in

LoveLove

5 Unique Ancient Sites In Slavic Countries You Have To Explore This Year

Consider them when you plan your vacation!

dimitrisvetsikas1969 (CC0), Pixabay

Thousands of people believe that if they want to see remarkable ancient sites, they should go to the countries like Greece, Italy or Egypt. Although these countries have an impressive amount of ancient sites, many Slavic countries can offer incredibly beautiful places related to the ancient tales and civilizations.

1. Pula Arena, Croatia

One of the largest surviving ancient Roman arenas. The works started during the reign of Augustus, but the construction was replaced by another one made during the reign of Claudius. It is believed that Pula Arena was created between 27 BC and 68 AD. Later, due to the order by Vespasian in 79 AD, it was enlarged and became an arena of gladiator fights. The works were completed two years later. During five centuries, Pula Arena was a witness of thousands of deaths. In the Middle Ages, it was a place of medieval fairs and occasional knight tournaments. It was a source of stone for many building including the Pula Cathedral. Finally, in the early 19th century the first restoration works started. Since 1932 it has been used for public meetings and theater productions.

2. Daorson, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Ošanići, near Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina is located an impressive ancient city, a capital of the ancient Illyrian tribe known as Daorsi. This Hellenized society created the settlement that was inhabited between c. 300 BC and 50 BC. The city included the central fort that was surrounded by cyclopean walls. Its heart was an acropolis that was a house to the offices and temples. The citizens of the city worshiped numerous Hellenistic deities including Aphrodite and Dionysius. The site consisted many precious artifacts including coins, elements of armor, statues, etc. Visit in this place is like a travel in time, so don’t forget to visit Daorson if you are around.

3. Chersonesus, Ukraine

Did you know that in the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula was an ancient Greek colony? It was established in the 6th century BC. It is located near the coast of the Black Sea and sometimes it is called the Ukrainian Pompeii. It was listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is full of influences characteristic to Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods. Chersonesus was abandoned in the 1400s and had to wait for a few more centuries to be re-discovered by archaeologists. In ancient times the city covered about 30 ha, and now this area is an outdoor museum. Apart from the archaeological site, visitors should see the impressive collection of exhibited artifacts.

4.Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Bulgaria

One of many Thracian tombs in Bulgaria. However, in this case, the tomb is incredibly gorgeous. It is dated back to the 4th century BC and stays a part of an impressive necropolis. Since 1979 it is protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. The most remarkable part of the tomb are murals that decorated the walls of the corridor and round burial chamber. The depiction of the couple and many other characters are still visible. However, the most impressive elements of the paintings are beautiful horses. It is the best preserved Hellenistic tomb painting in Bulgaria, so it deserves protection. Therefore the tomb isn’t available for tourists, but the full-size replica is located nearby (and it is still worth of visit).

5. Gamzigrad, Serbia

The ancient Roman complex of temples and palaces called Felix Romuliana is located in Serbia, near the city of Zaječar. It is one of the most impressive Roman sites in Europe. Gorgeous site located south of the Danube river consists the complex of buildings dated back to the rules of Galerius. He was adopted son of Emperor Diocletian, and it is believed that he was born in the area of Felix Romuliana. According to the resources, he started building the complex in 298 AD, when he won over the Persian army. The localization marks the place of birth of Galerius. Felix Romuliana was abandoned in 7th century AD when Slavs appeared in this area. The site stays one of the greatest tourist attractions in Serbia, protected as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

What do you think?

3.4k Points

Written by Natalia K.

Natalia Klimczak - a skilled writer based from Poland that shares great love for all things Slavic. She enjoys the opportunity to write for Slavorum because of her passion for reading and writing about culture, traveling and exploring.

Leave a Reply

Europa Skopje: The Macedonian Chocolate Heaven Factory

Hajduk Republic of Mijat Tomić – A Micronation In Bosnia and Herzegovina