Standard Roman tour

Before the Romans’ arrival, the territories of modern Serbia were inhabited by various tribes, a mosaic of peoples whose identities and stories will be unveiled during the tour. With the Roman conquest during the reign of Octavian Augustus, these lands, including the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, were integrated into the vast Roman Empire. Here, the Romans encountered an ancient Celtic city, Singidun, upon which they founded the new city of Singidunum.

Initially, only a military camp was constructed, but as the local population adapted to the Roman presence, a civilian settlement emerged, housing a legion of over 5,000 soldiers. Under Emperor Trajan’s rule, Singidunum flourished, gaining the status of a municipium and becoming a pivotal part of the complex system of Roman fortifications along the Danube, known as the Limes.

Our Standard Roman Tour starts from either the “Big Tours”office or Republic Square at ten, offering a leisurely exploration of Roman conquests on the Balkan Peninsula. The remains of Roman architecture, hidden beneath Belgrade’s city center, are accessible at select locations, revealing the profound Roman influence on the city’s development.

The tour’s first stops include the remnants of Roman baths and a Decumanus street, showcasing the division between the military and civilian sectors of ancient Singidunum. The discovery of a water pipe system highlights the Roman ingenuity in urban planning and infrastructure.

Walking through Kalemegdan Park, you’ll encounter the remains of the gate to the IV Flavia legion’s military camp, followed by a visit to the Zindan gate’s white blocks, part of the Roman fortification. Further archaeological excavations in the Upper City have unveiled the walls of a Roman castrum, illustrating the presence of Roman architecture that dominated the landscape.

The tour explores the subterranean world of Kalemegdan’s fortress, where a significant Lapidarium houses numerous Roman steles, bearing witness to the lives of Singidunum’s citizens and their elaborate commemorative practices.

As our journey continues, you’ll hear more about the Roman military organization and the lifestyle afforded by large Roman villas near urban centers, essential for sustaining the city’s population.

Crossing the river to Zemun’s old center, the tour explores Gardoš and its Millennium Tower, built atop the foundations of the Roman fortification Taurunum. This smaller yet strategically vital city played a crucial role in defending the Roman border.

The positioning of the Roman Danube fleet in Taurunum’s port underscores the military and logistical prowess that facilitated Roman control over the Balkans.

From the vantage point of Gardoš Tower, you will gain a unique perspective on Singidunum, remains of the views once held by Taurunum’s sentinels. Our Standard Roman Tour ends in Zemun’s historic district, where guests can enjoy a meal in one of the local restaurants, offering traditional Balkan cuisine.

This immersive experience aims to highlight the architectural and cultural legacies of Roman rule and connect participants to the rich historical mosaic that shapes Serbia’s identity today.