GOLEMO GRADISTE – Konjuh

The archaeological site of Golemo Gradiste at Konjuh is a rare example of a city founded in the late 5th or early 6th century in the province of Dardania within the Eastern Roman Empire. Situated on a high and elongated acropolis, a broad, gently sloping terrace between the northern foot of the acropolis and the Kriva River, and a narrow area at the south foot of the acropolis, the city represents the late phase of Roman urbanism, heavily fortified and significantly altered by the insertion of ecclesiastical architecture. Its municipal plan, fortifications, and churches represent the early phases of developing European urbanism and religious heritage. Covering ca 17 ha, Golemo Gradiste near Konjuh is the largest and best-investigated town from the 6th century AD in the northeastern part of R. Macedonia.

An even stronger fortress was created in the 6th century on the naturally fortified acropolis. Through archaeological excavations, 1998-2004, gates, streets, stairs, and several residential and public buildings founded on the soft bedrock were revealed there. Some of them, e.g., a large cistern for water, are visible today. With its dominant position overlooking the wider area, the hill of Golemo Gradiste was strategically crucial for the city’s and its inhabitants’ safety during the restless times of the 6th century. The site is also famous for the numerous chambers cut in the rock on the hill’s southwestern side. It is believed that they served as cells for monks in the past.

Excavations since 2005 on the northern terrace have revealed two large residential complexes. One was a multi-unit structure with dwellings, storerooms, and workshops clustered around an internal courtyard. The second residence, displaying several spacious rooms, a kitchen area, and a colonnaded courtyard, undoubtedly belonged to a member of the elite. A large, three-aisle basilica (35 x 15 m) with various unusual features came to light between the two residences. A piscina for baptism is located in an apsidal hall among its annex rooms. Fragments of exquisite relief sculpture found in the Rotunda and the basilica point to a local mid-6th century workshop.