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The Road to Nowhere
This is a section of the major thoroughfare
(Decumanus Maximus), which used to connect the east and west gates of the
ancient Roman city of Augusta Trajana. Now
it cuts through what is left of the Roman Forum and links the Antique Amphitheatre
with the Historical museum, just a few hundred metres away; it is flanked on
one side by the turn of the (20th) century theatre and, on another,
by the late 20th century Opera House. For me, this architectural ensemble, now
peaceful and quiet, encapsulates the frustration many feel these days – this
city with a glorious past is (or has) become a backwater, which the young are
eager to leave, after benefiting from an excellent education, that the local
institutions are able to provide for them. But the job opportunities are few
and far between and the bright young things are looking for more exciting and
challenging lives...in Sofia or abroad.
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The Antique Amphitheatre
Fenced off to the side of the Law Courts, it
looks rather forlorn, waiting for better times to come – maybe to be again the
venue for some of the lively spectacles, the local people are so proud of.
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The Regional Museum of History
This 21st century building in the shape of
a futuristic hour glass, preserves more of the Roman ruins and what was the
main shopping street, (Cardo Maximus). This museum faces the Antique Roman Forum, which was - and still is - the heart
of the city, and thus represents a bridge between past and future.
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