.hr
Ladanisko Imanje Principovac, Principovac,
32236 Ilok, Tel. +385 32 593114,
www.ilocki-postrumi.hr
Julius Stipetić, S. Radića 16, 32226 Ilok,
Tel. +375 032 591068
26
The Roman Emperors Route
Situated between the Danube and the Drava, with
numerous channels and lazy waterways cutting
across it, the Baranja lowland enjoys a moderate
continental climate and boasts ideal vine growing
terrains. Fields of wheat and rolling hills covered
in vineyards, with charming cottages in between –
that’s Baranja. Many of these cottages have wine
cellars, some with 200-year-old barrels. Typical
accompaniments at wine tastings are fresh local
bread, cheese or sausages, perfect with high-quality white wines, especially if the summer was sunny and dry. In winter, cold northern winds create
excellent conditions for a late harvest and good
ice wines. Baranja is perfect for Sauvignon, Italian Riesling, Pinot, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay
and Traminer. You can pick and choose between
four wine routes: Zmajevac (e.g. Čočić Winery,
Josić Winery, Gerštmayer Winery, Čokot-čarda
Winery), Suza (Kovač Winery, Kolar Winery,
Pinkert Winery), Beli Manastir Branjin Vrh
(Dobrovac Winery) and Kneževi Vinogradi
(Gregurek Winery, Belje Winery).
Visit Josić Winery and taste their red or ruby
coloured blends of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet
Sauvignon or Black Pinot. Or go for the topranked Baranski Šiler, made from Frankovka
and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is perfect with pasta, paprika-flavoured sausage kulen or red meat.
Have a sip Graševina (Italian/Welsch Riesling),
a white wine that tastes like green apples, in the
Josić restaurant. Stop by at the Gerštmajer Winery. Its owner Mihalj Gerštmajer has been in
the rural tourism and wine-making business for
a long time. He owns 8 hectares of vineyards,
a wine cellar (400 m²) and 1.5 hectares of land.
His outdoor roofed facility seats 50 people and
serves homemade specialties. Wine tastings offer
a selection of Graševina (dry Riesling), Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc (dry), Traminac (Traminer) and
Rajnski Rizling (Rhine Riesling).
Location:
Located near Osijek in the north-east Croatia;
GPS N 45°33`35” E 18° 1`13.46”
Information:
Tourist Board of Baranja, Imre Nagya 2,
31300 Beli Manastir, tel: 00385/31/702080;
www.tzbaranje.hr; e-mail: [email protected]
Wine cellars/vineyards:
Wine cellar (Podrum) Mihalj Gerštmajer,
31 Petöfi Sandora, 31307 Zmajevac, Baranja,
Tel. +385 31725376,
www.knezevi-vinogradi.hr/uk/vinske-ceste-podrumi/wine-cellar-gerstmajer.html
Wine cellar/restaurant Josić, 194 Planina,
31307 Zmajevac, Baranja, Tel. +385 31 734410,
www.josic.hr
Čokot-čarda Winery, Vl. Vinko Medić, Planine 168, 31307 Zmajevac, Baranja, Tel. +385
31 570215, www.cokot-carda.hr
In Baranja you can find third oldest existing Croatian wine cellar Vina Belje dating back to 1526.
Traminac wine from Ilok was served at the
celebration of coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and before that it was listed among
the wines served at the English royal court.
Dobrogea/Dobrudja/Dobruja Hills
(Romania)
According to wine experts, Dobrugea (aka Dobrudja/Dobruja etc.) has the best conditions for
wine growing in Romania. Its continental climate with warm, droughty summers, moderate
winters, early springs and late autumns allow
for long vegetation periods. Good soil structure
and fertility, plenty of sun and low precipitation
do make a difference so it is no wonder viniculture has a long pre-Roman tradition here. They
don’t only grow grapes to make wine; they
grow them for raisins too.
Outstanding rich-flavoured noble red and excellent white wines with natural sweetness are
typical of this region. Grape varieties grown
here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Columna, Merlot, Muscat
Ottonel, Italian Riesling, Sauvignon, and local
varieties Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regala,
Aligote and Babească Neagră.
A visit to Podgoria/Crama Murfatlar, the viticulture centre of Southern Dobrudja Plateau,
at the north end of Murfatlar/Basarabi is highly
recommended. Among the many varieties of
red and white wines produced on 3,000 hectares, there are special ones such as the unique
Lacrima lui Ovidiu (Tears of Ovid), named
after the famous Roman writer, exiled under
Emperor Augustus in 8 AD to the nearby Tomis
(Constanta). Restaurant Crama Murfatlar,
opened in 2009, offers wine tastings with traditional Romanian dishes.
Vineyards of Clos de Colombes are a dreamcome-true estate owned by a French woman,
Anne Marie Rosenberg. It also features a restaurant and B&B accommodation for the weary traveller. Visit Sarica Niculitel region near
Tulcea, Northern Dobrudja Plateau, the attested
“Bacchus Colony” since the 3rd century BC. Alcovin vineyards, planted in 2002, offer red and
white Curtea Regala and Pelegrin wines.
Location:
West and South of the Danube Delta, around
Constanta; Murfatlar/Basarabi: 19 km west of
Constanta; GPS N44°11`00” E 28°25`00”
Wine cellars/vineyards/wine tasting:
Podgoria/Crama Murfatlar, Strada Murfatlar
1, 905100 Murfatlar/Basarabi, Constanta county, Tel. +40 241 706850, www.murfatlar.com
Domeniile Clos de Colombes, Strada Olimp,
Comuna 23 August, 905550 Neptun, Constanta
county, Tel. +40 374 033033,
www.closdescolombes.eu
Alcovin Curtea Regala Winery,
Str. Viticultori 2, 825300 Măcin, Tulcea county,
Tel.+40 240 573368, www.curtearegala.ro
Located south of the central Carpathians, vineyards cover approximately 104,000 hectares.
The vineyards are in the famous sunny wine belt
(44o–45oN), on the slopes of the mountains towards the plains, but also in the region of southern Oltenia, or in areas close to the Danube. The
local micro-climate and soil create perfect environment for excellent, full-bodied red wines.
The records of viniculture tradition near the Danube date back to ancient times (BC).
Visitors of Vinju Mare Winery (since 1898)
should taste ancient grape varieties such as sweet
white “Tămâioasă Românească 2010”, late harvest or dry red “Prince Vlad Fetească Neagră
(Black Feteasca) Grand Reserve 2011”. Dry
“Merlot Rosé “is worth to try ‒ it won a gold
medal at Cannes (France) in 2012.
Along the 190 hectares of Vinarte Company at
Starmina estate, grapes get 1,868 sunny hours
for a year. During the period of 2001–2008,
41 hectares were planted with white varieties
“Tămâioasă Românească” and “Sauvignon
Blanc”, and red varieties of “Cabernet Sauvignon”, “Merlot”, “Negru de Drăgăşani”,“Fetească Neagră” and “Novac”.
The concept of Oprisor Vineyard, based on
the birth of the Carl Reh Winery company, was
created on the production of wines which would
have a new and unique personality. It is a novel
attitude, which comprises both the Romanian traditionalism as well as the passion invested in the
products and projects, which reflects the spirit of
“Carl Reh Winery”.
The Galicea Mare winery, which is located in
the immediate proximity of the 50 ha vinyard, has
been modernized in the past 2 years. The wine-tasting usually takes place at “Port Cetate” - an old
renovated Danubian port for shipping grains.
Domeniul Coroanei Segarcea vineyard and
winery are located in the south-western part of
Romania, in Segarcea area. Due to the favorable climate, the estate in Segarcea was chosen,
among the 12 estates, which the Royal House
of Romania administrated at the end of the 19th
century, as the only one suitable for vinegrowing.
Wine cellars/vineyards/wine tasting:
Vie Vin Vinju Mare, Strada Unirii 2, Vinju Mare, Mehedinţi County, phone + 40 252
350547, www.vvm.ro
Crama Oprişor, 227335 Oprişor, Mehedinţi County, Tel +40 252 390907, www.crama-oprisor.ro
Vinarte Crama Stârmina, Rogova, Mehedinţi
County, Str. Nicolae Filipescu 43, sector 2, Bucharest, phone +40 21 3233803, www.vinarte.ro
Domeniul Coroanei Segarcea, Strada Dealul
Viilor 108, Segarcea, 205400 Dolj County, Tel
+40 251 210 516, www.domeniulcoroanei.com/
Galicea Mare, Strada Craiovei nr. 141, Galicea
Mare, 207270 Dolj County, Tel +40 740 05 10 10
www.vinulluidinescu.com.
Orevita: Wine tasting the Latin way
Once upon a time, the Medieval monks tried to
improve wine making. They tested the wines
again and again, more than what was normal,
and often-too much! When they got tipsy, they
would complain “Oh, bad wine!”, in Romanian:
“Oh, rea vita!” This is how Orevita got its name.
The Danube Terraces (Romania)
Fully matured grapes guarantee high-quality
wines originated from Central Southern Romania.
Terraced hills near the Danube are characterized
with higher average temperatures than in Transylvania or Moldova. Wine trading on and along the
Danube started with the first Greek settlements approximately around 630 BC. While Dacian King
Burebista (1st century BC) destroyed all vineyards
to protect his people from constant invasions by
the migrating people, Romans dedicated themselves to the cultivation of vineyards.
The Estate Ostrov (Island Vineyard), owned
by the businessman Horia Culcescu since
2001, covers an area of 2000 ha and it includes
vineyards with wine grapes (Fetească White, Fetească Royal, Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel
,Crâmpoşie; Fetească Black, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrach, Rebo, etc.),
with table grapes and orchards and vegetable fields. The most important range of wines is
Reserve, Durostorum City, Domeniile Ostrov.
Theirspecialties have being the distilled wines
and the wines flavoured with herbs or aromatic
substances. Over 400 Romanian top restaurants
and pubs offer Ostrovit wines so during the 2012
had been sold 5 million liters which generated a
turnover of 3.55 million euros.
The Intervitt Winery in Zimnicea, located in historic Wallachia, grows grapes along 370 hectares.
World-class wines are made here as a new brand
Nobilitas, and with the exclusive appellation of
Terasele Dunarii, Danube Terraces vineyards.
They use the following grape varieties: Cabernet
Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Fetească Neagră, Merlot,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cramposie.
By the year 2011, the company started to sell extraordinary Crama Voievodului red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Fetească Neagră) and
white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Fetească Alba, Fetească Regala). Both the international and the Romanian viniculture methods are
used in the cultivation of red (60 %) and white
(40 %) grape varieties.
Location:
Central Southern Romania;
GPS N 44°6`20.49” E 27°22`40.09”
Wine cellars/vineyards/wine tasting:
Ostrovit/Domenille Ostrov, Regiei Str. 1, 8674
Ostrov, Constanta County, Tel. +40 21 3110100,
www.vinpentrutine.ro/ro
Intervitt Crama Voievodului, Sos. Alexandriei
km 34.200, 145400 Zimnicea, Teleorman county, Tel. +40 732 127648, www.intervitt.com;
Rules and regulations, Romanian wine
classification
Romania adopted EU wine regulations in 1998.
Wine lovers may easily find their way through
the products by following the new classification
system printed on wine labels: DOC means
“controlled designation of origin”; DOCC
“wines with denomination of controlled origin
and quality grades”. DOCC wines are classified
depending on stage of grape maturation and content of sugar: DOCC CMD means sugar content
min. 196 g/l, DOCC CT sugar content min. 220
g/l, DOCC CIB sugar content min. 240 g/l.
Fruška Gora Region (Serbia)
The Fruška Gora region is most famous for its
National Park (25,525 hectares; since 1960), 16
Serbian Orthodox monasteries and a very old
winemaking tradition. Roman Emperor Probus was responsible for the start of viniculture
in this area in the 3rd century AD.
Sixty privately owned wine cellars offer samples for tasting. An authentic local wine is Neoplanta, produced by the Čerević Cellar. Better
known are dessert wines Ausbruch and Bermet. The latter was exported to the USA some
150 years ago. Over twenty different herbs and
spices are added to it so its taste may remind
you of Vermouth. Legend has it that was a preferred drink of the Habsburg dynasty.
When it comes to Bermet, red or white, the
place to go is Sremski Karlovci (population:
8,700) – a lovely place to see. This is where the
Danube reaches Fruška Gora. You don’t have
to go far to admire its old architecture – it is
right there at Trg Branka Radičevića. There
are twelve wineries here that produce Bermet
varieties according to old family recipes. The
award-winning Živanović Wine Cellar houses
a small honey and beekeeping museum. It has a
long tradition in winemaking, dating back to the
legendary Teodor Živanović (1753–1832). The
Kiš Wine Cellar near Peace Chapel in Sremski Karlovci boasts 180 years of viniculture tradition and specialises in Bermet.
The most awarded grape varieties grown in
this area are Italian Riesling, Rhine Riesling,
Parishioner, Traminer, Buvie, Franconia, Plemenka, Silvaner, Portugizer and flavoured
Bebermet. Also on the wine route are Neštin, Banoštor and Erdevik, Irig (population:
4,400) and Tomcat’s Wine Cellar (offers red
wines Camerlot, Portugizer, Merlot and white
wines Chardonnay and Sauvignon Akacia). It
accommodates 50 visitors for wine tasting. The
Kovačevič Winery offers wine tastings (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Roseto, Aureljus and
Bermet) with accompaniments comprising the
specialties of local cuisine. Don’t miss Bononija Winery (Banoštor) or Kosovič Wine Cellar
(Sremski Karlovci).
Location:
Northwest of Belgrade, between the Sava and
the Danube; GPS N 45°12`9” E 19°56`4”
Information:
Fruška Gora National Park, Zmajev trg
1, 21208 Sremska Kamenica, Tel. +381 21
463666, www.npfruskagora.co.rs
Wine cellars/vineyards/wine tastings:
Kiš wine cellar, Karlovačkog mira 46, 21205
Sremski Karlovci, Tel. +381 21 882880,
www.vinarijakis.com
Kovačevič Winery, Doke Sundukovica 85,
22406 Irig, Tel. +381 22 461192
Tomcat`s Wine Cellar, Zanatski centar bb,
22406 Irig, Tel. +381 22 462492,
www.mackovpodrum.co.rs
Živanović wine cellar/Museum of Beekeeping, ul. Mitropolita Stratimirovica 86 b, 21205
Sremski Karlovci, Tel. +381 21 881071,
www.muzejzivanovic.com/en/
and the
Danube Wine Route
27
Activities
South Banat Region
(Vršac area, Serbia)
The soil structure around Vršac (population:
35,000) is very favourable for wine growing. Clay,
sandy soil and quartz are perfect for grape ripening. The grapes that are harvested late often come
with 35 % sugar content. The moderate continental climate around Vršac is another positive factor.
The south-eastern wind košava helps to dry the
soil and protects grapes against various diseases.
The Vršac vineyards are on the slopes of the
Vršac Mountains. They were first mentioned in
1494, when a barrel of Vršac wine was bought
for 10.5 golden forints by order of the Hungarian King Ladislaus. In 1718, after the Turks had
left, a major migration from the German Rhine
Valley, Alsace, Lorraine and the river Moselle
brought along wine experts, especially to the village of Gudurica. First Germans settled in three
streets specially built for them in Vršac, in 1723.
The status of free town in 1804 made Vršac a
prosperous city that focused on wine and silk
production. In the 19th century the municipality
became the biggest viticulture area of that time
in Hungary (10,000 hectares under vineyards).
The record harvest of 1875 gave a million buckets of wine (1 bucket = 56 litres).
The Vršački Vinogradi winery (1,800 hectares) offers a wide range of quality wines
(Frankovka, Italian Riesling, Muscat Otonel,
White Burgundy; Chardonnay, Rhine Riesling,
semi-sweet, late-harvested Italian Riesling).
The wine cellar is impressive ‒ built in 1964–
1967 and Y-shaped, it can store up to 34.2 million litres of wine! Its five galleries contain 580
special concrete tanks lined with glass tiles. The
winery is also famous for spirits such as grape
brandy (45 %), Muskatna Lozovača (Muscat
grape brandy; 45 %), Vršačka Grappa (43 %),
and Gold Vinjak (40 %).
Vinik Winery produces Vržole Red, Vržole
White and Bermetto wine. Krstov Winery,
Selecta Stojšič Winery, Nedin Winery, AS
Winery and Ráb Winery are also on the Vršac
Wine Route.
Location:
Vršac: 80 km northeast of Belgrade; 14 km
from Romanian border;
GPS N 45°6`12” E 21°16`28”
Information:
Municipality of Vršac, Trg pobede 1, 26300
Vršac, Tel. +381 13 800501
www.vrsac.com/active/en/home.html
Wine cellars/vineyards:
Kristov Wine Cellar, Veliko Središte, 26300
Vršac, Tel. +381 64 0889655
Nedin Wine Cellar, Gortanova 22, village of
Gudurica, 26300 Vršac, Tel. +381 13 881118
Selecta Wine Cellar Stojšič, Otona Župančiča
26, village of Gudurica, 26300 Vršac,
Tel. +381 13 881067
Vinik Winery, Novosadska 1, 26300 Vršac,
Tel. +381 13 836721, www.dobrovino.com
Vršački Vinogradi, Svetosavski trg 1, 26300
Vršac, Tel. +381 13 838025, www.vvinogradi.co.rs
28
The Roman Emperors Route
Morava Region
(Smederevo, Serbia)
Negotin Wine Region (Serbia)
Wine cultivation in Negotinska Krajina dates
back to Roman times (3rd century AD). The valley between the mountains Miroč, Crni Vrh and
Deli Jovan, the Danube and the Timok rivers,
enjoys a specific microclimate with hot, sunny
summers and cold winters ‒ this is the soul of
Eastern Serbia. Popular wines (and old grape
varieties) are Bagrina, Začinjak, Prokupec,
Cormorant, Vranac and Smederevka. Negotin
(population: 16,700) pays tribute to Bacchus
with its many vineyards and wine cellars. Visit
Matalj Vinarija for wine tasting.
The architecture of the nearby Rogljevske Pivnice (also Rogljevo Pimnice) is outstanding.
A conglomerate of 150 wine cellars (15 still in
use), built around 1861, stores the grapes harvested in the nearby vineyards. Rogljevske Pivnice is a candidate for the UNESCO World
Heritage List. More and more wine lovers
discover this unique time capsule, which once
sold the best wines to France for gold coins. Tihomir, Mirjana and Bata Petko will show you
the wine museum and the cellar. All wines here
are aged for at least 7 years. Wine tasting is
done with food accompaniments. Check out
their Black Tamianika, Rhine Riesling, the
spicy local Začinjak (pronounced: zaa-cheeniak), the famous red Negotin Kadarka, or
the domestic Serbian opal-coloured Ružica or
the red blend of Merlot, Black Tamianika, Gamay, and Cabernet! There are also “pivnice” at
Smedovac and at Rajac, 2 km from Rogljevske
Pivnice. There are 270 wine cellars there, 20
are still in use. Stop at Podrum Dajić for some
Traian (red) or Gamay (barrique). There is also
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Tabula. To find
out about other wine cellars contact the Winemakers Association of Negotinska Krajina:
www.vinaiznegotina.info.
Location:
290 km from Belgrade; 150 km from Niš, 13
km from Bulgarian border, 9 km from Romanian border; GPS N 44°4`16” E 22°30`5”
Information/Wine tasting:
Tourist Organization of Negotin, Vojvode
Mišića 25, 19300 Negotin, Tel. +381 19
547555, www.toon.org.rs,
www.wineserbia.rs/eng/winary/negotinski
Wine cellars/vineyards:
Matalj Vinarija, 19300 Negotin, Tel. +381 63
522828, www.mataljvinarija.rs
Podrum Dajic, Mihailovac, Tel. +381 19 599163,
www.podrumdajic.rs
Vinarija Vino-Grade, Vinarska str., Rogljevo,
19310 Negotin, Tel. +381 19 541120,
[email protected]
Wine tasting on St Valentine`s Day…
Negotinska Krajina celebrates the patron
of wine makers, St Triphun (Triphon),on
14February, the day also known as St
Valentine`s Day. Special events to honour
this Saint are also organised in September
during the harvest festivals.
Smederevo (population: 64,200) is in the heart
of the Morava wine region. Viniculture was introduced by Emperor Probus (ruled: 276–282), and
the tradition is celebrated during the annual wine
festival Smederevska jesen (Smederovo Autumn). Serbian medieval rulers also grew grapes
here. The wine was exported for the first time in
1879 to traders from Switzerland and France.
Blessed with the good soil and microclimate, the
area has got all the ingredients for good winemaking – the level of sugar in wine reaches 26 %. Just
outside Smederevo, there is Krnjevo, a village
with probably the best conditions for growing
grapes, famous for its vineyards – among the best
in Serbia. The surrounding hills are covered in
them. The Radovanović family owned the first
private wine cellar in 1990. The vineyards face
southeast, absorb the first morning sunrays and
are exposed to a steady circulation of warm air.
Mali Podrum Radovanović now owns 22 hectares of land of the highest quality soil. Vineyards
are divided into plots and treated individually, according to the characteristics of the microclimate.
The winery produces Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay, Chardonnay Selection, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon barrique – all
of them top Serbian wines for a refined palate.
Živković Podrum can accommodate 30 wine
aficionados eager to taste their Rhine Riesling,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bermet.
Podrum Janko started in 2006. It welcomes
wine tasters and has its own restaurant. Dragan
Vasić Janko is famous for his Rosé 2010, made
from Merlot (90 %), Sangiovese and Shiraz (together 10 %). He was the first one to introduce
labels in Cyrillic, reserved for his best wines only
such as Zapis (Merlot). You can also taste his
Smederevka, Misija (Chardonnay), Adut (Traminer) or Zavet (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc and Merlot).
Location:
Smederovo: 46 km southeast of Belgrade;
GPS N 44°40`11” E 20°55`42”
Wine cellars/vineyards/Wine tastings:
Janko Wine Cellar (Podrum), ul. Šalinačka
bb, 11300 Smederevo, Tel. +381 26 613340,
www.vinopedia.rs/?p=925&lang=en
www.vinjanko.com
Radovanović Small Wine Cellar (Mali Podrum), ul. Dositeja Obradovića 10, 11319 Krnjevo,
Tel. +381 26 821085, www.podrumradovanovic.rs
Živković Winery (Podrum), village of
Kličevac, 12000 Požarevac, Tel. +381 12 226426
Key calamity…
According to a legend, the name of Kličevac
was derived from the word ključ (= key).
Once upon a time, a high ranking official
of the Ottoman government had lost his key
while passing through the village-unfortunately, it was the key to his harem. Everybody had to search for it. Another legend says
that the name originates from the word kliče
(= to shout). In either case, the result is the
same: Shouting loud because of the lostkey to
the harem! The key has never been found…
on and along the
Danube
The Middle and the Lower Danube offer a fascinating variety of attractive opportunities to experience the unique landscape, its flora and fauna.
Cultural events that happen all year round are turning these Danube regions into most saught-after destinations. Those who just want to chill out
will also find relaxing ways to experience Europe’s most exciting river.
Interested in…
…Cruising the Danube?
The best way to experience the Danube, its greatness and power, its
changing colours, diverse landscapes and moods is to go on a cruise. Observe the flora and fauna, towns, villages, historic buildings, architectural
treasures and monuments from a different perspective – from the river.
River harbours and marinas welcome travellers stopping to admire the
9,000 years of cultural and historic heritage. There are great regional and
local cruising offers for individual boat trips.
Learn more! Visit
…Cycling?
The Danube Bike Trail offers fascinating views along the meandering
banks of the Danube. Discover nature parks, small towns, local wines,
dishes and accommodation in local B&Bs. Bike rentals are available in
many towns along the Danube.
Learn more! Visit
…Cruising & Cycling?
Love cycling but feel like cruising too? Have the best of both worlds and
combine the two! This brilliant and brand new offer lets you see the landscapes along the Danube and explore the hinterland. Several specialised
tour operators offer this fantastic combination of an active and relaxed
(often luxury) holiday on the river.
Learn more! Visit
…Kayaking / Canoeing?
Canoeing and kayaking may be trendy now but they have a long tradition
on the Danube. A very special and highly frequented area is the Danube
Delta, but sightseeing by canoe or kayak is also available in Belgrade. If
you like rowing and cycling, why not do both? Check out the combined
kayak/canoe & bike tours.
Learn more! Visit
…Bird Watching?
Thanks to a network of protected nature parks, including the Romanian
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Nature Heritage
Site, the Danube is the natural habitat for over 300 species of birds. Discover untouched nature and more than 260 species of birds at Kopački
Rit, or more than 200 species of wetland birds and plants at salt pans in
the lagoon around Nin in Croatia, or Srebarna Biosphere Reserve in
Bulgaria, the home of 150 protected species of birds. Explore the Lower
Danube Green Corridor or Europe’s second largest delta, the Danube
Delta, the centre of bird migrations and a paradise for bird lovers. The
new UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Mura-Drava-Danube region
covers 530,000 hectares and stretches across four countries: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia.
Learn more! Visit
and the
Danube Wine Route
29
Tour operators and Travel agencies
The Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route
…Fishing?
There are 150 species of fish in the Lower Danube area. The Danube
Delta is a natural habitat for 110 species of fish, including six species of
sturgeon. Seventy-five of these are freshwater species. A relaxing atmosphere is guaranteed along the meandering Danube. You can get all the
necessary equipment locally.
Learn more! Visit
…Hiking?
Long-distance hikers love the Sultan’s Way, which connects Vienna with
Istanbul. There are many attractive regional and local paths, also great if
combined with biking, canoeing or driving along the wine routes.
Learn more! Visit
…City tours?
Explore Zagreb, Split, Ilok, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Drobeta, Bucharest,
Vidin, Sofia, Ruse and other towns along the Lower Danube and their
abundance of architectural styles, vibrant cultural life, high-quality gastronomy and great tourist infrastructure.
Learn more! Visit
…Cultural heritage?
Discover fortresses, castles, museums, cathedrals, churches, monasteries,
religious sites and thousands of years of history from Ancient Romans,
Greeks, Thracians and Slavs to the Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians and
Jewish settlers along the Danube.
Learn more! Visit
…Nature?
Numerous protected nature parks and areas offer unique experiences of
the Danube’s rich fauna and flora. Visit the Iron Gates, the Danube Delta
or some other fascinating area along the Lower Danube.
Learn more! Visit
…Wellness?
Two thousand years of spa tradition guarantee a top quality spa experience. Many of Roman spas are still operational like Varaždinske Toplice/
Aquae Iassae hotel and spa Minerva. Discover the Roman way of life
by visiting modern-day baths. Enjoy the latest special wine therapy, the
breathtaking Austro-Hungarian and awe-inspiring Ottoman architecture.
Learn more! Visit
…Events & Festivals?
Classical music, jazz and rock festivals, special Christian feasts, local
fairs organised for the first time hundreds of years ago, medieval festivals
and those dedicated to the ancient Thracian or Dacian culture are attracting more and more people every year. If you like Christmas atmosphere,
check out the lovely Christmas markets.
Learn more! Visit
All you need to know about holidays
on the Danube: www.danube.travel
30
The Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route
Travel agency
Contact person
E-mail
Phone
Address
Nik Travel
www.niktravel.com
Nikolay Georgiev
Kolev
[email protected]
+359 82 56 22 22
3 Carkovna nezavisimost Str.,
7000 Russe, Business center № 22 office
Rual Travel
www.rual-travel.com
Dimitar Baltov
rual@incomingbulgaria.
com;
+359 2 989 04 33
25, Vitosha blvd.
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Оdysseia In
www.hiking-bulgaria.com
Radostina
Borislavova Yotova
[email protected]
+359 2 989 05 38
+359 886 880 100
20-V Al. Stamboliiski Blvd.
1301 Sofia, Bulgaria
Bohemia
www.bohemia.bg
Hristo Todorov
Todorov
[email protected]
+359 2 981 55 32
+359 894 43 16 03
3, Narodno sabranie Sq.
1000 Sofia , Bulgaria
Salvinia
www.salvinia.eu
Kamelia Zlatkova
[email protected]
+359 88-9433359
www.salvinia.eu
Atlas
www.atlas.hr
Lucija Kraljičković
[email protected]
+385 1 2415 682
Kršnjavoga 1, hotel Westin
10000 Zagreb
Ban Tours
www.bantours.hr
Suzana Marković
[email protected]
+385 1 48 81 800
Kaptol 11,
10000 Zagreb
Globtour Event
www.globtour.hr
Renata Nevidal
[email protected]
+385 1 4881 100
Trg NŠ Zrinskog 1/I,
10000 Zagreb
Ibus
www.ibus.hr
Gordana Pejčinović
[email protected]
+385 1 3694-333
Kranjčevićeva 29, (Hotel Laguna)
10 000 Zagreb
Scrinium
www.scrinium-tours.hr
Maja Halvaks
Geričić
[email protected]
+385 1 36 46 751
B. Adžije 34,
10000 Zagreb
Invitation Romania
www.invitation-romania.ro
Gheorghe
Fodoreanu
gheorghe.fodoreanu@
invitation-romania.ro
+40 21 313 63 22
+40 744 516 866
7 Orlando Street,
Bucharest 1
Danubius
www.danubius.ro
Virgil Stan
[email protected]
+40 241 480 363
+40 723 217 492
Danubius Building, Complex Pelican Area
Mamaia Resort – 900001, Constanta
Dodo Travel
www.dodotravel.ro
Ion Pleşa
[email protected]
+40 21 330 85 82
+40 723 024 321
274 Calea Vacaresti , bloc 62, ap. 2
sector 4, Bucharest
Prestige Tours
www.prestigetours.ro
Cătălin Grancea
[email protected]
+40 21 3076555
+40 744 300 993
Metropolis Centre, 89-97 Grigore
Alexandrescu, Bucharest
Wanderlust
www.wanderlust-tour.ro
Peter Suciu
[email protected]
+40 721 254 195; +40 728 216 212
21, Mihai Viteazu,
Sighişoara
Panacomp
Wonderland Travel
www.panacomp.net
Ivanka Tasić
[email protected]
+ 381 21 466075
Bulevar Cara Lazara 96,
21000 Novi Sad Lufthansa City Center
Glob Metropoliten Tours
www.metropoliten.com
Minja Stanković
[email protected]
+381 11 2430852
Makenzijeva 26,
11000 Beograd
Balkan Expert
www.balkanexpert.rs
Dejan Šišić
[email protected]
+381 11 2449275
Vukice Mitrović 62,
11000 Beograd
Robinson
Adventure Team
www.robinson.rs
Ljubiša
Nešovanović
[email protected]
+381 11 3346776
Beogradska 29,
11000 Beograd
Magelan Corporation
www.magelan.rs
Biljana Marčeta
[email protected]
+381 21 4724088
Zmaj Jovina 23,
21000 Novi Sad
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