Simonov zaliv Archaeological Park

Simonov zaliv is a small bay on the coast of Izola, in Slovenian Istria, and the remains of a Roman seaside villa lie on its shore. The place is now an archaeological park, and it is one of the most important Roman sites on the Slovenian coast. In antiquity the Istrian coast was dotted with luxury villas known as villae maritimae, country estates built beside the sea for rich owners who enjoyed the view and the sea air and who also ran farms producing olive oil, wine and fish products that were traded across the Adriatic. Izola itself was a Roman settlement called Haliaetum, and the villa at Simonov zaliv gives a picture of the kind of lifestyle that went with that prosperity.

The villa was a large complex built above the shore, with residential rooms, service areas and probably quays or landing stages on the water's edge. Archaeologists have uncovered wall foundations, floors and the remains of decorative features that show how the building was arranged. The highlight is the surviving mosaic floors, which have been conserved and are protected from the weather so that visitors can see the patterns of tiny stone tesserae that once decorated the grand rooms. Mosaics like these were a sign of status and were laid by specialist craftsmen who travelled around the Roman provinces.

The site is helped by interpretation. Panels and displays explain how the villa was laid out and how people lived in it, and the setting by the sea gives a sense of how the owners looked out on the bay. The sea level has risen since Roman times, so part of the original coastline and harbour structures now lies below the waterline, which adds an extra dimension for divers and underwater archaeologists. Check locally for what is open and whether any guided options are available, since arrangements differ with the season.

Izola is a good place to spend a day. The old town with its Inner harbour, Izola Marina and the Pier of Tastes is a short distance away, Izolana – The House of Sea explains the marine environment, and the Kaštelir Archaeological Park, a prehistoric hillfort, offers another view of the area's deep past. Parks and beaches line the shore, and several restaurants have won recognition from Michelin.

The park suits history lovers, families and curious walkers, and a visit takes an hour or so. It is easy to reach on foot or by bike along the coast, and a swim or ice cream afterwards makes a good ending to the visit. For many visitors, the park is a surprise in Izola’s modern seaside, a reminder of Slovenia’s Roman coast.