An ancient Roman stadium discovered in the historical city of Claudiopolis—modern-day Bolu, located in northwestern Turkey—is set to open to visitors as an archaeological park by the end of 2025. As the first and only Roman stadium ever uncovered in the ancient region of Bithynia, the site is poised to become a major cultural tourism landmark in Turkey.
A Unique Discovery: Bithynia’s First Roman Stadium
First unearthed in 2008 and excavated further from 2022 onwards, the stadium is believed to have been built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. Located on the acropolis of Claudiopolis, the structure features a distinctive U-shaped design. Originally stretching about 190 meters in length, 94.5 meters of the seating area and parts of the running track remain intact today—making it the most well-preserved ancient structure in the heart of Bolu.
From Ruins to Open-Air Museum and Archaeological Park
The excavation and restoration project is a collaboration between the Bolu Museum of Archaeology, Ondokuz Mayıs University, and the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. In 2022, a comprehensive lighting system was installed, giving the site a dramatic night-time presence. The archaeological park will include walking paths, interpretive signage, and a modern visitor center to enhance the public experience.
“More Than a Dig Site—A Cultural Hub”
Bolu’s Director of Culture and Tourism, İbrahim Emre Gürsoy, emphasized that this is not just an excavation project, but a living cultural space:
“This is the only known Roman stadium ever discovered in Bithynia. It’s part of Claudiopolis’ acropolis and was likely built during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. Despite partial damage in the 1970s due to roadworks, a significant portion has survived. Now we aim to turn it into a vibrant space for public engagement.”
Gürsoy added:
“We are developing not just an archaeological site, but a full cultural destination—complete with visitor-friendly walking trails, seating areas, and digital information systems. Our goal is to position Bolu as a new hub for cultural heritage tourism.”
Bolu on Track to Join Turkey’s Heritage Tourism Trail
Located just minutes from Bolu’s city center, the stadium’s easy accessibility combined with its historical significance makes it a prime candidate for sustainable tourism development. Once opened, the site is expected to attract local and international visitors alike, placing Bolu firmly on Turkey’s growing archaeological tourism map.
