Vragolija: Traces from Several Eras

Vragolija can be explored through a range of historical points of reference: a Late Bronze Age settlement lies on the western edge of the village, ancient and medieval finds add to the archaeological picture, and a new mosque was inaugurated in the centre of Vragoli in 2013. These themes differ in period, material and location. The contrast between traces of finds on the outskirts and a dated event in the centre offers you a concrete point of orientation when considering Vragolija as a travel destination.

Traces of the Late Bronze Age

The settlement is located on flat ground on the right bank of the Drenicë River. An investigation carried out there by the Kosovo Museum in 1974 identified a small number of Late Bronze Age pottery fragments. This brings together the settlement’s specific location and a clearly defined find: pottery fragments from a particular period. For anyone interested in the area’s early history, this is an illustrative connection between place, terrain and finds.

Ancient and medieval finds

Another archaeological context is the ancient settlement of Kumanovk in Vragoli. Pottery fragments and pieces of brick were found there. By contrast, the medieval archaeological layer is represented by glazed vessel fragments, coloured green, orange or a mixture of the two. The descriptions thus differ not only in period: Kumanovk yielded pottery and pieces of brick, while the medieval layer is characterised by glazed vessels and their colours. Te mulliri is one of the sites in Vragoli classified as Roman; it had not been investigated when it was documented in 2011.

A dated point of reference in the village centre

The village centre is also part of the historical picture. A new mosque was inaugurated there on 5 July 2013. This places a precisely dated event in the centre in contrast with the Bronze Age settlement on the western edge of the village. These points of reference differ both in location and in nature: on one side are archaeological traces, and on the other, the inauguration of a religious building. This offers a way to explore the area’s history that is not limited to a single period.

A more recent construction project

A more recent local landmark is the underpass at the bridge in Vragoli. On 9 November 2020, the municipality completed the expansion of the underpass; the work included signage and lighting, among other things. Unlike the archaeological finds, this was a dated municipal construction project with specifically named components. It adds another aspect of local history to the cultural and historical themes.

When choosing a holiday apartment, the area’s cultural and historical profile may be a factor in deciding where to go. Vragolija offers several distinct points of reference in time and place; if these themes interest you, you can shortlist the area and choose accommodation based on your own travel priorities.

Discover more destinations: Peć, Ferizaj, Kmetovce, Boge, Prizren, Priština, Dragash, Prilepnica

For the overview of destinations: Kosovo.