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The ruins of that town are situated near the village of Nikup, close to
the town of Veliko Turnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian State during
the Middle Ages, and one of the most picturesque Bulgarian towns, which
can be a starting point to the place.
The town is situated on a hill descending steeply to the South towards
the banks of river Rossitsa – feeder of the River Yantra (ancient Jatrus
Fl.). The first excavations were made at the beginning of the 20th
century by V. Dobrusky and the French archeologist J. Seur. The town has
a rectangular plan, created by the so called orthogonal system –
straight streets orientated towards the four directions of the world,
crossing each other at a right angle and covers an area of 21.55
hectares (510 x 445 m). The town has two main streets – Cardo maximus (directed
North-South) and Decumanus maximus (East-West). The streets are paved
with stone blocks, and under them pass the water supply pipe system and
sewage. The town was supplied with water by an aquaduct from a well,
situated at a distance of 28 km. The town square (The Forum) has the
shape of a square (42 x 42 m),elevated above the surrounding area and
consists of two parts. The ceremonial entrance was constructed from the
West side through an entrance with Corinthian style columns. This
colonnade was built from 145 to 161 AD with a decision of the town
council in the National Assembly of the town. From this entrance,
through a small Ionic style yard was the way leading to the Forum. The
Forum itself was surrounded on all sides by monumental stone columns in
Ionic style. On the East and the South parts of the Forum there were
shops with entrances from the square. The square (Forum) had three
entrances.
On the stone pavement there are signs of many statues of Emperors,
Caesars, wives and officials. South from the yard is situated the Odeon,
which has a stage, semicircular orchestra (stage for choir performances)
and stone seats for about 350 – 400 viewers. The lower floor of the
theatre was occupied by shops with entrances to the street. North of the
yard was situated the Bulevterion – the building of the Town Council as
well as other public buildings. The Forum itself is surrounded by public
buildings, living quarters, a bath and a palestra (a place for sport
training and competitions).
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