The powerful Roman legions, marking their dominance in the southern Balkans by the mid-2nd century BC, set the stage for an era of unparalleled architectural and cultural transformation. It wasn’t until the reign of Octavian Augustus, however, that the central Balkan region, including the territory of modern-day Belgrade, was fully incorporated into the empire. Here, at the merge of the Sava and Danube rivers, the Romans encountered the remnants of the Celtic city of Singidun and established the military camp of Singidunum.
Subsequently, a civilian settlement blossomed, evolving into a bustling municipium under Emperor Trajan’s rule. This strategic location became a vital link in the network of Roman fortifications known as the Limes, serving as the boundary between the civilized Roman world and the barbaricum beyond.
Our Big Roman Tour starts at Republic Square at 10:30 AM. As we meander through the heart of the city, the remnants of Roman baths (thermae), a Decumanus street and a vital aqueduct, highlight the sophisticated urban planning and engineering skills that characterized Roman urban development.
Our itinerary leads us through Kalemegdan Park to the Zindan gate, where the remains of Roman walls tell tales of ancient sieges and daily life on the frontier. Then, our journey continues to the Upper City, revealing the foundations of a Roman castrum.
Descending into the fortress’s underground, the tour explores Lapidarium, testifying to the affluence of Roman citizens in Singidunum. Upon returning to the upper town, you will see a beautiful view that may have influenced the location of our town.
The narrative of Rome’s highly disciplined legions, numbering around 5,000 soldiers, unveils the secrets behind Rome’s enduring success. The construction of extensive road networks, such as the Via Militaris, facilitated movement and commerce across the empire, its routes still traced in the modern landscape.
Crossing the river to Zemun’s historic heart, we visit Gardoš and its Millennium Tower, built upon the ancient city of Taurunum. Though smaller than Singidunum, Taurunum’s strategic importance for defending the region was undeniable, part of a sophisticated defense system along the Roman Limes.
From the heights of Gardoš Tower, we envisage Singidunum through the eyes of Taurunum’s sentinels, before breaking for lunch in a restaurant featuring traditional Balkan cuisine.
The journey then takes us to mountain Avala, a site with few preserved Roman artifacts. The summit of Avala, now marked by the Monument to the Unknown Hero, once hosted a Roman fortress guarding the city’s southern approaches.
Our Big Roman Tour retraces the architectural and historical footprints left by the famous empire and connects us to the enduring influence of Rome on the Balkans and the continuous narrative of civilization’s rise and fall.
