About the Site

The first records of Nezakcij, the royal seat of the Histri, come from the Roman writer Titus Livius. Material confirmation that the remains from Vizače represent the remnants of a city with a glorious past was obtained at the beginning of the 20th century, with the discovery of a votive altar to Emperor Gordian (3rd century AD) on which the Res Publica Nesactiensium is mentioned.

Today, the site is an archaeological locality with conserved architectural remains from the Roman and Late Antique periods. The site is surrounded by several prehistoric rampart belts and Roman walls. At the very entrance to the city, between the Roman and prehistoric gates, there was a rich prehistoric necropolis. The discovered urns and grave goods indicate layers of settlement and burial from the 11th century BC until the Roman conquest. Domestic Histrian products and luxurious imported goods connect Nezakcij and the Histrian culture, of which it was the center, with cultures from almost the entire Mediterranean and Central Europe.
After the siege in 177 BC, the Romans destroyed the Histrian city and built a new one in the same place, with an urban plan organized in the Roman fashion. On the central plateau, a forum with three temples and a portico, thermal baths, and other public and private buildings were constructed. On the slopes are the remains of lavish private houses, and a rich necropolis stretched along the road that led from Pula to the city.

With the gradual weakening of the Roman state, changes occurred: from an ancient municipium, Nezakcij became a Late Antique municipality. The luxurious thermal baths were converted into residential and commercial buildings, while the southern part of the central plateau was redeveloped in the 5th century into two parallel Early Christian basilicas. The northern and slightly larger southern basilica represent a significant contribution to the understanding of Early Christian archaeology.

The city survived the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity but did not withstand the barbarian attacks at the beginning of the 7th century. It can be visited freely every day throughout the year, with guided tours available upon request.

OPENING HOURS AND CONTACTS FOR VISITS
pr@ami-pula.hr