
Ancient Nikopolis Preveza
Explore the vast ruins of Ancient Nikopolis, a Roman city of victory, featuring stunning mosaics, an impressive Odeon, and a significant aqueduct.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light on ruins

Ancient Nikopolis Preveza
Best Time
Golden hour light on ruins

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vast ruins of Ancient Nikopolis, a Roman city of victory, featuring stunning mosaics, an impressive Odeon, and a significant aqueduct.
"A truly hidden gem worth visiting if you have a couple of hours to spare."

🚗 Drive Between Sites
The ruins are spread out; driving between the Domus, Odeon, and Museum is recommended. :car:
🎟️ All-Inclusive Ticket
One ticket covers the Domus, Odeon, Theatre, Stadium, and Museum. Worth every euro! :admission_tickets:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Domus Mosaics
Archaeological Site of Nicopolis
Exquisite, well-preserved floor mosaics from a Roman villa, showcasing intricate ancient artistry. A true visual feast.
Roman Odeon
Archaeological Site of Nicopolis
This small but beautifully situated Odeon offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nikopolis and the surrounding landscape.
Aqueduct of Nikopolis
Near Preveza, Greece
A testament to Roman engineering, this impressive aqueduct once supplied water to the ancient city.
Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis
Archaeological Site of Nikopolis
Discover artifacts and exhibits detailing the city's transition from pagan antiquity to Christian antiquity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Ruins
Best Value Ticket
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Between Sites
The ruins are spread out; driving between the Domus, Odeon, and Museum is recommended. :car:
🎟️ All-Inclusive Ticket
One ticket covers the Domus, Odeon, Theatre, Stadium, and Museum. Worth every euro! :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The Odeon offers stunning panoramic views – don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Between Sites
The ruins are spread out; driving between the Domus, Odeon, and Museum is recommended. :car:
🎟️ All-Inclusive Ticket
One ticket covers the Domus, Odeon, Theatre, Stadium, and Museum. Worth every euro! :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The Odeon offers stunning panoramic views – don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry plenty of water as facilities can be limited. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ancient Nikopolis as a hidden gem with impressive Roman ruins, particularly the well-preserved mosaics and the scenic Odeon. While some note that the site is not always well-maintained and can be spread out, the affordable ticket price and historical significance make it a highly recommended stop for those interested in ancient history.
"The Archaeological Site of Nicopolis is quite badly represented on Google Maps, which makes it lesser known with not many visitors. However, the site is truly a hidden gem worth visiting if your just passing through, or if you have a couple of hours to spare.
The site is badly represented, with the numerous structures shown as independent sites. This is not the case, all of these are part of the Archaeological Site and accessible for an €8 ticket that is sold here.
When you arrive, there is a small car park which is free and safe, next to a small booth with an employee. After purchasing your ticket, you walk to the extensive ruins of a Roman Domus. Here you can find a number of very well preserved floor mosaics, a must-see, view the walls nearby, and walk through the ruins of the Domus and a Basilica.
After visiting the Roman Domus, you go to the next structure, the Roman Odeon, by car. Although it's small, the road is easily accessible to all vehicles. The Roman Odeon offers the most beautiful views of the whole site. You are free to explore the structure yourself, and you can climb to the top of for breathtaking views of Nicopolis and the surrounding area. Afterwards, you can continue by car again to the Roman Theatre, and Roman Stadium, located beside eachother. The Theatre is similar to the Roman Odeum, and the Stadium is unfortunately overgrown and not properly excavated.
Finally, with the same ticket you bought by the Roman Domus, you can visit the Archaeological Museum if Nicopolis down the road, which is also very much worth seeing. Overall, the Archaeological Site of Nicopolis is a great and fascinating place to stop at if you are nearby, and have a couple of hours to spare. 10/10"
Matt Pawelek
"Overall, it's not a well maintained tourist site. The odeon theater is the 'highlight' but it is no Coloseum. Renovated ruins. Used in 1960's for performances. Now abandoned."
Grahame Johnston
"A place you should visit, if you are travelling around Preveza and interested in historical places."
Balázs Dr Tihanyi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ancient Nikopolis is conveniently located near Preveza. It's best accessed by car, with a small, free parking lot available at the main entrance. The drive from Preveza city center is short, typically around 10-15 minutes.
Public transport options to Ancient Nikopolis are limited. While buses may run to Preveza, reaching the specific archaeological sites usually requires a taxi or a private vehicle. Renting a car is often the most practical solution for exploring the spread-out ruins.
Walking from Preveza to Ancient Nikopolis is possible but quite a distance, especially to cover the various sites within the complex. It's more feasible to drive or take a taxi to the main entrance and then use a vehicle to navigate between the different parts of the site.
While official guided tours might not always be readily available on-site, you can often find local guides in Preveza or arrange for a private tour. Many visitors explore independently using information from guidebooks or online resources.
Given the spread of the ruins, driving between the main points of interest like the Domus, Odeon, and Museum is highly recommended. This allows you to maximize your time and energy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ticket grants access to the entire archaeological site, including the Domus, Odeon, Theatre, Stadium, and Museum. The price is typically around €8, offering excellent value for the extensive exploration it allows.
Tickets are purchased at a small booth located near the entrance to the Roman Domus, which is usually the first site visitors encounter.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit, especially outside of peak tourist season.
Yes, the single ticket purchased at the entrance is valid for access to all the main archaeological structures and the museum within the Ancient Nikopolis complex.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or EU citizens is usually available at the ticket booth. It's always a good idea to inquire about potential concessions when purchasing your ticket.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The well-preserved floor mosaics in the Roman Domus are a highlight, as is the Roman Odeon with its stunning views. The Archaeological Museum also offers valuable insights into the site's history.
While some areas are undergoing reconstruction or are less excavated (like the stadium), the main structures like the Domus and Odeon are generally well-preserved and accessible.
Visitors are generally allowed to walk through the ruins and climb to the top of the Odeon for views. However, it's important to respect the site and avoid climbing on delicate structures or mosaics.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the ticket booth and museum. Water fountains might be scarce, so bringing your own water is highly recommended, especially during warmer months.
The terrain can be uneven, and some areas involve stairs or slopes. While the Domus and Museum are relatively accessible, navigating the entire site with mobility issues might be challenging. The Odeon offers great views but requires climbing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the archaeological site itself. You'll need to head back to Preveza or nearby villages for restaurants and cafes.
Preveza city center offers a wide array of tavernas and restaurants serving local Greek cuisine. Look for places specializing in fresh seafood, a local favorite.
Bringing your own snacks and water is generally permitted and recommended, especially for longer visits. However, please be mindful of waste and dispose of it properly.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find quieter spots within the grounds to enjoy a packed lunch. Ensure you clean up after yourself to preserve the site.
In Preveza, be sure to try fresh seafood, especially grilled fish and octopus. Local cheeses and traditional Epirus pies are also highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The Roman Odeon provides stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. The intricate floor mosaics in the Domus are also incredibly photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the artifacts. Always check for signage or ask museum staff.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the ruins. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to preserve the environment and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The Roman Aqueduct offers impressive architectural shots. You can capture its scale from various angles, especially if you find vantage points that showcase its length and engineering.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as facilities are limited. Focus on the most visually interesting parts like the Odeon and the mosaics, and perhaps turn it into a treasure hunt for ancient artifacts. Driving between the sites will help manage little legs' energy.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While getting to Preveza might involve some travel cost, exploring Nikopolis itself is very economical. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower accommodation prices in the region.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the detailed mosaics in the Domus and the historical context provided by the Archaeological Museum. The Roman aqueduct also stands as a testament to impressive engineering that shaped the ancient world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Nikopolis: A City of Victory
The city flourished for centuries, particularly during the Roman and early Byzantine periods. Evidence of its prosperity can be seen in the remains of its grand structures, including the Domus with its elaborate mosaics, the public baths, basilicas, and the impressive Odeon and Theatre. The city's strategic location and importance are further highlighted by its extensive aqueduct system, which brought water from distant sources.
However, like many ancient cities, Nikopolis eventually declined. Factors such as shifting trade routes, political instability, and the rise of new settlements contributed to its gradual abandonment. Today, the archaeological site stands as a powerful reminder of Roman architectural prowess and the historical significance of this once-great city.
Exploring the Roman Aqueduct
Stretching for approximately 50 kilometers, the aqueduct utilized the headwaters of the Louros River. Its construction involved sophisticated techniques, including the use of gravity to channel water through a network of pipes and arches. While parts of the aqueduct are still visible today, they offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and scale of Roman infrastructure projects.
Visiting the aqueduct provides a tangible connection to the past and an appreciation for the advanced engineering skills of the Roman era. It's a fascinating component of the broader Ancient Nikopolis site, showcasing how vital water management was to the survival and prosperity of ancient cities.
The Transition from Pagan to Christian Antiquity
One striking example is an ancient pedestal that once held a statue depicting scenes from mythology. During the Byzantine era, this same pedestal was ingeniously converted into a church altar. This transformation symbolizes the cultural and religious shifts occurring in the region, where old traditions gradually gave way to new beliefs.
Exploring these layered histories at Nikopolis allows visitors to witness firsthand the evolution of society and religion. The museum and the ruins themselves provide a compelling narrative of this significant historical transition.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit