Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Galerio Palace

The Late Roman fortified palace compound and memorial complex of Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius, in the east of Serbia, was commissioned by Emperor Caius Valerius Galerius Maximianus, in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. It was known as Felix Romuliana, named after the emperor’s mother. The site consists of fortifications, the palace in the north-western part of the complex, basilicas, temples, hot baths, memorial complex, and a tetrapylon. The group of buildings comprising the architectural complex of the Emperor Galerius is unique in that it intertwines the ceremonial and the memorial programme. The relation between two spatial ensembles is stressed by placing the Tetrapylon on the crossroads between the worldly fortification with the palace and the other-worldly mausoleums and consecration monuments. The integrity and authenticity of Gamzigrad-Romuliana are clearly demonstrated: relatively few excavations have been carried out to date and there has been no attempt to reconstruct the much degraded remains. There are no plans for reconstruction beyond what is needed for conservation and can be substantiated through research, as these would diminish the level of authenticity.

HOW TO GET THERE

-Highway from Belgrade to Zaječar, Aleksinac;

-The road along Danube follow to Kladovo, next to Negotin and then Zaječar.

MUST SEE

1. The Felix Romuliana Collection the Zaječar National Museum
2. Rtanj Mountain or Borsko Lake (for nature lovers and sport activities)
3. Negotin-Rajacke pimnice and House of Stevan Mokranjac and the Museum of Hajduk Veljko in Negotin