Early Christian traces in the Kosovsko Polje
The Municipality of Biskupija lies in the Kosovsko Polje south of Knin. The municipality is known for the remains of numerous early Christian churches. Crkvina, in particular, brings the long archaeological timespan to life: the municipality’s largest archaeological site yielded around 400 graves dating from the late 8th to the 15th century. These finds span many centuries and give Crkvina a distinctive place within Biskupija’s rich 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. The ecclesiastical history also provides context: the Diocese of Knin was established in 1040. The Bishop of Knin resided in the historic place “Pet crikvah na Kosovi”, which is identified with present-day Biskupija. The place name preserved in historical records thus connects the destination to the present day.
Churches and archaeological sites
At Lopuška Glavica, the foundations of a single-nave church from the 9th century and several graves with rich grave goods were found. The site is designated protected archaeological cultural heritage in Biskupija. At Stupovi, the remains of a basilica with a bell tower on its façade were discovered. It dates from the 9th or 10th century and is probably dedicated to Saint Cecilia. Stupovi, with the Church of Saint Cecilia, is also designated protected archaeological cultural heritage. At Katićevi Bajami in Biskupija stands a single-nave early Christian church.
A special connection to Croatian art history leads to the Church of Saint Mary: the earliest depiction of the Virgin Mary in Croatian art was found there. A memorial church was built on the foundations of the 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 protection status. Together, archaeological sites, historic churches and a memorial church represent different aspects of the sacred heritage.
Roman and medieval traces
In Orlić lies the Villa Rustica archaeological site, with the remains of a Roman villa from the 2nd century. The surviving foundations of the residential and agricultural sections can be seen. Bračića Fortress was built in the 14th century and, thanks to its location, was mostly used as a lookout over the surrounding area. Another protected historic trace is the Roman road from Bobodol to Vrbnik, designated protected archaeological cultural heritage in Biskupija. Together, these places show that the municipality’s historic heritage is not limited to its early Christian churches.
River and karst landscape
The landscape offers a different perspective on the Municipality of Biskupija. The Kosovčica is a 12.5-kilometre-long left tributary of the Krka and flows through the Kosovsko Polje. Velika Promina rises above the municipality’s western karst plateau. The river, field and karst plateau complement the archaeological themes with a landscape perspective. Nearby are the Šarena jezera, in the area around Knin on the road to Biskupija.
When planning your trip, you can weigh up two main interests: would you mainly like to explore church remains, graves and historic structures, or are you more interested in the landscape, including the Kosovčica and Velika Promina? This question can also help you look for accommodation in the Municipality of Biskupija, without assuming a fixed sightseeing itinerary. Choose your destination based on the discoveries that appeal to you most.
Discover more destinations: Biskupija, Zvjerinac, Municipality of Rogoznica, Municipality of Skradin, Kornati, Municipality of Primošten, Municipality of Vodice, Municipality of Promina.
For the broader travel overview: Šibenik-Knin County.
