One of the oldest cities in Europe, where the sun shines 300 days a year, no one is in a hurry, and folk music creates a sense of eternal celebration. It seems like it's all about the cities of Spain, Greece, and Italy. But it is not, although the Romans left here a legacy in the form of a well-preserved ancient archaeological site of Mediana.

The main attraction of the Serbian city of Nis (Niš) occupies ​​40 hectares of the former Roman road called Via militaris. This location led to the rapid economic growth of the villa, which reached its peak by the 4th century.

It was originally built by the order of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who was born in the thriving city of Naissus (the former name of Nis) in about 280. As an emperor, he spent a lot of time in the villa and even ordained several important laws here. After his death in 337, the villa passed to his successors and was used as a place of rest and preparation for wars. At that time, the wars were not uncommon and occupied most of the time of emperors.

Throughout the long history, the imperial villa became the site of many important historical events: the sons of Constantine the Great signed the first joint edict, Emperor Vetranio handed over his regalia to Constantius II, Valentinian and Valens discussed the division of the great empire. Besides, the villa became the birthplace of another Roman emperor, Constantius III.

Today, you can still appreciate its greatness. The center of Mediana was occupied by the imperial villa, decorated with monolithic marble columns, mosaic floors with geometric or floral patterns, and sumptuous frescoes. They hid mosaics depicting the Medusa head and a translucent figure of a river deity. The worship of nymphs is also evidenced by another building near the villa, the nymphaeum. The villa also comprised thermal baths, a granary with pools for olive oil and wine, and a water tower that supplied water to fountains and baths.