THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE

20 ANCIENT ROMAN SITES + 12 WINE rEGIONS IN BULGArIA, CrOATIA, ROMANIA, SErbIA MAPS | GPS | rOUTE PLANNING | ACTIVITIES | INFOrMATION ROMANS AND DANUbE | TOUr OPErATOrS

Co-funded by the European Union

Table of Content

EXPLOrE
tHE

(introductory), Table of Contents, Impressum

the Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route

Explore

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ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE

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-its up to you. Whether youre 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 ros 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) ika Ljubina 8/I, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +381 (0)11 655 7116; Fax: +381 (0)11 263 0399 Email: office@danubecc.org Web: www.danubecc.org IMPRESSUM For publisher: Boris amernik, General Secretary Author: Jrgen Sorges Editor: Danko osi Proofreading and editing: Jelena Milievi Design: Miodrag Bogdanovi Photography: Miodrag mitja Bogdanovi, Stjepan Felber, Mislav Pavoevi, Archeological Museum of Narona, Vlasta Klari, Varadinske Toplice Heritage Museum, Martin Bahmann, Conrad Cichorius, Dragoljub Zamurovi, 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

of the Roman Emperors and the Danube Wine Routes

Highlights

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Timeline, List of Emperors

Romans along the Danube:

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Roman Imperial Navy on the Danube

Travel RER and DWR:

The Danube Limes:

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One-week Trip along the Routes Roman Sites

along the Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route

along the Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route

Wine Regions

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Further activities along Danube

www.danube.travel

What else can I do?

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Tour operators, Travel agencies

Support services on RER and DWR:

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CIP - , 634.8(497 )(036) 338.48(37)(036) SORGES, Jrgen The Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route / [Jrgen Sorges ; photography Miodrag Bogdanovi ... [et al.]. - 1st ed. Belgrade : Danube Competence Center, 2013 (Belgrade : Lighthouse). - 29 str. : fotogr. ; 30 cm Podatak o autoru preuzet iz kolofona. - Tira 2.000. ISBN 978-86-88595-04-9 a) - - b) , - COBISS.SR-ID 202658828

HIGHLIGHtS
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ROMAN EMPErOrS AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtES

SOrGES, trAVEL JOUrNALISt FrOM GErMANY

Sirmium Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola Pollentia Herculanea and Insullae Pullariae
PULA AND BrIJUNI ISLAND, CrOAtIA
Pula has a 3,000-year-old history. It was conquered by the Romans in 177 BC. Visit the towns 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 2927 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

Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa

SArMIZEGEtUSA, ROMANIA
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

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

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

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 Diocletians Palace, built for retirement of the Emperor in 305 AD. The Palace and historic city around it have been included in UNESCOs 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

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. Dont 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

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

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 Tmioas Romneasc white wine (Romanian Muscatel) or have a glass of the extraordinary Merlot Ros (it may contain 15.7 % alcohol)! Dont miss the drive to the new vineyards on the Gipsys Hill, where they expect outstanding harvests in the forthcoming years. See page 27

Felix Romuliana
Gamzigrad, Zajear, 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 Zajears Archeological Museum. See page 22

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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
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EMPErOrS cONNEctED wItH tHE DANUBE rEGION, tHE ROMAN EMPErOrS AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtES

LISt OF 21 ILLYrIAN ROMAN

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). 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). 8788 AD: Emperor Domitian leads a military campaign against the Dacians (today Romania). Five legions are ambushed and defeated by the Dacian king Decebalus (rules: 87106; 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.

from south to north, with military strongholds, valla with wooden palisades. It is extended under Iulius Severus (120126) and finished under Emperor Septimius Severus (193211). 108109: 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. 117138: Emperor Hadrian (Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus Augustus; 24 Jan 7610 July 138; emperor: 117138), successor and earlier legate of a legion and the governor of Upper Pannonia (today: partly Croatia), orders the dismantling of Trajans 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 (65130) 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). 138161: Time for good wine! During the reign of Antoninus Pius (Titus Fulvius Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius; 19 Sep 867 March 161; Roman Emperor 138161), 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. 161180: Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus; 26 Apr 12117 March 180; Roman emperor: 161180, rules with co-emperor Lucius Verus 161169 and with Commodus 177March 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. 180192: Commodus (Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus; 31 Aug 16131 Dec 192; Roman emperor: 180192, co-emperor 177180), 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).

201300 AD
193235: Emperor Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus Augustus; 11 Apr 145 4 Feb 211; Roman emperor: 193211; co-emperor with Caracalla (198 209), and with Caracalla and Geta (209211) 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: 198217), assassinates brother Geta (rules: 209211) and grants full Roman citizenship to all free people of the provinces. On 8 April 217, Caracalla is assassinated by order of Macrinus (rules: 217218). 244247: Limes Transalutanus (Romania) is left under Emperor Philip the Arab, after the Goattacks by the Goths. 249251: Bad luck on the Danube. Emperor Trajan Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius; ca. 190 or 200/201June 251; Roman Emperor: 249251), 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 (268270), Quintillus (270), Aurelian (270275), Probus (276282), Diocletian (284305), Maximianus Herculius (286305), and Galerius (305311). The last one builds a palace in Felix Romuliana (today: Gamzigrad near Zajear, 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 270280): Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus (Augustus) is born in Naissus (today: Ni, Serbia). He will be Roman emperor (306337; 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). 276282: Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus (19 Aug 232Sep/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 Fruka 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 2443 Dec 311; Roman Emperor 284305) divides the Roman Empire into the Western and Eastern parts, ruling the east. The west goes to Emperor Maximian (250July 310), who rules until 305, and again 306308. 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 (249251), Claudius II (268270), Quintillus (270), Aurelian (270275), Probus (276282), Maximian (286305), Constantius II (337361), and Gratian (367383). The last emperor of the reunited Roman Empire, Theodosius I (378395), is proclaimed emperor in Sirmium. As well, the usurpers Ingenuus and Regalianus declared themselves emperors in this city (in 260).

(249565 AD)
Trajan Decius ruled: 249251 Hostilianus ruled in 251 Claudius II Gothicus ruled: 268270 (either from Illyricum or Moesia Superior, Thrace) Quintillus ruled in 270 Aurelian ruled: 270275 (either from Dacia ripensis, Dacia or Illyricum) Probus ruled: 276282 Diocletian ruled: 284305 Maximianus Herculius ruled: 286305 Galerius ruled: 305311 Constantine I the Great ruled: 306337 Maximinus Daia ruled: 308313 Jovian ruled: 363364 Valentinianus I ruled: 364375 Valens ruled: 364378 Gratian ruled: 375383 Valentinianus II ruled: 375392 Marcianus rule:d 450457 (either from Illyricum or Moesia, Thrace) Leo I ruled: 457474 Anastasius I ruled: 491518 Justin I ruled: 518527 (either Thracian or Illyrian, born in Moesia, Thrace) Justinian I ruled: 527565

THE ROMAN EMPErOrS AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtES TIMELINE

From 14th c. BC to 1453 AD
Wine 14th10th 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. 650250 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. Roman Republic, First Emperors 229228 BC: Roman navy ships cross the Adriatic Sea. The invasion leads to the First Illyrian War, followed by the second one in 220219 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 3533 BC by Octavian, Romes 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. 129 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: Ni, Serbia) the seat of military command.

101200 AD
101102: Trajan (Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Divi Nervae filius Augustus; 18 Sep 539 Aug 117; emperor: 98117) conquers the Kingdom of Dacia (today: Romania) in two wars. During the first military campaign (25 March to May 101), Trajans 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. 103105: Apollodorus of Damascus builds Trajans Bridge over the Danube. The bridge ruins can be seen near Drobeta Turnu Severin (Romania) and 4 km away from Kladovo (Serbia). 105106: 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 Europes 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 Trajans military road at the Iron Gates. Trajan creates a first tow path and a ship canal, too. Trajans Column (Rome, completed in 113 AD) records the triumph of Trajans campaign in detail. 106109: 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

301400 AD
25 July 305306: Constantine I (the Great) takes over the power. 311: Emperor Galerius (around 260Apr/May 311, Roman Emperor 305311) 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 () and Rho ():

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 (263325, emperor: 308324). 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: Devils Dykes, stretching through Hungary, Romania, Serbia), using an earlier defence system of Marcus Aurelius during the Marcomannic Wars. In 322, the Constantines Wall (today: Brazda lui Novac, visible today in Ploieti, Romania) is built beyond the Danube and runs south from todays Drobeta Turnu Severin to the east. 326: Constantine I orders the assassination of his eldest son Crispus (305? 326) and his
AND THE

1100 AD
69 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.

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wife, Flavia Maxima Fausta (ca. 289 298 until 326; daughter of Emperor Maximian). Distant relatives will be killed later on. 326328: 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). Constantines 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. 324330: 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 Faustas sons Constantine II (337340), Constantius II (337361) and Constans (337350). Their private residences are in Mediana (today: 5 km away from Ni, 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; 331/33226 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. 363364: 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. 364375: Emperor Valentinian I (32117 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. 375376: 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 (376382), which initiates the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Until 395: Emperor Theodosius I (Flavius Theodosius Augustus; 11 Jan 34717 Jan 395), also Theodosius the Great (379395), 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.

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 todays Northern Italy. 579582: 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). 593595: 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 Vina, the Iron Gates of the Danube). Peace in 598. 599602: 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 Trajans 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 Ptulului on the Danube to Constana. The second vallum, the Large Earth Dyke (54 km long), starts on Danube, follows the Carasu Valley and ends at Palas, west of Constana. 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.

RIVEr DANcErS THE ROMAN IMPErIAL FLEEt ON tHE DANUBE

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 Trajans successes in the Dacian Wars).

4011453
410: Rome is sacked by Visigoths, under the command of Alaric I. 400412: 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 (408450) 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 (434453) 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. 48214 Nov 565; emperor: 527565), 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 541542 sweeps the Balkans and

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 BC10 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 Trajans 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.

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
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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: Trajans Bridge and Constantines 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 267270, 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: Ni, 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 Gic Bestean laughs indeed, Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa is hard to memorise. Yet, not everything about this place is complicated and thanks to Mr Besteans 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 cant help but notice that Roman history can be entertaining. Dont 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 Bestean 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 Bestean 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. Dont 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 youll 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. drobeta@continentalhotels.ro). 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 Trajans Bridge, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus and built in 102105. You can see the bust of the architect in the park. Time permitting, step into the Orthodox St Georges 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 (6090 minutes). Treat yourself to the dry red wine Prince Vlad Feteasc Neagr (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 Ros (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 Gypsies 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 dont 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 (293311) of Vrelo arkamen archaeologists unearthed (1996)
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Katowic

Rzeszw

Krakw Hradec Krlov is also famous for its Mona Lisa-like ancient-Ro- Neolithic and Early Bronze Age paintings on the man tomb fresco. Dont miss the only restaurant cave walls made of bat guano. Wrap up warm! in Rajake Pimnice and enjoy traditional Serbian The temperature here is only 12C. Pardubice dishes with the Traian or Ostrava Gamay wines (barri- The Magura Bat Gallery is where youll meet Praha (Prague) que) of the Negotinska Krajina wine region. oenologist Dr Ognyan Tzetanov and Adriana Plze A trip to Vidin, Bulgaria, is short and easy. You Srebrinova, independent wine consultant and Olomouc are now in the triangle of Serbia, Romania and wine maker, and test the dry sparkling wine Bulgaria. Vidin offers excellent accommodation Magura, a 2006 Cuve du Nord of Rendezof vous wine series, whose 2003 vintage was Jihlava (e.g. Hotel Anna-Kristina) and a wide range Zilina attractions. Walk through the Vidin River Park awarded a silver medal at the Decanter World Preov 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 wont be disappointed. esk Budjovice beautiful royal gold jewellery dating back to the Bar, for example), have a short walk to theBaba Before continuing to Pleven, consider Kovisiting ice Tren n reigns of Emperors Galerius and Maximinus Vida fortress, nowadays often used by film mak- the nearby Vragansky Balkan Nature Park at Bansk 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 Selite. 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 Rajake 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 Sankt Wien stone buildings and cellars, countPlten 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 Constantiness 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. Dont be surprised origin (1st3rd 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 Graz nacium where a 5million-year-old skeleton 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-

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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 Fruka 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 Dimitrijevi, 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 Zajear, 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. Dont 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 Ni, 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 Stipeti family. Paula Stipeti hosts the wine to be, including the Imperial Palace of Emper- tasting. Have a glass of the famous Graevina or Constantine and his sons. Did you know that made from Welschriesling or Italian Riesling Constantines 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 Sultans Way, noble origin but a buona stabularia, a success- many bikers and hikers join guided tours or visAlba Iulia Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa
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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 gae. 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 Chi inu of Viticulture and Olive Oil 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 mens fashion, located in (modern) Rome, is named after these islands. Also, there are 3 villas available for VIP guests, and two hotels offering accommodation.

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Ode

Klagenfurt
73 km (52min)

SLOVENIA
Ljubljana
Trieste
267 km (2h 28min)

Varadinske Toplice

Zagreb

itarjevo
17 km (35min)

330 km (3h 28min)

129 km (1h 50min)

CROATIA

Ilok

Baile Herculane

Sremska Mitrovica

45 km (54 min) 285 km (2h 55min)

Drobeta Turnu-Severin
35 km (33 min) 29 km (27 min) 270 km (4h 9min)

Brijuni Pula Islands 7

Nin
17 km (21min) Zadar 158 km (1h 37min)

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Sarajevo
Split

Beograd (Belgrade)

Corcova

52 km Vinju (1h 1 min)

Mare

SERBIA
307 km (3h 3min)

Negotin

Zajear Felix Romuliana

157 km (2h 4min)

41 km (47 min)

23 km (23 min)

Vidin

59 km (52 min)

Magura Cave

Belogradchik
208 km (3h 3min)

Ni

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, 14 L'Aquila THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE probably about 1,479metres). 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

Ancona

Itinerary proposal for Sofiya travelling along the Roman Emperors Route and the Danube Wine Route (Sofia)

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

ROMANIA
Bucuresti (Bucharest)
Danube
4

Sibiu

Da nu be

Pleven

BULGARIA

& 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: Zajear (Serbia) Day 5 Serbia, Croatia - Roman heritage location Felix Romuliana - Ni - 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 Krklareli Day 7 Croatia - Brijuni Islands - Pula Edime Istanb AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE 15

esk Budjovice

SLOVAKIA
Trenn Bansk Bystrica Trnava Nitra Koice Uzhhorod

Chernivtsi

MOLDOVA
Chiinu
Odesa

Linz

Bratislava
Sankt Plten

Wien
Eisenstadt

Salzburg

AUSTRIA

Budapest

Graz

HUNGARY

Roia Montan

Klagenfurt

Alba Iulia Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa Varadinske Toplice

n Da

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA
Ljubljana
Trieste

Zagreb
itarjevo

ub e

Istria

CROATIA
Sremska Mitrovica Kostolac Kladovo

Brijuni Pula Islands Nin Zadar

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Sarajevo
Split

Beograd (Belgrade)

Bucuresti (Bucharest)
Danube

Adamclisi Silistra

Roman Tomb (Silistra, Bulgaria)

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 Diocletians rule (303313 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 DurostorumDrustarSilistra. 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 4411`47 E 2726`71 Information: Tourist Information Center, ul. N. Y. Vaptsarov 55, 7500 Silistra, Tel./Fax +359 86 820487, wfo@abv.bg, www.silistra.bg/news.php, www.ss.government.bg/ Regional Historical Museum, ul. G. S. Rakovski 24, 7500 Silistra, Tel. +359 86 820386, museumsilistra@abv.bg, 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

Poarevac

SERBIA

Ruse Svishtov

Felix Romuliana

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 (383359 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 4350`77 E 2557`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. Tsr 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 Maurices Balkan campaigns (591602), 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 bishops 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 4336`48.85 E 2523`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, novae@abv.bg, 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

Belogradchik

Gigen

Ni

Ancona

Sofiya (Sofia)
Vid

BULGARIA

MONTENEGRO
Pogorica
Edime Krklareli

L'Aquila

Skopje

Istanbul

Tirana
Campobasso

MACEDONIA

Komotini

Tekirda

Bari Napoli Potenza

Thessaloniki

ALBANIA

anakkale Kasani

Balkesir

Ioannina Kerkyra

Larisa

Mytilini Manisa

GREECE
Larnia Izmir

Aydin Catanzaro Patra

Athina (Athens)

Palermo Tripoli

Ermopoli

MALTA

Vallelta

ALONG THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE
16 THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE

ROMAN SItES

Iraklio

DANUBE WINE ROUTE

17

Colonia Iulia Iader (Zadar) and Aenona (Nin), Croatia Ulpia Oescus (Gigen, Bulgaria)
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 (106109) 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 71101. 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 m) 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 Constantiness 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 (376378 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 4342`30.6 E 2427`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 Peoples Square with the Forum, the citys 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. Zadars 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 446`53.7618 E 1513`44.2266 (Zadar), N 4414`36.654 E 1511`2.8602 (Nin) Information: Tourist Information Centre, Mihovila Klaia 1, 23000 Zadar, Tel. +385 23 316166, www.zadar.travel Archeological Museum, Trg opatice ike 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 brae Radi 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
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. Pulas triumphal Arch of the Sergii (2927 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 citys great amphitheatre (27 BC68 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 4th5th 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 4452`26.81 E 1350`59.72 (Pula); N 4454`35.15 E 1346`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 Faana, 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

Diocletians Palace in Split and Salona (Croatia)

Split was built around the Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian (293305 AD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was named after the spiny broom, a shrub common in the area. Diocletian (ruled: 2841 May 305) commissioned a palace for his retirement and lived in it until he died. The massive structure (38,000 m) 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 (JuneSep, 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 Diocletians 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 6th7th century, its inhabitants fled to Split and lived in what had remained of Diocletians Palace. Location: GPS N 4330`24.912 E 1626`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 (Varadinske Toplice) and Andautonia Archaeological Park (itarjevo near Zagreb) (Croatia)
Varadinske 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 Varadinske 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 m) were situated on the terrace of the Varadin 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 itarjevo, a village between Zagreb and Velika Gorica, an ancient Roman settlement called Andautonia (1st4th 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: Varadinske Toplice: Zagorje region, Northeastern Croatia; Andautonia: village of itarjevo, 12 km to Zagreb, 8 km to Velika Gorica; GPS N 4612`29 E 1625`17 (Varadinske Toplice), N 454618 E 1675 (itarjevo) Information: Zagreb County Tourist Information Center, Preradovieva 42, Zagreb. Tel: +385 1 4873 665, www.tzzz.hr Aquae Iasae Tourist office, Trg slobode 16, Stari grad, 42223 Varadinske Toplice, Tel. +385 42 633133, www.toplice-vz.hr, www. varazdinske-toplice.hr Andautonia Archaeological Park, Parish courtyard, itarjevo, 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, itarjevo, 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

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 m) 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 (1st3rd 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 (Ni, 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 18051837. 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 4337`24.1 E 2240`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

DANUBE WINE ROUTE

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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 Vespasians 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), Croatias 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 Ere Tower while visiting the city walls. The tower was constructed in 18251851, it contains 40 ancient Latin and two Croatian inscriptions. The Ereove 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 todays 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 434`52.24 E 1737`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 5080 hectars became the extra muroszone for public monuments, houses, tombs and temples. As the legion moved toBerzovia (in Banat),it did not take long before Colonia DacicaSarmizegetusa 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 andreplicas of Roman military equipment, jewellery, pottery and the highlight Medusas Head. Location: 8 km from Iron Gates of Transylvania, 160 km north of Drobeta Turnu Severin; GPS N 4530`59.88 E 2247`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.

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 (Trajans 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 Trajans 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 4406`06.73 E 2757`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 Trajans Column (Rome).

Roman camp and the cities of Apulum (Alba Iulia, Romania)

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 (180192 AD) made it Colonia Aurelia Apulensis. Emperor Septimius Severus (193211 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 (16th17th century) and St Eugene Bulwark of the Vauban-style Habsburg Citadel built in 17141738 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 4604`01.89 E 2334`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

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 citys existence. It is also possible that Histrias 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 Danubes sedimentary deposits. Histrias 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 Aphrodites 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 4432`49.45 E 2846`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.

Alburnus Maior Roman Mining Galleries (Roia Montan, Romania)

Roia Montan, a small mountain commune named after the river Roia, meaning the Roia 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 Mure to the Danube and then to Rome. Roia Montan 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 miners work contract. Every year in August, during the Miners Day, the manifestation FnFest is organized in Roia Montan. Location: Alba County; Roia Montan is reachable via DN 74 A and DJ 742 (7 km); 10 km to city of Abrud, 80 km to Alba Iulia; GPS N 4618`13.25 E 2306`52.30 Information: Roia Montan Commune, Principal 184, 517615 Roia Montan, Tel. +40 258 783101, www.primariarosiamontana.ro Muzeul Mineritului Aurifer Roia Montan, Str. Principal, 178, 517615 Roia Montan, 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.)
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Felix Romuliana (Gamzigrad, Zajear, 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 Galeriuss 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 Zajear 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-Zajear; 11 km from Zajear; GPS N 4353`57.4512 E 2211`39.1344 Information: Tourist office Zajear, Svetozara Markovia 2, 19000 Zajear, Serbia, Tel. 19 421521, www.zajecar.info National Museum, Moe Pijade 2, 19000 Zajear, 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 Zajear, Tel. +381 19 450019, Guided tours Tel. +381 64 2809485 (Dir. Bora Dimitrijevi), 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 - erdap Region (Kladovo, Serbia)

The Roman military fortress Diana (castrum; 100 x 200 metres) was constructed in 100101 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 (103115). The bridge, better known as Pons Traiani (Trajans 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 Trajans 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 Trajans legions. All attractions from the Iron Gates of the Danube and erdap Gorge are part of the erdap National Park that stretches along the Serbian side of the Danube. Visit the National Archaeological Museum in Kladovo and see the plaster casts of Trajans 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 4438`27 E 2233`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 Poarevac, 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 Poarevac; 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 4446`9 E 2115`30 Information: Tourism organization of Poarevac (Viminacium): Veljka Dugoevia 25, 12000 Poarevac, Tel. +381 12 542277, www.topozarevac.rs Tourist Information Center (Turistiki informativni centar) in Moe Pijade Str. National Museum Poarevac, Dr. Voje Dulia 10-12, 12000 Poarevac, 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 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 139 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 (357359). 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 4458`12 E 193637 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 Karadia 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
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Mediana (Ni, Serbia)

The modern-day Ni, 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, Ni hosted celebrations dedicated to the anniversary of Constantines 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 Constantines marble head, are proof of Roman presence. Constantines father Flavius Valerius Constantius (31 March 25025 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. Constantines mother (born ca. 272 AD), Helena (246/25018 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 m) consisted of 40 Roman villas, including the Imperial Palace (6,000 m), 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 Constantines 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 Ni, in suburban village of Brzi Brod; GPS N 4318`37 E 2156`56 Information: Tourist Information Center Ni, Voda Karaora 5, 18000 Ni, Tel. +381 18 521321, www.visitnis.com, www.ni.rs/tourism.html Info branch Fortress: Tvrdjava, 18000 Nis, Tel. +381 18 250222 National Museum Ni Generala Milojka Lejanina 14, 18000 Ni, 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 Ni, Tel. +381 18 550433, www.narodnimuzejnis.rs Opening hours: see National Museum

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Northwest Region (Vidin Area), Bulgaria

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, Aligot, 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 and appropriate humidity. Have a sip of the dry sparkling Magura or a Rendezvous 2006 Cuve 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 Cuve Ognyan Tzvetanov White Brut, Cuve 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 3259`37.3158 E 2252`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
Belogradchik Tourist Information Centre, ul. Poruchik Dvoryanov 1a, 3900 Belogradchik, Tel. +359 877 881283

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, Alogot, 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 11.0024.00) 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 4350`58.4304 E 2557`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 Bulgarias 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 Petkovs 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 4324`29.61 E 2437`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

Berlin
Potsdam Zielona Gra

POLAND
Kdz

Warszawa (Warsaw)

Brest

Kyyiv (Kiev)
Lublin

Wroclaw Dresden Liberec stnad Laben

ovy Vary

Praha (Prague)

lze

CZECH REPUBLIC
esk Budjovice

ALONG THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE
Pardubice Khmelnytskyy Ostrava Olomouc

Hradec Krlov

WINE REGIONS
Kielce Luts'k Rivne Opole Katowic Rzeszw Krakw L'viv Ternopil

Zhytomyr

Cherkasy

Vinnytsya

UKRAINE

Ivano-Frankivs'k

Jihlava

Brno

Zlin

Zilina

SLOVAKIA
Bansk Bystrica

Preov

Chernivtsi

Trenn

Koice

Uzhhorod

MOLDOVA

Trnava

Linz

Bratislava
Sankt Plten

Nitra

Wien
Eisenstadt

Chiinu
Odesa

Salzburg

AUSTRIA

Budapest

Graz

HUNGARY

Klagenfurt

ROMANIA
nu Da

SLOVENIA
Ljubljana
Trieste

Zagreb

be

CROATIA

Osijek Ilok Fruka Gora Vrac The Danube Terraces Dobrogea Hills

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Sarajevo
Ancona

Beograd (Belgrade)

Smederevo Muntenia and Oltenia Hills Negotin Vidin

Pleven
Danube

Bucuresti (Bucharest)

SERBIA

Ruse

Sofiya (Sofia)

BULGARIA

MONTENEGRO
Pogorica
L'Aquila Edime Krklareli

Skopje

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

24

THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE

Tirana
Campobasso

MACEDONIA

Komotini

Tekirda

DANUBE WINE ROUTE

25

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 Baka 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 Brnjakovi offers various wine tasting and guided tours. Iloks 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 Iloki Podrumi winery, awine and tourist complex, dating back to 1450. Today Iloki 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 Graevina (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 Stipeti, which has two cellars, one of them buried in a hill and has been used since 1890. Relaxthere with a glass of Riesling (Graevina 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 Baka 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, obankovi, Buha, Knezovi, Doli-Kraljevi, Vino Ilok and other. Location: Easternmost Croatian town bordering Serbia; GPS N 45 13 19.5924, E 192244.796 Information/Wine history: Tourist board of Ilok, Trg Nikole Ilokog 2, 32236 Ilok, Tel. +385 32 590020, www.turizamilok.hr Town Museum, etalite oca Mladena Barbaria 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), etalite o. M. Barbaria 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 Stipeti, S. Radia 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 thats 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. oi Winery, Josi Winery, Gertmayer Winery, okot-arda Winery), Suza (Kova Winery, Kolar Winery, Pinkert Winery), Beli Manastir Branjin Vrh (Dobrovac Winery) and Kneevi Vinogradi (Gregurek Winery, Belje Winery). Visit Josi Winery and taste their red or ruby coloured blends of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon or Black Pinot. Or go for the topranked Baranski iler, made from Frankovka and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is perfect with pasta, paprika-flavoured sausage kulen or red meat. Have a sip Graevina (Italian/Welsch Riesling), a white wine that tastes like green apples, in the Josi restaurant. Stop by at the Gertmajer Winery. Its owner Mihalj Gertmajer has been in the rural tourism and wine-making business for a long time. He owns 8 hectares of vineyards, a wine cellar (400 m) and 1.5 hectares of land. His outdoor roofed facility seats 50 people and serves homemade specialties. Wine tastings offer a selection of Graevina (dry Riesling), Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc (dry), Traminac (Traminer) and Rajnski Rizling (Rhine Riesling). Location: Located near Osijek in the north-east Croatia; GPS N 4533`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: info@tzbaranje.hr Wine cellars/vineyards: Wine cellar (Podrum) Mihalj Gertmajer, 31 Petfi Sandora, 31307 Zmajevac, Baranja, Tel. +385 31725376, www.knezevi-vinogradi.hr/uk/vinske-ceste-podrumi/wine-cellar-gerstmajer.html Wine cellar/restaurant Josi, 194 Planina, 31307 Zmajevac, Baranja, Tel. +385 31 734410, www.josic.hr okot-arda Winery, Vl. Vinko Medi, 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.

Muntenia and Oltenia Hills (Romania)

Located south of the central Carpathians, vineyards cover approximately 104,000 hectares. The vineyards are in the famous sunny wine belt (44o45oN), 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 Tmioas Romneasc 2010, late harvest or dry red Prince Vlad Feteasc Neagr (Black Feteasca) Grand Reserve 2011. Dry Merlot Ros 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 20012008, 41 hectares were planted with white varieties Tmioas Romneasc and Sauvignon Blanc, and red varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Negru de Drgani,Feteasc Neagr 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, Mehedini County, phone + 40 252 350547, www.vvm.ro Crama Oprior, 227335 Oprior, Mehedini County, Tel +40 252 390907, www.crama-oprisor.ro Vinarte Crama Strmina, Rogova, Mehedini 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 anarea of 2000haand it includes vineyards withwine grapes (FeteascWhite,Feteasc Royal, Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel ,Crmpoie; Feteasc Black, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrach, Rebo, etc.), with table grapes and orchards and vegetable fields.The most importantrange ofwines 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, Feteasc Neagr, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cramposie. By the year 2011, the company started to sell extraordinary Crama Voievodului red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Feteasc Neagr) and white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Feteasc Alba, Feteasc 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 446`20.49 E 2722`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.

Fruka Gora Region (Serbia)

The Fruka 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 erevi 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 Fruka Gora. You dont have to go far to admire its old architecture it is right there at Trg Branka Radievia. There are twelve wineries here that produce Bermet varieties according to old family recipes. The award-winning ivanovi Wine Cellar houses a small honey and beekeeping museum. It has a long tradition in winemaking, dating back to the legendary Teodor ivanovi (17531832). The Ki 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 Netin, Banotor and Erdevik, Irig (population: 4,400) and Tomcats Wine Cellar (offers red wines Camerlot, Portugizer, Merlot and white wines Chardonnay and Sauvignon Akacia). It accommodates 50 visitors for wine tasting. The Kovaevi Winery offers wine tastings (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Roseto, Aureljus and Bermet) with accompaniments comprising the specialties of local cuisine. Dont miss Bononija Winery (Banotor) or Kosovi Wine Cellar (Sremski Karlovci). Location: Northwest of Belgrade, between the Sava and the Danube; GPS N 4512`9 E 1956`4 Information: Fruka Gora National Park, Zmajev trg 1, 21208 Sremska Kamenica, Tel. +381 21 463666, www.npfruskagora.co.rs Wine cellars/vineyards/wine tastings: Ki wine cellar, Karlovakog mira 46, 21205 Sremski Karlovci, Tel. +381 21 882880, www.vinarijakis.com Kovaevi 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 ivanovi wine cellar/Museum of Beekeeping, ul. Mitropolita Stratimirovica 86 b, 21205 Sremski Karlovci, Tel. +381 21 881071, www.muzejzivanovic.com/en/
AND THE

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 dont 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 Feteasc Neagr, Feteasc Regala, Aligote and Babeasc Neagr. 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 N4411`00 E 2825`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 Mcin, Tulcea county, Tel.+40 240 573368, www.curtearegala.ro

DANUBE WINE ROUTE

27

ActIVItIES
South Banat Region (Vrac area, Serbia)
The soil structure around Vrac (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 Vrac is another positive factor. The south-eastern wind koava helps to dry the soil and protects grapes against various diseases. The Vrac vineyards are on the slopes of the Vrac Mountains. They were first mentioned in 1494, when a barrel of Vrac 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 Vrac, in 1723. The status of free town in 1804 made Vrac 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 Vraki 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 Lozovaa (Muscat grape brandy; 45 %), Vraka Grappa (43 %), and Gold Vinjak (40 %). Vinik Winery produces Vrole Red, Vrole White and Bermetto wine. Krstov Winery, Selecta Stoji Winery, Nedin Winery, AS Winery and Rb Winery are also on the Vrac Wine Route. Location: Vrac: 80 km northeast of Belgrade; 14 km from Romanian border; GPS N 456`12 E 2116`28 Information: Municipality of Vrac, Trg pobede 1, 26300 Vrac, Tel. +381 13 800501 www.vrsac.com/active/en/home.html Wine cellars/vineyards: Kristov Wine Cellar, Veliko Sredite, 26300 Vrac, Tel. +381 64 0889655 Nedin Wine Cellar, Gortanova 22, village of Gudurica, 26300 Vrac, Tel. +381 13 881118 Selecta Wine Cellar Stoji, Otona upania 26, village of Gudurica, 26300 Vrac, Tel. +381 13 881067 Vinik Winery, Novosadska 1, 26300 Vrac, Tel. +381 13 836721, www.dobrovino.com Vraki Vinogradi, Svetosavski trg 1, 26300 Vrac, 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 Miro, 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, Zainjak, 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 Zainjak (pronounced: zaa-cheeniak), the famous red Negotin Kadarka, or the domestic Serbian opal-coloured Ruica 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 Daji 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 Ni, 13 km from Bulgarian border, 9 km from Romanian border; GPS N 444`16 E 2230`5 Information/Wine tasting: Tourist Organization of Negotin, Vojvode Miia 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, vinograderogljevo@gmail.com 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: 276282), 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 Radovanovi 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 Radovanovi 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, Ros, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon barrique all of them top Serbian wines for a refined palate. ivkovi 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 Vasi Janko is famous for his Ros 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 4440`11 E 2055`42 Wine cellars/vineyards/Wine tastings: Janko Wine Cellar (Podrum), ul. alinaka bb, 11300 Smederevo, Tel. +381 26 613340, www.vinopedia.rs/?p=925&lang=en www.vinjanko.com Radovanovi Small Wine Cellar (Mali Podrum), ul. Dositeja Obradovia 10, 11319 Krnjevo, Tel. +381 26 821085, www.podrumradovanovic.rs ivkovi Winery (Podrum), village of Klievac, 12000 Poarevac, Tel. +381 12 226426 Key calamity According to a legend, the name of Klievac was derived from the word klju (= 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 klie (= 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

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 Europes most exciting river.

DANUBE

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 Kopaki 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 Europes 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

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 Travel agency Nik Travel www.niktravel.com Rual Travel www.rual-travel.com dysseia In www.hiking-bulgaria.com Bohemia www.bohemia.bg Salvinia www.salvinia.eu Atlas www.atlas.hr Ban Tours www.bantours.hr Globtour Event www.globtour.hr Ibus www.ibus.hr Scrinium www.scrinium-tours.hr Invitation Romania www.invitation-romania.ro Danubius www.danubius.ro Dodo Travel www.dodotravel.ro Prestige Tours www.prestigetours.ro Wanderlust www.wanderlust-tour.ro Panacomp Wonderland Travel www.panacomp.net Lufthansa City Center Glob Metropoliten Tours www.metropoliten.com Balkan Expert www.balkanexpert.rs Robinson Adventure Team www.robinson.rs Magelan Corporation www.magelan.rs Contact person Nikolay Georgiev Kolev Dimitar Baltov Radostina Borislavova Yotova Hristo Todorov Todorov Kamelia Zlatkova Lucija Kraljikovi Suzana Markovi Renata Nevidal Gordana Pejinovi Maja Halvaks Gerii Gheorghe Fodoreanu Virgil Stan Ion Plea Ctlin Grancea Peter Suciu Ivanka Tasi E-mail niktravel@abv.bg rual@incomingbulgaria. com; odysseia@omega.bg air@bohemia.bg office@salvinia.eu lucija.kraljickovic@atlas.hr bantours@bantours.hr renata.nevidal@globtour.hr gordana@ibus.hr maja@scrinium-tours.hr gheorghe.fodoreanu@ invitation-romania.ro virgil.stan@danubius.ro office@dodotravel.ro incoming@prestigetours.ro info@wanderlust-tour.ro info@panacomp.net Phone +359 82 56 22 22 +359 2 989 04 33 +359 2 989 05 38 +359 886 880 100 +359 2 981 55 32 +359 894 43 16 03 +359 88-9433359 +385 1 2415 682 +385 1 48 81 800 +385 1 4881 100 +385 1 3694-333 +385 1 36 46 751 +40 21 313 63 22 +40 744 516 866 +40 241 480 363 +40 723 217 492 +40 21 330 85 82 +40 723 024 321 +40 21 3076555 +40 744 300 993 +40 721 254 195; +40 728 216 212 + 381 21 466075

THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE

Address 3 Carkovna nezavisimost Str., 7000 Russe, Business center 22 office 25, Vitosha blvd. 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria 20-V Al. Stamboliiski Blvd. 1301 Sofia, Bulgaria 3, Narodno sabranie Sq. 1000 Sofia , Bulgaria www.salvinia.eu Krnjavoga 1, hotel Westin 10000 Zagreb Kaptol 11, 10000 Zagreb Trg N Zrinskog 1/I, 10000 Zagreb Kranjevieva 29, (Hotel Laguna) 10 000 Zagreb B. Adije 34, 10000 Zagreb 7 Orlando Street, Bucharest 1 Danubius Building, Complex Pelican Area Mamaia Resort 900001, Constanta 274 Calea Vacaresti , bloc 62, ap. 2 sector 4, Bucharest Metropolis Centre, 89-97 Grigore Alexandrescu, Bucharest 21, Mihai Viteazu, Sighioara Bulevar Cara Lazara 96, 21000 Novi Sad Makenzijeva 26, 11000 Beograd Vukice Mitrovi 62, 11000 Beograd Beogradska 29, 11000 Beograd Zmaj Jovina 23, 21000 Novi Sad

Hiking?

Long-distance hikers love the Sultans 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 Danubes 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 Varadinske 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

Minja Stankovi Dejan ii Ljubia Neovanovi Biljana Mareta

glob@metropoliten.com info@balkanexpert.rs info@robinson.rs incoming@magelan.rs

+381 11 2430852 +381 11 2449275 +381 11 3346776 +381 21 4724088

All you need to know about holidays on the Danube: www.danube.travel

30 THE ROMAN EMPErOrS ROUtE AND tHE DANUBE WINE ROUtE

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