Roman residential buildings and barracks complex in Hisarya
Updated: Feb 1
Dear fans of Photo Moments, in this post-travel I will introduce you to the ancient ruins, remains of Roman residential buildings and the nearby barracks complex, located along the southern fortress wall of the ancient city of Diocletianopol in present-day Hisaria.
Our joint journey into antiquity starts from the most famous symbol of Hisaria – the huge southern gate of Diocletianopolis, later called "The Camels" because of its uncanny resemblance to these animals.
How do you get here?
Today, "Ivan Vazov" boulevard passes under the giant and massive gate.
We will not leave the boundaries of the ancient city of Diocletianopol, but we will go for a pleasant walk on the inside of its southern fortress wall. We take the small and quiet alleys winding around the Lily of the Valley Park, which starts here.
Here are the remains of ancient Roman residential buildings and old barracks, where the numerous Roman soldiers who guarded the emperor during his visits to the warm mineral healing springs of Hisaria stayed.
The Roman barracks were built in the second half of the IV century.
They are located on both sides of the southern fortress gate "The Camels", along the entire length of the southern fortress wall, as well as in one of the parts of the eastern fortress wall.
An army of about 600 men was permanently garrisoned in the barracks.
Directly opposite the barracks you will find the remains of a Roman residential building with an open courtyard and a beautiful colonnade.
The ruins of the former Roman building cover an area of 2,637 square meters. It is a typical representative of Roman civil architecture of the type of Italian town houses.
It was built in the second half of the 4th century, and in the middle of the 5th century it was destroyed by the Huns, after which it was rebuilt and expanded to the north.
In 1976, with Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 199, the area surrounded by the fortress walls of the Roman city of Diocletianopol was declared a National Archaeological Reserve!
I wish you wild beauty, a fabulous walk and magical emotions!