Gamzigrad

Gamzigrad - Most important information

Gamzigrad is an archaeological site near Zajecar, in part of Eastern Serbia. It is located within the famous ancient Roman imperial palace called Felix Romuliana, and since June 29, 2007, it has been on the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. It is the residence of the Roman Emperor Gaius Valerius Maximian Galerius, Diocletian's son-in-law. Today, Gamzigrad represents one of the most authentic representations of Roman rule on Serbian soil,

History of Gamzigrad
The existence of Gamzigrad and its very purpose was shrouded in secrecy for a long time, and numerous historians could only partially discover what this palace was for and when it was built.

The first inhabitants of Gamzigrad existed as early as the 3rd millennium BC: Traces of the first inhabitants of Gamzigrad were discovered north of the ramparts and inside the settlement itself. The findings include stone axes from the Early Stone Age and fragments of pottery and bronze jewelry from the Early Iron Age.
Throughout history, Gamzigrad has been abandoned and devastated many times: At the beginning of the 4th century, temples, palaces, and buildings for the accommodation of the army and guests began to be built on the territory of Gamzigrad. Not long after, Gamzigrad died in the invasion of the Huns. Throughout history, this territory would also be ravaged by the Avars, the inhabitants of Byzantium, and even the Turks.
The discovery of FELIX ROMULIJANA solved the issue of Gamzigrad: in 1984, the famous inscription of Felix Romuliana was discovered, which solved the question for 150 years. This title represents where the ruler of Galeria was born and later buried.

The importance of Gamzigrad

The palace in Gamzigrad was named after the mother of Romulus: Gaius Valerius called his court Romuliana, after the mother of Romulus, which numerous researchers later confirmed. It was never completed, and in the 4th century, the property was handed over to the Christian church. After the invasion of the Slavs, it was abandoned.
Gamzigrad today represents a mighty city with testimonies of the power of the Roman Empire: In Gamzigrad today, you can see tombs of the highest rank, a marble statue of a horse rider from Thrace, as well as a circular building with columns, the purpose of which has not yet been revealed.

How to get to Gamzigrad?
Since Gamzigrad is located near Zajecar, it can be reached by car from any direction.

By car: If you are traveling from Belgrade, it would be best to follow the route E75 and turn off towards the E761 near the town of Glavica. This trip will take you about two and a half hours. On the other hand, if you are moving from the south of Serbia, it would be best to follow route A2 from the direction of Vranje, Leskovac, or Niš to Paraćin and then the E761.