This archaeological reserve contains one of the few well-preserved ancient towns in Bulgaria. Nicopolis ad Istrum is a Roman town founded in 106–110. It is of exceptional historical and cultural value both for experts and for the general public because it survived destruction for centuries and remains untouched by urbanisation. Archaeologists have established that the town grew round an early, comparatively small fortified settlement. There are remains of the main streets, of the town square, of another, covered and heated square, and a number of key public buildings.