Municipality of Biskupija: Churches, archaeological sites and karst landscape
Accommodation in Municipality of Biskupija
The Municipality of Biskupija is known for the remains of numerous early Christian churches. Archaeological sites, traces of church history and the karst landscape give the municipality a distinctive character. Those interested in history will find a range of discoveries here, from graves and church foundations to the remains of a Roman villa. Kosovsko Polje and the surrounding landscape features add a distinct geographical perspective to these cultural themes.
Kosovsko Polje and the area around Knin
The municipality lies in Kosovsko Polje, south of Knin. The Kosovčica, a 12.5 km-long left-bank tributary of the Krka, flows through the field. Velika Promina rises above the municipality’s western karst plateau. The municipal area overlaps with, or lies in the immediate vicinity of, the HR1000026 “Krka and surrounding plateau” ecological network area. The field, river and karst plateau offer different geographical points of reference as you consider which landscape features you would like to shape your stay.
Near Knin, the Šarena jezera lakes lie along the road to Biskupija. Another historic landmark is Bračića Fortress: built in the 14th century, it was mainly used as a vantage point overlooking the surrounding area because of its location. The river landscape, karst plateau and historic buildings represent different aspects of the region, each offering a distinct kind of experience.
Archaeological traces from different periods
Crkvina is the largest archaeological site in the Municipality of Biskupija. Around 400 graves dating from the late 8th to the 15th century have been found there. The number and dating of the graves make Crkvina a notable destination for anyone interested in the municipality’s archaeological heritage. Biskupija Archaeological Park is described as the most important archaeological site in Croatian national history and as Croatia’s largest medieval archaeological site.
Lopuška Glavica and Stupovi also preserve evidence of medieval church architecture. At Lopuška Glavica, the foundations of a single-nave church dating from the 9th century were found, along with several graves containing rich grave goods. The site is designated protected archaeological cultural heritage. At Stupovi, the remains of a basilica with a bell tower on the façade were found, dating from the 9th or 10th century and probably dedicated to Saint Cecilia. Stupovi is also designated protected archaeological cultural heritage. Another single-nave early Christian church is located at Katićevi Bajami in Biskupija.
At Villa Rustica in Orlić, the foundation remains of the residential and agricultural sections can be seen. The archaeological site consists of the remains of a Roman villa dating from the 2nd century. The visible foundations give the site a different historical character from the early Christian churches and medieval archaeological sites.
Churches and historical connections
The earliest depiction of the Virgin Mary in Croatian art was found in the Church of Saint Mary. A memorial church was built on the foundations of this church between 1937 and 1938, based on a design by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The Church of Our Lady in Biskupija is designated protected immovable cultural heritage. The Church of Saint Luke in Uzdolje has the same designation. The Roman road from Bobodol to Vrbnik in Biskupija is also designated protected archaeological heritage.
The history of the area also includes the Diocese of Knin, founded in 1040. The Bishop of Knin resided at the historic site “Pet crikvah na Kosovi,” identified with present-day Biskupija. This connection places Biskupija within a longer church history, while the surviving foundations and archaeological sites provide tangible evidence of its buildings.
Choose the focus that best suits your stay
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in the Municipality of Biskupija, you can match your preferred type of holiday with the municipality’s themes: early Christian and medieval churches, archaeological sites, Roman remains, or landscape features such as Kosovsko Polje and the Kosovčica. This can help you decide whether cultural history or the geographical surroundings are more important for your trip.
For a closer look at places within the municipality, you can also visit the pages for Biskupija and Zvjerinac.
For the broader travel overview: Šibenik-Knin County.
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