The XVII Ides of Burnum: A return to the Roman period under the stars at Burnum

We invite you to join us at a unique event that revives the spirit of antiquity in this area for the seventeenth time – the Ides of Burnum, which will take place on Tuesday, August 12^th at 8:30 pm in the impressive Roman amphitheater in Burnum.

This year’s theme “Vivere est militare” (To live is to fight) takes us into the everyday life of the Roman legionaries – from their military skills, customs, and games, but also moments of relaxation from military obligations.

Just like every year, visitors will be able to experience authentic depictions of Roman military exercises, participate in workshops for children and adults, make mosaics, write on wax tablets, play Roman games, and taste dishes and beverages based on recipes from the Roman era. The highlight of the evening will be the stage play “The Heart is Mightier Than the Sword”, an emotional story from the lives of Roman soldiers, followed by a concert by Damir Urban & 4 with a string quartet, which will combine musical magic with millennial history under the starry sky of the Burnum amphitheater.

Admission is free for all visitors.

Located in the northern part of Krka National Park, Burnum, a Roman military camp with the only preserved military amphitheater in Croatia, is an archaeological and cultural treasure of the Krka National Park. It was built in the 1^st century, when the famous XI Legio Claudia pia fidelis, and after it the IV Legio Flavia felix, were stationed in this area. After being hidden underground for almost two thousand years, Burnum was “rediscovered” in 2003, when a new phase began of systematic archaeological investigation. Today, Burnum consists of the military camp, the amphitheater, a training ground (campus), Roman roads, and an archaeological collection in the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane, making this place one of the most important archaeological sites in the region.

Krka National Park has been developing cultural tourism as an integral part of its sustainable development strategy for years. The aim of this approach is to protect the cultural and historical heritage and balance spatial and seasonal pressure on sites within the Park, and in particular to relieve the burden on the Skradinski buk waterfall and direct visitors towards lesser-known, but equally valuable upstream sites such as Burnum. In collaboration with the local community and professional institutions, the Park is constantly working on revitalizing traditional knowledge and skills, collecting cultural and historical material about the Krka River, restoring the museum heritage, and involving visitors in the experience of the cultural landscape. This is precisely why sites like Burnum are not only archaeological treasures, but also foundations for the sustainability of the cultural identity of this area.

The Ides of Burnum are not just an event – they represent a return to the past, to the time of ancient Rome, whose life comes alive in the present at a place where the natural features of the Krka River meet the ancient heritage. Experience the spirit of ancient Rome, participate in Roman customs, enjoy art under the stars, and be a part of living history.

See you on August 12^th in Burnum!