Gamzigrad, cultural and historical treasures Serbia

Felix Romuliana is a popular tourist stop on the Roman Emperors' trail which links the birthplaces of over 17 Roman Emperors born on the territory of modern Serbia.
It is said for Gamzigradska Banja that it is "a warm water in a cold river".
Gamzigradska Spa is located in eastern Serbia, 220 km away from Belgrade, 11 km away from Zajecar. It is at 160 m above sea level, in the vale of the lower flow of the Crni Timok river.

Gamzigradska Spa has springs of curative mineral water with a temperature of around 42 degrees Celsius.

Medical indications: peripheral blood vessels and lymphatic system diseases, vibration illness, gynaecological illnesses (sterility in women), articular and extra-articular forms of rheumatism, orthopedic illnesses and post-traumatic states, neurological illnesses, connective tissue diseases, anomalies in young age.

Treatment is provided by the Institute for specialised rehabilitation "Gamzigrad".

In the vicinity of Gamzigradska Spa there is one of four Roman imperial towns in Serbia Felix Romuliana, with well-preserved multi-colour floor mosaic. Also in the near vicinity of the spa are Mount Rtanj, Zlotska cave, many lakes, as well as monasteries Suvodol and Grliski.

Gamzigradska Spa provides excellent conditions for sports preparations as well as two football pitches, various sports and tennis courts.
In the vicinity of Gamzigrad lie the ruins of a huge Roman complex called Felix Romuliana, one of the most important late Roman sites in Europe. Early explorers believed the ancient ruins to have been a Roman military camp, because of their size and numerous towers. Systematic archaeological excavations conducted since 1953 revealed that the site was, in fact, b an Imperial palace. It was conceived and built by one of the Tetrarchs, Emperor Galerius, the adopted son and son-in-law of the great Emperor Diocletian. Galerius started construction in 289 (after a victory over the Persians that brought him admiration and glory) to mark the place of his birth. The name Felix Romuliana was given in memory of his mother Romula, who was also a priestess of a pagan cult. The complex of temples and palaces served three main purposes - a place of worship of his mothers divine personality, a monument to his deeds as emperor, and a luxurious villa where Galerius retired after his abdication. Romuliana survived until it was plundered by the Huns in the mid 5th century. Later the site became a humble settlement of farmers and craftsmen, finally to be abandoned at the beginning of the 7th century with the arrival of the Slavs.

Archaeology excavation within the fortress have unearthed the remains of a palace compound with exceptionally fine mosaics, baths and impressive gates. Several valuable hoards of Roman gold coins have been unearthed at the site, which continues to yield important Roman treasures and artifacts.

Among the most important finds from the site are portraits of Roman emperors made from the Egyptian purple stone called porphyry and coins that help to accurately date the complex.

During the 31st Session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee in Christchurch, New Zealand from the 23rd of June to the second of July, The World Archaeology Heritage Committee decided to place Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius on the World Heritage List.