Archaeological Site of Nicopolis - Archaeological Site of Nicopolis

Interesting archeological site of the ancient city of Nikopolis. ("The city of victory" in Greek language). Nikopolis was founded in 29 BC by Caesar Augustus in commemoration of his famous victory in 31 BC over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium nearby, and very fast after that, it became the major city of the region of Epirus with a population that arrived in its peak to 150,000 people! The remains of the wall surrounding the city can be viewed from the main road leading to Preveza. An archaeological site with high potential that unfortunately is far from realization.

Beautiful Roman ruins with a fantastic Domus, Basilica mosaics, parts of the Decumanus Maximus and the Odeon, and giant outstanding Roman walls. Unfortunately there is no public transport to and fro, and it all lies in a state of abandonment. The path to reach the perimetral walls passes externally along and on the nearby road exposing you to the danger of being hit by cars. Also if you come here dress accordingly, it's raw terrain , bushes and there are venomous snakes around, we saw one albeit small black viper.

Interesting historic site, bringing you back to the time since Octavian Augustus beated Marc Anthony in neighbouring Actium, when the city was founded by Octavian to remember his victory. Ticket of 8 euro gives also entrance to a museum further away. Accessibility of the huge ancient city is not made easy by walking via ticketbox and basilica behind it straight to the Odeon, allhough this seems to be possible. Instead you have to enter the city again via a diiferent gate in order to reach the inner former city. At the time of visiting, september 2018, the theatre, also not within easy walking distance, was also not accessible due to repairs. Much of the old city is still unearthed and an explanatory booklet is not avaiable at the site it self. Maybe in the museum, that I did not visit due to too little time. From Preveza the site is only signposted when you have practical reached it. This caused a long detour along the coast before I realized I went too far. May be the Greek are not too fond of the Roman heritage on their soil. Similar disinterest I encountered years ago in the old Philippi. Some active excursion programmes from neighbouring touristic Ionic islands like Lefkas could possibly raise an increase in paying visitors. Now it is mainly a place for those who allready know their history, though the basilca mosaicfloors kept in situ are really nice.

Nikopolis is an amazing historical landmark. There are many parts to it, such as the villa, the odeon, the running track, the stadium and the amazingly detailed museum. The museum has many priceless artifacts in pristine condition.

A must visit for the history geeks. Although the size of the Byzantine walls is an 1/3 portion of the original Roman one and with the same 8€ ticket you also get access to the museum a few km south.

So many places are still closed or overgrowth. Officially You can see only Odeon, Basilica A and Museum.

The Nikopolis Odeon and Villa both were amazing to visit: beautiful scenery below eukaliptus trees, gorgeous mosaics, lovely Roman era architecture. Both well worth a visit!! Don't forget to bring a hat...

Nicopolis, in modern times a forgotten place in less touristic Greece, but in ancient times founded by the first Roman emperor Octavianus Augustus Caesar. The city was founded to remember his victory in the naval battle at Actium (nota bene: the local Airport is called Preveza Aktio) against Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra VII in 31 b.C. - the name of the city means city of the victory. When you like ruins of ancient cultures this is a place to visit when you are in the area. There are the remains of an impressive Roman city wall, the Odeon, the Theatre, Basilicas, a monument erected by Octavianus, a stadium... . Renovations are currently ongoing (2021) at the theatre and the monument so they are closed for public, the stadium is only visible from aerial images such as those of google. You can walk freely next to the enormous walls and gates of the city (don't forget to bring water though). By car it's about 1 hour from Nydri (Lefkada) and 40 minutes from Lefkada City, only 15-20 minutes from Preveza airport.