WJ Tested: Roman Town and Fortress of Viminacium, Serbia
WJ Tested: Roman Town and Fortress of Viminacium, Serbia
Uniworld Eastern Europe Explorer Included Shore Excursion to Viminacium Archaeological Site Near the Danube River
WJ Tested: Roman Town and Fortress of Viminacium, Serbia
Day 8:
Uniworld River Princess had docked in Kostolac the previous evening, but with only a small restaurant near the dock we hadn’t ventured off the ship. After breakfast we made our way to the lounge for a 9:00 a.m. PowerPoint presentation of Viminacium Archaeological Site. Although the presentation was only 20 minutes long, it did give us a good overview of what to expect once we arrived at the site for our guided tour.
Uniworld Eastern Europe Explorer Included Shore Excursion to Viminacium Archaeological Site Near the Danube River
By 9:30 a.m. we were on the bus with our local guide and en-route through the small town of Kostolac to Viminacium. Once we arrived at the site our group was met by a working archaeologist, who spent the next couple of hours touring us between the various areas and sharing many interesting details about the excavation.
Viminacium Guided Tour
Viminacium Museum
Our archaeologist guide showed us the three sections that are open for the public to view – northern Roman military gate, the thermal baths, and the imperial mausoleum.
Viminacium Archaeological Site
Arriving at the mausoleum we were met by guides dressed in Roman attire, before we were escorted to the underground tombs – not recommended for the claustrophobic or those afraid of the dark.
Viminacium Guides in Roman Garb
Did You Know?… Viminacium:
- Was a Roman provincial capital (major city) and military camp
- Dates back to the 1st century AD
- The city was completely destroyed in the 5th century
- Is now an active archaeological site open to the public
- Spreads over 800 acres
- Has been under excavation for 25+ years
- There are more than 32,000 artifacts exhibited in the museum
- In 2009 a 5 million year old mammoth skeleton was uncovered at the site
- Excavation revealed a gladiator arena with wild animal remains (bear and camel) in June 2012
- Is located 90 miles southeast of Belgrade
Viminacium Excavated Bones
Viminacium Roman Town and Fortress
Following our tour of Viminacium we visited the gift shop where there were samples of local Serbian wine for us to taste. Our guide also encouraged us to take some pottery shards as souvenirs – they have so many small ceramic pieces from the excavations that they just give them away.
Viminacium – Wine Tasting
Serbia Fun Facts:
- There are 14 breweries
- Wine is the traditional Serbian drink
- Rakija is a popular fruit brandy
- Slivovitz is a well-known plum brandy
Serbian Beer
After a quick 10-minute drive we were back at River Princess, and as we made our way to lunch the ship set sail for Belgrade. Relaxing over the delicious buffet lunch in the restaurant, along with a complimentary Becks beer (the draft beer of the day), we enjoyed views of the Danube and Serbia as we cruised along.
Viminacium Mosaic
If You Go:
- Serbia Tourism
- Viminacium Website
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
- Uniworld Imperial Capitals of Europe
Continue Reading WAVEJourney’s Uniworld Eastern Europe Explorer River Cruise Review:
Cruise Overview | Bucharest | Peles Castle | Bran Castle | Bucharest City Tour | Uniworld River Princess | Giurgiu: Embarkation | Rousse to Varna & the Black Sea | Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi | Captain’s Welcome Gala | Vidin, Belogradchik & Baba Vida Fortress | Iron Gates | Donji Milanovac | Viminacium Archaeological Site | Sava River | Belgrade City Tour | Deck Dining | Vukovar & Osijek | Cruising the Danube to Budapest | Budapest City Tour | Budapest Parliament Building Guided Tour | Gabcikovo Hydroelectric Dam and Lock | Bratislava City Tour | Captain’s Farewell Dinner | Vienna City Tour |
Notes: WAVEJourney travelled from Bucharest to Vienna as guests of Uniworld River Cruise Collection from July 25 to August 8, 2012.
