When:
Ad Fluvium Frigidum – Festival of Late Antique Culture
Ajdovščina, with its Roman fortress Castra, will host over 100 actors from more than ten European countries to celebrate late-antique culture.
Ad Fluvium Frigidum – festival of Late Antique culture in Ajdovščina Authentic staging of history on the site of the Roman Fortress CastraIn the old centre of Ajdovščina, among the beautifully preserved remains of the mighty Roman Fortress Castra dating back to the first centuries AD, over 200 performers from many European countries will be bringing Late Roman culture alive in the Ad Fluvium Frigidum festival, presenting the way of life as it once took place behind the walls of the ancient military settlement ..
With the Ad Fluvium Frigidum festival, living history is coming to Ajdovščina. The town, which boasts the longest surviving Roman walls in Slovenia and has renovated its central square as a tribute to its Roman heritage, is joining the ranks of European cities preserving their ancient heritage in a sustainable yet highly attractive way.
Living history, as events with historical performances have come to be known, draws on scientific research and strives for greatest possible authenticity. The costumes and props are authentic replicas of objects from the past, most often made using ancient techniques. Nothing is virtual or fictitious in this type of historical staging, for a day or two, people dressed in authentic costume live as they once did... and we, the visitors, are right in the midst of the action.
With its name, the festival Ad Fluvium Frigidum leans on the tradition of the famous Roman Battle of the Frigid River that took place near the Castra in 394 AD and is considered a pivotal event in world history.
After this battle, Christianity was established as the official religion of the Roman Empire. In Ajdovščina we like to mention that the outcome was decisively influenced by the fierce Burja wind, blowing arrows aside and turning the tide of battle in favour of the holy Emperor Theodosius.
What can we expect? Within the castle walls, performers will set up camp, train soldiers, cook Roman food, craft objects, perform religious rituals, play social and sports games, and socialize with visitors. Visitors will also be able to enjoy guided tours and stalls selling local produce and products inspired by local heritage. It will be like travelling back in time almost 1700 years...
Programme 2026Ad Fluvium Frigidum – festival of Late Antique culture in Ajdovščina, from 20 to 21 June 2026
Saturday, 20.June1 LAVRIČ SQUARE
10.00 Festival opening: Under Emperor Theodosius
10.15 The dispute of two soldiers and the military formations
10.45 Gladiators fight for the favour of the people
11.00 Guided tour of Castra (in Slovenian), meeting point at the
11.15 Roman games for kids: Delta, Orca and Trigon
12.00 School of gladiators for kids
15.00 Roman games for kids: Delta, Orca and Trigon
15.30 School of legionaries for kids
17.00 Guided tour of Castra (in English), meeting point at the
17.30 Gladiators fight for the favour of the people
20.00 Guided tour of the archaeological exhibition Fluvio Frigido – Castra – Flovius – Ajdovščina, in collaboration with Regional Museum Goriški muzej
2 CASTLE GARDEN - ROMAN CAMP
10.30 Fibula workshop
11.00 Life in the Roman camp, guided tour
11.15 Learning Latin
11.30 Triathlon training for adults: plumbatae, bow, spear
12.30 Calligraphy workshop
14.30 Wool spinning workshop
15.30 Life in the Roman camp, guided tour
16.00 School of legionaries for adults
16.00 Learning Latin
16.30 Triathlon training for adults: plumbatae, bow, spear
17.00 Tug of war
18.00 Grand Triathlon: plumbatae, bow, spear
19.00 Harpastum and the Final Showdown
1 LAVRIČ SQUARE
10.00 The dispute of two soldiers and the military formations
10.00 Guided tour of Castra (in Slovenian), meeting point at the
10.30 Gladiators fight for the favour of the people
11.00 School of gladiators for kids
12.00 Roman games for kids: Delta, Orca and Trigon
13.00 End of the festival programme in Castra and transfer to Ad Pirum fortress in Hrušica
2 CASTLE GARDEN - ROMAN CAMP
10.30 Fibula workshop
10.30 Calligraphy workshop
11.00 Life in the Roman camp, guided tour
11.30 Wool spinning workshop
11.30 Triathlon training for adults: plumbatae, bow, spear
12.30 Tug of war
3 HRUŠICA - AD PIRUM FORTRESS
15.30 Bread and circuses – try out various Roman family games, in collaboration with the National Museum of Slovenia
16.00 Ad Pirum – the views, the history and the Battle of the Frigidus, guided tour in collaboration with the National Museum of Slovenia
17.00 Plumbatae and spear throwing competition
For more information visit the website: www.adfluviumfrigidum.si/en/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/adfluviumfrigidum
Information: +386 5 36 59 144, polonca.vodopivec@ajdovscina.si
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