The archaeological site of Nicopolis is a must-see for anybody visiting Epirus, particularly Preveza. It is the site and ruins of an exceptional Roman city established in the area following Emperor Augustus’ victory at the Battle of Actium. The site does not adhere to the standard definition of an archaeological site, as only three areas are clearly designated and admission requires a ticket. The remaining visible monuments are spread around the countryside, mixed with roadways, fields, and local villages, one of which is named Nicopolis.
Nicopolis is a must-see location that will transport you back to the golden age of the Roman Empire.
THE HISTORY OF NICOPOLIS
The Roman Emperor Augustus (Octavian) constructed Nicopolis, which means “City of Victory”, in 31 BCE to celebrate his decisive victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. It was this naval victory that established him as the only leader of the Roman world. The city was strategically positioned to control major land and sea routes between Greece and Italy. Augustus settled Nicopolis with inhabitants from various cities and provinces, transforming it into a vibrant metropolitan centre. He founded Nicopolis as a symbol of Roman strength and unity in the eastern provinces.
Nicopolis was brimming with luxurious public structures, theatres, baths, and temples, many of which commemorated the Actian victory. As the capital of the Roman province of Epirus, the city grew throughout time into a prominent centre of culture, commerce, and governance. Despite progressive decay throughout the Byzantine era, it was eventually abandoned during the Slavs’ invasions.
HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR VISIT
The archaeological site of Nicopolis presents a vivid picture of urban life in the Roman and early Byzantine periods, showcasing the city’s architectural brilliance and cultural vitality.
With purchased tickets at the time of our visit (August 2025), you can visit three locations: the main archaeological site, the Odeon and the Theatre. We use for our article as our starting point the main archaeological site (where you can buy a ticket) and continue to the rest of the sights from there. The best way to visit the various points of interest at the archaeological site is by car. Cars can reach all points, and walking generally covers long and tiring distances.
THE NYMPHAEUM
One of the most impressive structures in the main site is the Nymphaeum. It is a grand fountain complex that formerly functioned as both a source of water and an ornamental centrepiece. It was embellished with statues and cascading water features that symbolised the city’s prosperity.
The Venus Mosaic in the Nymphaeum is a remarkable example of Roman mosaic art from the early imperial period. It depicts the goddess Venus, symbolising beauty and love, surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns. Located in the centre of Nymphaeum, the mosaic adorned the luxurious public and sacred space dedicated to water and divine grace.
OTHER BUILDINGS AT THE MAIN SITE
Close to the Nymphaeum stands the remains of Basilica A (also known as the Basilica of Dometius), an early Christian church that testifies to Nicopolis’s religious importance in Late Antiquity. It was the largest and most elaborate of the churches of the city, with distinctive architectural elements and mosaic decorations.
Beyond its religious monuments, Nicopolis’ main site also offers insights into daily and social life through its Roman baths, Roman residence, and water tanks. The baths, with remnants of heating systems and bathing rooms, illustrate the city’s advanced engineering and the importance of communal spaces in Roman society.
Through intricate interior design, the Roman house close to the Nymphaeum displays the wealth and creative sophistication of the city’s aristocracy. With its spacious rooms and striking communal areas, this opulent house is a quintessential illustration of Roman urban functional architecture.
The complex hydraulic system that supported the urban population is exemplified by the water tanks (near the site’s entrance) that formerly served the baths and other public facilities. When taken as a whole, these monuments show Nicopolis as a thriving centre of ancient art, religion, and engineering.
THE ODEON
As you leave the archaeological site, you come across a narrow dirt road that goes to one of the gates of the city’s spectacular and well maintained Byzantine fortifications. Passing through the gate on foot or by car, you arrive at the spectacular Odeon (Odeum in Roman and Odeion in Greek), which, due to its good preservation, is still used for performances today.
The Odeon is a well-preserved example of a small covered theatre used for musical and rhetorical performances during the Roman period. Built in the late 1st century CE, likely under Emperor Augustus, it was part of the grand urban complex. The Odeon could seat several hundred spectators and featured the typical architectural elements of Roman theatres, including a semicircular seating area, an orchestra, and a stage building richly adorned with marble and decorative columns.
Because the Odeon was covered, shows and events could happen in any weather, unlike big outdoor theatres. Excavations have revealed its sophisticated design and connection to the broader civic and cultural life of Nicopolis, reflecting the city’s role as a major administrative and artistic centre in Roman Greece.
HOUSE OF MANIUS ANTONINUS AND BASILICA OF ALCISON
Returning from the Odeon to the gate you passed earlier, turn left on the dirt road parallel to the walls, and after a few hundred metres, we arrive at the impressive House of Manius Antoninus. This Roman villa is known for its beautiful mosaics, which have been preserved in great condition. The location appears to be abandoned, thus no ticket is required to visit it. Furthermore, the approach to the villa’s entrance may be difficult to find because it is overgrown with heavy greenery.
After visiting the villa, go through the gate to the asphalt road, turn left, and you see the ruins of the Basilica of Alcison on the right side of the road. The magnificently refurbished doorway dominates the centre of the building, however it is not open to the public. The Basilica of Alcison is a vast early Christian basilica from the 5th to 6th centuries AD, notable for its exquisite mosaic floors and exceptional architectural layout.
THE THEATRE
The remarkably intact theatre is a short distance away on the provincial road. The Theatre (Theatrum in Roman) is one of the most striking and well-preserved antiquities in the city. It was built at the city’s founding in the latter part of the first century BCE. Augustus fostered the monument’s cultural synthesis, distinguishing it with a characteristic fusion of Greek and Roman architectural features.
At its peak, the theatre could accommodate thousands of people and hosted a variety of public events and performances for political and recreational purposes. The Romans erected the theatre on a hill’s natural slope, with a well-designed seating space, orchestra, and stage construction that demonstrate Roman engineering techniques. It also provides a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
THE STADIUM
Directly opposite the theatre is the entrance to the city’s Stadium, now lost in dense vegetation (it does not require a ticket). The once impressive structure was part of the city’s original design. The stadium hosted athletic contests during the Actian Games. The purpose of the games was to honoured both the emperor’s triumph and the god Apollo. Measuring approximately 110 metres in length, the structure featured stone seating for thousands of spectators. Today, the remains of the stadium stand as a testament to the importance of sports and spectacle in ancient imperial propaganda. However, in its present state of abandonment, it can be challenging for visitors to appreciate this significance.
THE MONUMENT OF AUGUSTUS
A final stop on this tour of Roman history should be the Monument of Augustus, also known as the Victory Monument of Actium. It is located on the top of the hill above the modern village of Nicopolis. The site has a fence but does not require a ticket. The monument is a grand commemorative structure built by Augustus to celebrate his decisive victory and occupies a prominent position overlooking the site of the naval battle.
Constructed around 29 BCE, the monument originally featured a large rectangular terrace supported by a strong retaining wall. It had a series of niches that once held the bronze rams taken from the enemy ships—serving as a striking visual reminder of Roman naval supremacy. Inscriptions carved into the monument recorded Augustus’s triumph and the dedication of the site to Apollo, to whom he attributed his victory. The sanctuary that encircled the monument comprised altars and temples, thereby highlighting its religious and political importance. It was a representation of peace and the divine favour that accompanied Augustus’s reign.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
The city of Nicopolis arose from an emperor’s wish to celebrate the triumph that propelled him to the throne. At the same time, it emphasised his intention to spread Rome’s glory, as well as its political and cultural identity, over the East Mediterranean. The archaeological site is massive and the public and private buildings will undoubtedly conjure up images of Roman Empire cities. At the same time, the site is an excellent example of how ancient monuments have been closely tied to more contemporary activities like crops and settlements.
At the end of your visit, ascend the hill where the Augustus’ triumph monument stands and take in the breathtaking panorama of the site. You will be transported back to the moment when the emperor observed the Battle of Actium from this vantage point. As you stand there, the whispers of history seem to echo around you, inviting reflection on the events that shaped the region. Cherish the moment, for it is not just a view but a connection to the past that has left an indelible mark on the landscape.
There is also the archaeological museum of Nikopolis with valuable exhibits that requires the purchase of a separate ticket.
MAP OF NICOPOLIS
Legend: 1. South Gate (Roman) 2. South Necropolis 3. Basilica D 4. Asyrmatos Basilica 5. Amphitheater 6. Nymphaeum 8. West Necropolis 9. Commerce Building 10. Basilica A (Bishop Dometius) 11. Episcopal Palace 12. Basilica B (Bishop Alkison) 13. Basilica C 14. Cisterns 15. Baths of Cleopatra 16. Central Baths 17. West Gate (Byzantine) 18. Odeon 19. Bouleuterion 20. Basilica of the Holy Apostles 21. Villa of Manius Antonius 22. Roman North Gate 23. North Necropolis 24. North Baths 25. Gymnasium 26. Stadium 27. Theater 28. Monument of Augustus
