Learn about this charming town’s layered Roman and Ottoman history from its iconic statue and relics.
See an ancient Roman monument in Adamclisi, a historic commune made up of several villages. It is built on the former Roman city of Civitas Tropaensium, which dates back to at least A.D. 109. Later, the commune passed through the hands of the Ottomans and the Turkish.
In the northern part of the village, visit the reconstruction of the famous Tropaeum Traiani monument that celebrates a Roman victory over the Dacians. Follow the original path to the site and gaze up at the trophy mounted atop a circular brick base.
Nearby, visit the tomb of a Roman general. Discover a wall with the names of 3,800 soldiers who died in battle. Hike with friends and family in the pleasant countryside, which consists primarily of flat agricultural land. Capture photos of the green meadows, colorful crops and trees against a blue sky.
The replica of the monument dates back to 1977. Many remnants from the original second-century statue are in the archaeological museum in the village center, the Muzeul Arheologic Adamclisi. Discover the area’s archeological finds that tell the story of the Romans, Ottomans and Turks. Inspect rectangular blocks with original symbols and engravings of battle scenes. The museum has 48 of these metopes.
The town’s name means “The Church of Man,” given by early Turkish settlers who mistook the Tropaeum Traiani monument for a religious structure. Enjoy the area’s hot, dry and sunny summers and the contrast of cold, windy winters.
The small commune is in the Dobrogea region in southeastern Romania. It is part of the county of Constanta. Fly to Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport and travel 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest to reach the town. The large coastal city of Constanta is a 1-hour drive east along the Black Sea.
Retrace the steps of Roman soldiers during your vacation in the quiet commune of Adamclisi.
