Archaeological Park “Rijeka Principium”

Beside Kobler Square in Rijeka, specifically in Julija Klovića Street, the Archaeological Park Principij was ceremoniously opened in February 2014. For many years, archaeologists have been warning that there is a valuable archaeological site at this location, but systematic research was not conducted until 2007. We learn about the historical significance of Principij, its present purpose, as well as other archaeological sites in the City of Rijeka, from archaeologist Nikolina Radić Štivić, the director of the Directorate for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Department of Culture of the City of Rijeka.

Roman gate – entrance to the Principij complex

What is Principij and when was it built?

Principij is a complex of buildings of late antique military command and a standard part of all Roman castra, military settlements, as their administrative and religious center. It was constructed in the second half of the 3rd century and demolished at the beginning of the 5th century.

Kastrum, principij, alpska klauzura, Tarsatica… What is the connection between these terms?

Kast Rum is a military camp where a specific military unit is stationed. Principia is the headquarters building of the castrum, usually located in its center. Claustra Alpia Iuliarum, or the Alpine claustra, is a defensive system that stretched from Tarsatica, present-day Rijeka, northwards to present-day Slovenia. The system was built in the middle of the 3rd century as the last line of defense for the center of the Roman Empire. It was constructed during a period when the Empire was going through a severe crisis, with strong pressure from barbarians at the borders and internal power struggles that further weakened its defensive strength.

What can you tell us about ancient Tarsatica?

Tarsatica was an ancient settlement that initially had a civilian character, but with the construction of the claustra, it became militarized and can be conditionally characterized as a castrum. The construction of the principia represented a turning point in the development of Tarsatica and marked the beginning of a strong urban and social development of the city. Although it was an extremely unstable time for the Roman Empire, Tarsatica experienced a period of relative prosperity and growth. This marks the beginning of the most prosperous period in its history. The reason for this can be found in the fact that, as the only seaport and military command within the enclosure system, it became a place for the reception and deployment of military units and all of their supplies.

Layout of the principium

What was included in the principium?

The central part of the principium was occupied by an open courtyard surrounded by rooms on three sides. These were warehouses and storage rooms for weapons. Opposite the entrance to the principium stood a monumental building known in ancient times as a basilica. Behind it, at the rear of the principium, there was a series of rooms which housed the treasury, the flag shrine, officer’s offices, the clerical office, and other similar facilities.

We are familiar with a Christian basilica, but what can you tell us about a Roman basilica?

A Roman basilica is not a church, but rather a place where gatherings and public speeches were held. It had a speaker’s platform called a sug gestus.
The basilica is sometimes also referred to as the transverse building of the principia because it closed off the central courtyard opposite the main entrance. We know from an ancient inscription that it was called a basilica. Buildings of similar purpose, such as courts and markets, were also found in ancient forums and were called by the same name. Christianity adopted this architectural form for its sacred buildings.

The cashier, officer offices, and office were all familiar to us today. But what was the role of the flag sanctuary?
Since flags had great symbolic importance in Roman army units, they were kept in a special place within the principia, in the sanctuary.

What remains of the former principia?

The remains we see today are the walls of four side rooms for storage and weapons depots, and the square in front of them is the remains of the front paved courtyard. The remains of the stairs and facade of the central building, built with large stone blocks, are located to the north, probably a basilica. “Yes.”

Where else are there such sites?

Wherever the borders of the Roman Empire stretched, with, of course, an army as part of their military infrastructure, there were also principia. Archaeological sites where they were found can be found in some European countries (France, Germany, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic), but as our archaeologists say, in terms of the preservation of principia remains, ours is among the best.
Near Kistanje, close to Knin, there are the remains of Burnum, a Roman military camp where you can see the principia arches.

What is the purpose of this park’s arrangement?

The direct purpose, apart from the one related to the protection and preservation of the archaeological site itself, is actually to bring public spaces back to life for the city and its citizens. At the opening ceremony in February 2014, with a performance by our National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc, the Principia shone in all its glory, and I think we frequently witness its potential as a square in the heart of the city.” What happened and during the Rijeka Summer Nights event?
What does this park offer visitors and what does its appearance remind them of from its famous history?
The first prize-winning project from a competition was chosen as the basis for the Archaeological Park, designed by Prof. Nenad Fabijanić, B.Sc. in Architecture.
This square not only offers a space where a valuable archaeological site is presented, but also provides a space full of new content and open new urban communication routes that simultaneously affirm it in a new way. In this way, active life is enabled in this important urban area and its well-deserved “return” to the core of the city of Rijeka.
As part of this project, a new souvenir from Rijeka was also created. What is it about?
The new Rijeka souvenir was inspired by one of the archaeological finds, which is a small bronze leaf from the 3rd century. Among the artifacts found at this archaeological site in the city center, this leaf was also found, and it is assumed to be part of a bronze rading the translation:

of a laurel wreath that was traditionally placed on statues.

What other significant remains of Roman history are in Rijeka?

One of the equally important archaeological sites is located in Trg put Vele crkve. The findings have confirmed and brought new knowledge that has enriched the picture of the ancient, medieval, and modern periods of the city’s existence on the Rječina River. Two construction phases of the ancient thermal complex have been discovered, as well as a strong wall that surrounded the city, a small part of an ancient road, remains of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century with representative mosaics, and the first complete sarcophagus found in the Rijeka area, as well as a late medieval cemetery. After conservation and restoration, the sarcophagus is exhibited in front of the Governor’s Palace.

Are there any plans to exhibit them in a similar way in the near future?

Of course, the realization of this project is of utmost importance to us, but due to its complexity and the procedures required to obtain all the necessary permits, it may take some time before it can be exhibited in a similar manner.