The Heritage of Northwestern Thrace (Bulgaria)

This excursion is included in the programs of the following field schools and it is covered by the reimbursement payment:      

- Bona Mansio - Roman Road Station on Via Diagonalis     

Part 1: Trajan's gate         

The Gate of Trajan or Trajan's Gate is the modern name of a small fortress, which in Roman times defended the western approach to the Thracian valley. It was installed in the Succi pass, on the most important road on the Balkan peninsula – the Via Diagonalis. The fortress is of no sizeable scale, but with its brick masonry represents a real construction gem. After prolonged excavations in 20 th and 21 st centuries, it was recently restored and opened to the public. The pass is primarily known for the major medieval battle of 17 August 986, during which Tsar Samuil of Bulgaria, effectively halting a Byzantine campaign in the Bulgarian lands, routed the forces of Byzantine Emperor Basil II.            

The tour/price includes:

• An English speaking guide & travel assistant;
• Round trip transportation
• All expenses of the guide & travel assistant and the driver
• Travel insurance
• Visit to the Fortress Museum   

Part 2: Hisarya   

Hisarya is a small resort town in Bulgaria, in Plovdiv Province. Located in the outskirts of the mountains, it has of a very mild climate and over two dozen mineral springs. Because of its springs, the settlement grew to be one of the most important Roman centres of Thrace. It was named Diocletianopolis, after Emperor Diocletian, who favoured the local environment. It is famous for the impressive remains of the Roman fortification wall, which stands up as high as 8 meters at some places. Being the best preserved fortification in the region, it encompasses a variety of roman buildings ruins, such as: representative roman houses, large thermal complex, a small amphitheatre and parts of the military barracks.   

Today Hisarya is a popular balneotherapy resort.   

The tour/price includes:

• An English speaking guide & travel assistant;
• Round trip transportation
• All expenses of the guide & travel assistant and the driver
• Travel insurance   
• Sightseeing tour   
• Visit to History Museum of Hisarya   
• Visit to the Roman tomb   
• Lecture on the History of Diocletianopolis   

Part 3: Peshtera         

Peshtera is a mountainous town in Southern Bulgaria. The first traces of human presence in the area date from the Neolithic era. The Thracian tribe of the Bessi inhabited the area in Antiquity. In Roman and Late Antique times the hights in the region were settled and fortified. The largest fortification, defending the pass through the mountains, was excavated and restored in the beginning of the 21 st century. A monumental fortification system was revealed with two towers used also as churches. Among the many finds two golden coins hoards were discovered in large storage vessels. At a distance of around 5 km from the town of Peshtera is one of the most popular caves in Bulgaria — Snejanka, which was likely inhabited during the Bronze Age.

The tour/price includes:

• An English speaking guide & travel assistant;
• Round trip transportation
• All expenses of the guide & travel assistant and the driver
• Travel insurance

• Visit to the Fortress Museum

• Sightseeing tour in the town of Peshtera