Founded in 106 AD by the Roman Emperor Trajan after his victory over the Dacians, Nicopolis ad Nestum emerged on the site of the earlier Thracian settlement of Alexandropolis. The name of the city, which translates to "City of Victory by the Nestos River," embodies the spirit of triumph and glory.

The strategic location of Nicopolis ad Nestum on an important route connecting the Aegean coast with the interior of the empire through the Rhodopes, the Thracian Plain, and to ancient Philippopolis (today's Plovdiv), turned the city into a center of economic, political, and cultural life during the 2nd to 6th centuries.

Archaeological excavations reveal the rich history of Nicopolis ad Nestum, with coins minted from the time of Emperor Commodus to Emperor Caracalla found in the city, as well as votive reliefs and evidence of the worship of various deities, including Zeus, Pluto, and the Thracian Horseman.

Over the centuries, Nicopolis ad Nestum was a bishopric center but was destroyed at the end of the 6th century by Slavs and Avars, only to be subsequently restored and continue its existence until the 13th century.

Today, Nicopolis ad Nestum is declared an archaeological and architectural monument, attracting history enthusiasts from all over the world. Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city and enjoy the majestic story it tells.

We invite you to dive into the past and discover the wealth and mystery of Nicopolis ad Nestum, as part of your adventure in Garmen Hills.