Villa "Armira''
Villa "Armira" is the largest private Roman palace discovered on the territory of Bulgaria. It is located 1.5 km from the Ladzha area, 4 km from the town of Ivaylovgrad, 108 km from town of Kardzhali, 115 km from town of Haskovo and about 400 km from Sofia city.
Ancient villa Armira was discovered during construction work for the dam in 1964, archaeological excavations were conducted under the scientific direction of professors from the National Archaeological Institute and Museum at BAN.
Villa Armira is one of the earliest and most accurately dated villa complexes from the Roman era, studied in Bulgaria. She is an outstanding architectural monument from 2000 years ago. This is the most sumptuously decorated private house (palace) of the Roman period, discovered in the Bulgarian lands. The villa was a center of land tenure, founded by Thracian rich aristocratic family.
Ancient Villa Armira was erected on an area of 3600 sq.m on this area are residential building owners and garden for relaxation and walks. In the southeastern corner of the building was built and a balcony from which residents of the villa and their guests have enjoyed the beautiful scenery and river. This ancient architectural complex existed from 50-70 years of the I century A.D. to 378 years A.D. when it was destroyed during the Gothic War.
Today, the famous marble mosaics and artifacts from the villa can also be seen in the very palace, and in the National History Museum and the Archaeological Museum in Sofia Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Copies of the marble decorate have the Regional History Museum in the town of Kardzhali.
Villa "Armira" is open for visitors every day from 9 to 17 pm year round. It is possible to find a guide that will show you the entire complex and retell the story of the house of the willing tourists.
The Roman palace is reached as from the Ladzha quarter you continue on the road to the village of Svirachi. On the right side there is an exit of half kilometer that leads to the site.
Guests wishing to visit the villa can sleep and stay in hotels or guest houses in Ivaylovgrad.
Sources: vilaarmira.com, journey.bg
Pictures: vilaarmira.com
