"Present charm of past glories" a Vidin Travel Page by josephescu

3rd century BC - Celtic or Thracian settlemment of Dunonia, depending on whom you read

Roman conquest in 46 AD was followed by the building of a fortress called Bononia, to control the Danube crossing

During the second Bulgarian empire (1185 – 1396), Bdin became an important northwestern bastion and trading centre.

1396 – the fall of Bdin marked the completion of the Ottoman conquest of present day Bulgaria. Renamed to Vidin, easier to spell by the Turks

the Turks built an extensive city wall and strengthened the Baba Vida fortress, which remains today.

16th century – the largest town in Bulgaria and one of the biggest ports around the Danube.

Late 18th century – as Turkish rule weakened, the local pasha declared independence from the Sultan

1878 – returned to Bulgaria by the Romanian army following the Russian – Turkish war

1885 – attempt by Serbia to take the area was resisted

1990s – fall of communism and UN economic sanctions against Serbia have severely affected the town, with a recent boost past the EU enlargement

Somehow out of reach, but peaceful and tranquil, Vidin is worth a night if only for the delicious fish dishes on the boat restaurants. Add a sunny day and the sights on the riverfront and you’ll stay 2 nights.