Viminacium

Viminacium was the Roman capital of Upper Moesia, reaching its peak in the 3rd century with a population of 40,000. It is located at the mouth of the Mlava River Valley, not far from the Danube. The 7th Claudius Legion was stationed in Viminacium in the 1st century. Emperor Trajan used the city as a base for the Dacian Wars, and it was declared an official city in the 2nd century under Hadrian. Emperor Septimius Severus was crowned here in the early 3rd century, after which the city was granted permission to mint coins. The city had an amphitheater that could hold 12,000 spectators.

Emperor Hostilian was buried in the city in 251 after dying of the plague. Emperor Theodosius met with the Western Emperor Gratian in Viminacium in 382 to conclude the wars with the Goths. In 441 AD, Attila the Hun destroyed the city, which was later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I but was ultimately destroyed by the Avars in 582.

Remains of temples, emperors’ palaces, and unique gold treasures were found in Viminacium, which boasts a large archaeological park and a small museum. The most impressive exhibits include wonderful frescoes in tombs from the 4th century AD and a reconstruction of a Roman villa, which today serves as a restaurant where Roman-style food is served. The villa also functions as a hotel with rooms decorated in the Roman style.