Ancient City Nesactium

The origins of Nesactium date back to the Bronze Age around 1200 BC, when it existed as a fortified village, a so-called castelliere. Between 1000 and 800 BC, the Iron Age culture of the Histri developed here. In the early 2nd century BC, Nesactium was the central power hub of this people. In 177 BC, the Histri, led by King Epulo, bravely defended the city against the Romans but were ultimately defeated. After its conquest, Nesactium was destroyed by the Romans but soon rebuilt as an unfortified Roman city. It was granted the status of a municipium and featured a forum, three temples, and thermal baths. In the 4th century AD, as the power of the Roman Empire declined, the city was refortified, and Christianity spread. With the Slavic invasions in the 7th century AD, Nesactium was finally destroyed and abandoned. The first systematic excavations took place between 1902 and 1904.

Nesactium is located on a hill approximately 111 meters above sea level near Vižače in the Istrian County, a region in Adriatic Croatia. The site is situated about 10 kilometers east of Pula.

Today, the remains of the ancient city of Nesactium are accessible as an archaeological park. Visitors can explore the foundations and wall remnants of the former settlement, including traces of a gate, fortifications, and a necropolis with over 250 tombs from the pre-Roman era. The remains of an early Christian church are also visible. Many of the excavated artifacts are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Istria in Pula.

• Town fortification Mutvoran (Town fortification), approx. 4.9 km away
• Fort Pula-Fort San Daniele (Fortress), approx. 7.3 km away
• Fort Pula-Fort Turtian (Fortress), approx. 8.5 km away
• Fort Pula-Fort Valmarin (Fortress), approx. 8.6 km away