Croatia’s Roman Ruins Reimagined with AI

Many travellers are familiar with Croatia’s most iconic Roman landmarks, such as the Arena in Pula, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and Diocletian’s Palace in Split, built in the 4th Century for the Emperor Diocletian.

Beyond these iconic landmarks are lesser-known Roman sites, with many sites being actively excavated and restored.

To shine a light on these lesser-known gems, we have used AI visualisation tools combined with archaeological research and historical records to re-imagine what these ancient structures would have looked like in their prime. Hopefully offering a glimpse into Croatia’s Roman past.

Salona

Salona Roman Amphitheater in Solin, Croatia, Photo credit: VIP Holiday Booker

One of the most significant Roman sites in Croatia is Salona, located outside of modern-day Split. Long before the Romans arrived, the area was already inhabited with evidence of prehistoric settlements living there. Originally, Greek colonists first made contact with the local tribes and established a small trading post. Once the Roman Empire gained control, they developed the settlement into a major urban centre and designated it as the capital of Dalmatia.

At the height of its population, Salona was home to 60,000 residents between the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD. As a prosperous Roman city, it had temples, city walls, and an amphitheatre capable of seating 18,000 spectators. Unfortunately, much of the site and structures suffered damage enduring the 17th Century when Venetian forces dismantled parts of the site during conflicts with the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the archeological museum in Split is actively working on restoring and preserving the amphitheater, making the site more accessible to the public.

You can easily reach Salona by bus from Split, or drive and park near the official entrance for a self-guided tour through one of the empire’s former provincial capitals.

Burnum

Burnum near Krka National Park, Croatia, Photo credit:Flickr

Further inland, near Krka National Park, lies Burnum, the site of a Roman military camp dating back to the 1st century AD. Built under the reign of Emperor Claudius, Burnum once served as the base for the Legio XI Claudia and later the Legio IV Flavia Felix, forming a crucial stronghold on the empire’s frontier.

While much of the camp has been lost to time, one of Burnum’s most striking features still stands, its amphitheater, which was used for the entertainment of Roman soldiers stationed there.

Burnum can be reached by car or arranged as part of a day trip from Split, and is often combined with a visit to Krka National Park. It's a fantastic option for those wanting to explore Roman heritage surrounded by some of Croatia’s most beautiful inland scenery.

Augusteum in Narona

Augusteum in Narona, Vid village in Croatia, Photo credit:Flickr

In the small village of Vid, stands one of Croatia’s newer Roman museums, the Narona Archaeological Museum. Narona was once a Roman city in the area, and at the heart of this city was the Augusteum, a temple dedicated to the emperor Augustus and the imperial cult.

The temple lay undiscovered until the 1990s, when excavations revealed the foundations of the building along with mosaic flooring and a collection of Roman statues. Today, the more modern museum stands directly above the ancient ruins, preserving some of the building’s original structure.

The Narona Archaeological Museum is an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, and private tours and excursions can be easily found in the area.

Villa Rustica on the Brijuni Islands

Villa Rustica on Brijuni Islands, Croatia, Photo credit:Flickr

Along the western coast of the Brijuni Islands, a grand Roman estate or Villa Rustica can be found in Verige Bay. The coastal villa was built in the 1st century AD, once stretched across the bay and featured a collection of residential buildings, temples dedicated to Roman including Venus and Neptune.

The various buildings were connected by a promenade along the shore, reaching approximately one kilometer long, allowing residents to move between temples and living quarters while enjoying views of the Adriatic Sea.

Today, much of the villa has been eroded, and the foundations of some structures remain. Artists and historians have recreated depictions of what the estate would have looked like in its prime, with Roman columns, tiled roofs, and visiting ships.

You can still visit the villa’s remains in Brijuni National Park, which can be accessed via a short ferry ride from Fažana, north of Pula. Guided sightseeing tours are available, though visitors are also welcome to explore the island and the Roman ruins at their own pace.

Interested in Exploring Croatia’s Roman History?

These visualisations may help imagine what these ancient sites may have looked like, but nothing compares to experiencing them and learning about Croatia’s history in person.

If you’re interested in learning more about Croatia’s Roman history and exploring other archaeological sites, we’d be happy to help plan your trip.

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