Vid – in the footsteps of ancient Narona

Vid is closely connected with ancient Narona. Archaeological finds, early Christian evidence and the landscape along the Norin give the town a distinct cultural identity. If you are looking for a destination with several layers of history, you can compare the history of the Roman city with later traces found here.

The Narona Archaeological Museum and the Augusteum

Excavations at Plečašove štale uncovered the remains of the Augusteum and 17 marble sculptures. The Augusteum was built around 10 BC. Its exhibition shows the rise and decline of the imperial cult at a single site. Also on display are larger-than-life marble sculptures of Roman emperors and their family members. The surviving group of Roman imperial statues is considered the largest of its kind known today.

The main exhibition hall displays remains of the Roman temple in situ, along with statues of emperors and family members above a black-and-white mosaic floor. The geometric black-and-white floor in the sanctuary of the Augusteum is considered one of the earliest Roman mosaics in Dalmatia. Another mosaic is displayed under glass; it probably belonged to a Roman taberna. This cautious attribution is part of the story of the find.

The museum displays around 900 finds relating to the town’s history from the late 3rd century BC to the 15th century. The archaeological collection covers the Greek-Hellenistic, Roman, early Christian and Venetian periods; its chronological span extends from the 3rd century BC to the 14th or 15th century. Together, the pieces offer insight into Narona and everyday life from the Hellenistic period to the late Middle Ages.

Early Christian traces in Vid

On Vid’s hill, at the acropolis of ancient Narona, stands the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, locally known as Gospa Ledena. Another testament to the early Christian period is the 5th-century baptistery, with its exceptionally well-preserved octagonal baptismal font. Its dating and preserved form make it a distinctive part of the local cultural heritage.

Architectural remains of the early Christian church are visible in and around the Church of St. Vid. Inside the church, an exhibition presents finds from the early Christian church and the medieval cemetery at this site. Architectural traces and archaeological finds are displayed side by side, while the exhibition extends the story into the Middle Ages.

Archaeological sites and cultural events

Erešove bare is a conserved and presented archaeological site that can be visited as part of a tour of Narona’s city walls. Erešova kula is an open-air epigraphy museum with Latin inscriptions and other monuments from ancient Narona; this site can also be visited as part of a tour of the city walls. The Archaeological Museum also has a small archaeological park outside the building. Stone votive and funerary monuments are displayed on the museum terraces.

The Archaeological Museum hosts Naronitansko Cultural Summer on its outdoor terraces, with theatre performances, exhibitions, concerts and book presentations. The programme may vary from year to year. Rimska noć in Naroni is a recurring festival centred on Roman history; its 15th edition took place in 2025. The programme includes workshops, interactive activities, exhibitions, tastings and evening events. Dates and programme details also vary from year to year.

Practical information for your stay

The museum provides access for people with disabilities and for those who have difficulty with stairs. Contact the museum in advance so that assistance can be arranged. The museum library is open to the public on request. If you are interested in the archaeological collections, you can take these visiting options into account when planning your trip.

The landscape around Vid’s hill includes a green valley with reeds and sedges, as well as the Norin, a tributary of the Neretva. Local cuisine also has its own distinctive touches: dishes associated with Vid include eel brudet and fried frogs. Their availability depends on local establishments and the season.

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