About the Site

The first records of Nesactium, the royal seat of the Histri, come to us from the Roman writer Titus Livius. Material confirmation that the remains at Vizače are 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 dedicated to the Emperor Gordian (3rd century CE) with the inscription "Res Publica Nesactiensium".

Today it is an archaeological site with conserved architectural remains from the Roman period and late antiquity. 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 BCE to the period of Roman conquest. Domestic Histrian products and luxurious imported goods connect Nesactium and the Histrian culture, of which it was the centre, with cultures from almost the whole of the Mediterranean and Central Europe.

Following a siege in 177 BCE, the Romans destroyed the Histrian city and built a new one in its place, with an urban plan organised 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 we find the remains of lavish private houses, with a rich necropolis stretching along the road that led from Pula to Nesactium.
Change came with the gradual weakening of the Roman state: Nesactium morphed from ancient municipium to a late antiquity period commune. The luxurious 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 has contributed significantly to our 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 incursions of the early 7th century. The site is open to visitors year-round, with guided tours available upon request.

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