Ulpiana

Ulpiana was a Roman city south of Pristina, founded in the second century on the mining wealth of the region and later a bishopric, damaged by earthquake and rebuilt by Justinian as Justiniana Secunda. Excavation has uncovered the walls, gates, a basilica, a bath complex and a large necropolis with built tombs. It is the most substantial Roman site in Kosovo and work continues on it. The site sits on the Roman road between Naissus and Lissus, which is part of why a city grew here at all.

What you actually see

• The city walls and gates - the defensive circuit uncovered by excavation.
• The basilica - the early Christian church within the walls.
• The necropolis - the built tombs of the burial ground.
• The Justinianic rebuilding - the sixth-century reconstruction after earthquake.

When to go

April to October is the comfortable season. Excavation work runs in the summer months. Low sun shows the wall lines best.

Honest expectations

Much of the site is unexcavated and what is exposed needs background to read. Interpretation on the ground is limited. Parts are closed during excavation seasons.

Nearby

Gracanica is north, and Lipjan is south.