Nebeske Stolice

Nebeske Stolice - the most important information

Nebeske Stolice or Crkvina is an archeological place whose entire value is still unknown. Determining the true significance of this site needs more excavations and observations. However, what is known so far about this place is truly fascinating. A little below Pancicev vrh, at the altitude of 1800 meters, lie the remains of several nations and epochs.

History of the site Nebeske Stolice

The research, which began in 1998, under the watchful eye of archaeologist Gordana Tosic, is beginning to remove layer by layer of soil from this forgotten place. What was found during the excavation became significant both for the past and the future of Balkan culture. It turned out that these excavations are of grave importance for further research, so the archaeologists themselves went a step further.

Significance of the site Nebeske Stolice
The excavation of parts of buildings and objects from this place contributed to revealing some new conclusions about history. As there are layers of objects from different epochs here, scientists believe that a lot of things have remained undiscovered both on the location and in the surroundings. At this archaeological site, research continues even today. From here, research is spreading to the surrounding area - towards the hill Cucaica and the fortress Gradac, where there are possible remains from the early Byzantine period. Nebeske Stolice has shown to be a place where there has always been life and human activity. Even today, experts gather here, but also curious tourists who come to peek into ancient history.

What to see

The first things that emerge from the ground are the remains of a single-nave basilica. Today, at the place where this sanctuary was, you can see:

The foundations of the basilica - it is believed to date from the early Christian period (from the 5th to the 6th century) and that it was dedicated to Saint Procopius, the protector of miners. An old wooden cross was also found nearby.
Mosaic - characteristically decorated for the early Christian period, this mosaic is a real rarity in the Balkans. Today, in fragments, it covers the floor of the church, and its most beautiful part is the image of a peacock - a Christian symbol that is associated with the spiritual world.
Fragments of frescoes - in addition to the complex mosaic, the basilica was decorated with frescoes. Today, you can see only fragments that indicate the once very magnificent appearance of the interior.

Further exploration of the terrain led to revealing an even older layer - remains from late antiquity. So today, in the southern part of the site you can see:

Remains of a Roman building from the 3rd and 4th century
Glass and ceramic vessels
Roman jewelry, money, and fibulae

How to get to the Nebeske Stolice?

Organized tours that start from the tourist center Kopaonik lead to the site itself. As there are several ways to approach this old place you can come:

On foot: There is a walking path to the Heavenly Chairs from the tourist center, over the pass Pajino Preslo - Crna Duboka - Krcmar - Nebeske Stolice. The difficulty of this walking tour is medium to hard. On a tour, you can see various natural beauties of Kopaonik.
Off-road vehicle: some trails can be crossed by a vehicle. Such organized tours can also be adapted to children.

Additional information

The surroundings of the Nebeske Stolice are fascinating too. When you find yourself at this archeological site, don't miss to visit some of the other sights of Kopaonik: