Plizio Visual Lab

Nicopolis

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Nicopolis, the City of Victory, was founded by Octavian (later Emperor Augustus) to commemorate his decisive victory at the naval Battle of Actium in 31 BC against Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The city is situated on the narrow isthmus between the Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf near modern-day Preveza. As an artificially created metropolis, Nicopolis was populated through the forced resettlement of people from surrounding regions and rapidly developed into a flourishing religious and political center where the Actian Games were held every four years. The archaeological site is now one of the largest in Greece, featuring massive Roman walls, a monumental odeon, a theater, and Augustus's Victory Monument on the hill where his tent once stood. The city remained significant during the early Christian period as well, as evidenced by splendid basilicas with intricate floor mosaics. Nicopolis provides a fascinating look into the transition from the Roman Imperial era to the Byzantine epoch.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Nicopolis · Nicopolis Central Bathouse · Small Nymphaeum of Nikopolis
Nearby: Preveza (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	10	13	15	19	24	26	27	24	20	16	12
Rain mm	123	100	84	50	38	24	14	23	85	109	136	153

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The ruins of Nicopolis are a large archaeological site that is freely accessible. You can see the Roman theater, the agora, and the basilicas scattered across the field.

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Typical hours

The site is typically open from sunrise to sunset, with no fixed closing time. The small on-site museum has its own hours, usually 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site without restrictions. For drone footage, however, local regulations should be followed and a permit obtained if necessary.

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Time needed

Allow about one and a half to two hours to walk the main site. The museum and the more distant remains require extra time.

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Combine with

Combine Nicopolis with the port town of Preveza, which has a pleasant old town and beaches. Nearby is also ancient Actium, the site of the famous naval battle.

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Getting there

Nicopolis is about 10 km north of Preveza. The ruins are best reached by car, as public transport is limited.

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Insider tip

Bring a map or GPS track, as on-site signage is sparse. Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes to protect against thorns and snakes.

Geography

Coordinates

39.00690, 20.73810

Facts

Nicopolis was officially founded in the year 31 BC.
The city covered an area of approximately 130 hectares at its peak.
The Monument of Augustus was decorated with the bronze prows of captured ships.
The philosopher Epictetus founded a famous school here around 94 AD.
The Byzantine walls were constructed under Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century.
The Actian Games were considered equal in importance to the Olympic Games.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Preveza6 km · SExplore →

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Anaktorio13 km · SEExplore →

Kassopi14 km · NExplore →

Koronisia16 km · EExplore →

Vonitsa16 km · SEExplore →

Amvrakikos Gulf Wetlands17 km · NEExplore →

Lefkada20 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nicopolis (7)

Nicopolis🏰 castle

Castle in the ancient city of Nicopolis, Greece.

Nicopolis Central Bathouse

Archaeological site of the central baths of Nicopolis, Greece.

Small Nymphaeum of Nikopolis

Archaeological site of a small nymphaeum in Nicopolis, Greece.

basilica B

Archaeological site of a basilica in Nicopolis, Greece.

Odeion

Roman odeum of the ancient city of Nicopolis in northwestern Greece.

eastern gate

Ruins of the eastern gate of Nicopolis, Greece.

Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis🏛 museum

Museum in Nicopolis, Greece.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why was Nicopolis founded?

Emperor Augustus founded the city after his victory in the Battle of Actium (31 BC).

What does the name Nicopolis mean?

The name comes from Greek and means 'City of Victory'.

What are the largest structures at the site?

The Roman odeon, the large theater, and the impressive Byzantine city walls.

Is there a museum nearby?

Yes, the modern Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis displays many finds and mosaics.

How extensive is the archaeological site?

It is very large; the ruins are spread over a wide area that is best explored by car.

Nicopolis: where is it located?

Nicopolis is located in Greece.

Nicopolis: what is there to see?

Highlights include Nicopolis, Nicopolis Central Bathouse, Small Nymphaeum of Nikopolis.

Nicopolis: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Nicopolis: why is it worth visiting?

Nicopolis, the City of Victory, was founded by Octavian (later Emperor Augustus) to commemorate his decisive victory at the naval Battle of Actium in 31 BC against Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

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