Secrets of the Roman Fortress Castra

Highlights

• playful and informative guided walk through the old town core of Ajdovščina, where the mighty Roman fortress Castra once stood in the first centuries of our era
• well-preserved remains of the ancient Roman military fort, including restored towers, the longest preserved Roman wall in Slovenia, and an award-winning modern presentation of archaeological finds "in situ"
• coffee break in a building whose foundations have for millennia kept the secrets of the Castra, discovered only during the last restoration
• immersive storytelling about life in a Roman military outpost, with possible rental of authentic costumes

Not to be missed

• hour-and-a-half guided tour includes stops at five of the most interesting points in the city, showcasing remnants of ancient buildings and even parts of their interior layout
• during the tour, the guide presents the broader significance of the Roman fort, closely linked to a famous historically pivotal battle between two Roman emperors
• guided tour includes a stop for coffee and a sweet snack
• you can rent an authentic Roman tunic for the duration of the walk, allowing you to immerse yourself in ancient Roman atmosphere and take attractive photos among the fortress remains

Since the Middle Ages, the town of Ajdovščina has developed on the foundations of the former Roman fortress Castra. Visiting, you cannot miss parts of its ancient walls with restored towers, and in the central Lavrič Square you can almost step among the recently discovered foundations of once important buildings. Would you like to learn more? Are you interested in what the mighty Roman fortress looked like in the 3rd and 4th centuries, and why it was built right here? An experienced guide will reveal this and much more on a walk through the old town centre of Ajdovščina.

The existence of a highly significant Roman fort with a permanent military garrison and command post on the site of today's old town core of Ajdovščina has for decades been the subject of archaeological investigations. With each excavation, archaeologists continue to uncover new traces of the centuries of Roman settlement, and with each discovery unravel some of the secrets buried beneath the walls, squares and roads since late antiquity. With a guide you will see the most important architectural traces of the ancient fortification, learn curious details about the way of life at the military post Castra ad Fluvium Frigidum (Fort by the Cold River) as it was then called, and listen to stories preserved to this day in written sources or as oral tradition.

During the walk you can also dress up as a historical resident of the Castra, as costumes – simple tunics like those worn by the Romans – are available to tour participants upon request.

Dates:
The second and fourth weekend of each month (Saturday and Sunday) at 11:00 a.m.
The experience can also be arranged outside the scheduled dates.

Meeting point: in front of the Ajdovščina Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Prešernova 9.

Price:

• 1 person: 125 € / person

• 2 persons: 61 € / person

• 3 persons: 45 € / person

• 4 to 10 persons: 35 € / person

• 11 to 22 persons: 19 € / person

• Children up to 5 years: free of charge

• Children from 6 to 15 years: 19 € / person

Rental of Roman tunic: €12

The price includes VAT, guided tour, coffee and dessert at the Rustja House of Bread, and a Roman souvenir.
Payment at TIC Ajdovščina.

Reservation required at least 48 hours before the published date (credit card needed for guarantee).
Free cancellation possible at least 48 hours before the reserved time.

Tips for additional exploring

Every Saturday and Sunday between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., the Ajdovščina Museum Collection is open to visitors, featuring a permanent archaeological exhibition by the regional Goriška Museum titled Fluvio frigido – Castra – Flovius – Ajdovščina. Ajdovščina is famous for some archaeological finds that are considered a valuable rarity even on a European scale.

While strolling through the old town centre, be on the lookout for information boards with QR codes for the Vipava Valley mobile app, which offers an enriched experience with a 360° view, access to videos, and plenty of useful information.