Ulpiana

Justiniana Secunda · Ancient Roman-Illyrian City

42.5963° N, 21.1753° E 2nd Century AD 10 km from Prishtina
Founded: 2nd Century AD
Basilicas & Baptistery
City Walls & Gates
Ancient Mint
Roman Baths

Welcome to Ulpiana

One of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans

Ulpiana was a flourishing Roman and Late Antique city, founded in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Located on a strategic crossroads between the Adriatic and Aegean seas, it became a major economic and cultural center of the Roman province of Dardania.

The city was so significant that Emperor Justinian I (527-565 AD) rebuilt and renamed it Justiniana Secunda. Excavations have revealed basilicas, city walls, baths, an early Christian baptistery, and stunning floor mosaics that rival those found anywhere in the Roman Empire.

UNESCO Tentative List since 2021
Illyrian-Roman heritage site
Active excavations year-round
Visitor center with artifacts
Ulpiana archaeological site

Northern Basilica ruins

Site Map

Click markers for details · Map data © OpenStreetMap

History Timeline

2nd Century AD

Foundation

Ulpiana founded during Trajan's rule, named after his family (Ulpia). Becomes key city in Roman province of Dardania.

4th Century

Early Christian Center

Baptistery and basilicas constructed. City becomes episcopal seat.

479 AD

Gothic Invasion

Destroyed by Theodoric the Great, later rebuilt.

535 AD

Justinian Reconstruction

Emperor Justinian I rebuilds city, renames it Justiniana Secunda.

6th Century

Decline

Abandoned after Slavic invasions and earthquakes.

1920s

First Excavations

Systematic archaeological research begins.

Key Structures

Roman Mosaics

Ulpiana's mosaics are among the finest in the Balkans, featuring geometric patterns, mythological scenes, and early Christian symbols.

Ulpiana mosaic
Northern Basilica floor mosaic
Ulpiana mosaic
Baptistery geometric patterns
Ulpiana mosaic
Early Christian symbols
Ulpiana mosaic
Roman tombstone of Aelia Clementilla

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

April–October: 9:00 – 19:00
November–March: 9:00 – 16:00
Open daily

Entry Fee

Adults: €3
Students: €1.50
Under 12: Free
Guide: €5

Getting There

Bus from Prishtina to Llapnasella (€1.50), then 20 min walk. Taxi from Prishtina: €10-12 each way.

Visit Duration

Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore the site and visitor center.

Photo Gallery

Ulpiana ruins
Northern City Walls
Ulpiana ruins
Baptistery
Ulpiana ruins
Roman Baths
Ulpiana ruins
Main Gate
Ulpiana ruins
Visitor Center Artifacts
Ulpiana ruins
Excavation Area

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Kosovo's capital, 15 min drive

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