The city of Vidin was established in the 3rd century BC and has been developing for centuries.
Although no archaeological evidence was found to firmly support this, it is presumed that the area was first settled by a Thracian tribe, the tribali.
The Roman conquest of today’s northwestern Bulgarian lands began during the third decade BC and continued until 46 AD. The city was a part of the Roman provinces of Misia, Upper Misia and Coastal Dacia.

During the Roman period, the city was called Bononia. At the time of the mediaeval Bulgarian nation-state, it was known as Budin (until the beginning of the 11th century) and as Bdin (after that) and was a seat of a military and administrative region. In the second half of the 13th century, it became the main city of the Vidin Principality, and later, of the Vidin Kingdom. The Turks called the city Vidin. Written evidence shows that, as one of the most important ports, the city was a prospering commercial and economic center. The crafts were extremely well-developed, initially only to meet the needs of the Roman, and later, of the Turkish army, but sufficient to also meet the needs of the citizens.

he most typical features of the antique Roman, medieval Bulgarian, Turkish, post-Liberation and new Vidin have combined to form today’s mixture of different ages. The beautiful nature and the specific atmosphere created by the remnants of the past ages, combined with modern buildings, determine the city’s modern look, lifestyle and uniqueness.

Vidin is rich of historic landmarks. The 10th century Baba Vida Fortress has been completely preserved. The fortress played an important role in the city’s defense during the mediaeval period and was completed in the 14th century. The other Vidin fortress, Kaleto, was first built by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, it was reconstructed and has been partially preserved. The two fortresses are national monuments of culture and history. The Koluka Turkish konak became a museum in 1956.

Other architectural, cultural and historic monuments include: the Cross-Shaped Barracks; the Turkish post office; the art gallery; the Mathematics High School building; the synagogue; the Drama Theater; the St. Dimitar, cathedral; the St. Panteleymon, St. Nikolai and St. Petka churches, as well as many other monuments of world, national and local importance.

Vidin is also known by its beautiful riverbank park. The unique layout of the park, a mixture of different styles, was preserved through the centuries. The combination of an English park layout and Baroque forms of vegetation gives the park an unique, typically Bulgarian look. The riverbank park is located along the bank of the Danube and includes wonderful beaches and recreation places.