A Visit to the Ancient Citidal of Histria
Duration: 4 hours
Tour Code: CND-006
Twenty-six hundred years ago on the shore of Lake Sinoe in the northern part of Istria peninsula, the city of Histria was founded by the Greek colonists from Millet. It was the first Greek colony on the west shore of the Black Sea and is the oldest city in the Romanian territory. It was discovered in 1914 by the well-known Romanian archaeologist and historian Vasile Parvan. The trip to Histria is considered a special interest excursion for those who hold a particular interest in ancient history and archaeology.
Leaving Constanta, Histria is located just 43 miles north of Constanta. A 60-minute drive by coach will take you through the scenic countryside while your guide introduces you to past history and present-day Romania. For eight centuries during the Greek and Roman times, Histria was a prosperous and developed city with paved streets, comfortable houses, aqueducts, gymnasiums, and temples. Histeria was a trading post backed by abundant fisheries as well as by the fertile hinterland which would produce an abundance of cereals. Furthermore, there was easy access from the north by crossing the Danube to Dacia's raw-materials of both silver and gold; as evidenced in the city's fine coinage. Here, you will visit the Citadel, the Histeria. Museum, and Ancient Citadel.
Guests may see a variety of city walls from the Hellenistic, early Roman, and late Roman Empire, the remains of public buildings, baths, secular basilicas, Christian churches, shops, and workshops. The museum beside the ruins display a unique collection of highly valuable archaeological discoveries from the area. The city was destroyed several times by the invasions of the nomadic tribes, and, with time, it was left in ruins and was abandoned.
Next, you will go on a hike to the remains of ancient Histria. The ruins, temples, sacred fountains and baths, represent what is left of the defense wall dating back to the Roman-Byzantine period. Then, the tour takes us to the fortress and the Museum of Histria, displaying sculptural and architectural fragments, amphorae, statuettes, ceramics, glass vases, coins, and jewelry. Histria together with the other ancient citadels on the northwest coast of the Black Sea represents proof that the Greek and later on Roman civilizations were in these parts of Europe.
From there, you will reboard the coach for your return drive back to Constanta. Lastly, guests will visit the Folk Art (Ethnologic) Museum in Constanta, which connects the ancient past to the local traditions and customs by introducing tourists into the life style of the Dobrogean farmer.
Please note: Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes for this hiking tour which involves considerable walking for approximately 60 minutes on uneven surfaces and natural pathways and trails. In addition, there are approximately 32 steps to climb at the Histeria Museum, and 24 steps at the Folk Art Museum. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or for guests who utilize a wheelchair.