Cultural site: Izlit fortification

History

The facts indicate that it is a fortification from the 4th or early 5th century, whose fortification wall was discovered 30 meters long. Archaeological and conservation research at the "Izlit" fortress on Gradina, above Ganić karst in Rožaje, began in June 2015. There are written traces that

the fortification was built in the 16th century and he believes that it was demolished and rebuilt several times in the past. Based on the first available written sources, it was believed that the fortification dates from the first half of the 17th century, but recent archaeological findings suggest that the fortification was probably built in the 4th or 5th century. It is assumed that in this area there was a border between Prevalis and Dalmatia, which led through the Ibar Valley to the Kosovo plain, to Albona.

Cultural site details

During the reconnaissance of the terrain that was done in 2012, the remains of the fortification were discovered on Ganić karst, and the archeological research started only in 2016. During the excavation, a rampart was discovered, ie a wall 1.8 meters high and about a hundred meters long. On the wall, after about thirty meters, the central gate, ie the circular tower, was discovered as the entrance to the fortification. Several fragments of pottery and a couple of metal objects were found, which shows that the fortification was used only for defense purposes. It is a strategically important location located in a position that dominates the entire area of the municipal territory. The advantage of Izlit is that it could only be approached from the north, while there is a natural barrier from the south, and it is similar from the east and west.

Izlit Fortress is now covered with earth and it is not possible to determine exactly how deep it is in the earth. It is believed that there is a wall 100 meters long in this place. Inside the walls are the foundations, watchtowers and towers. Both cultural and tourist potential has been poured out, because only the place where it is located has exceptional value. It is an unusual vantage point from which the surroundings can be viewed widely and at length. Izlit could become a very important center of the city. During the current research of the Fortress, its valorization was planned. In the future, one could think about building a staircase to the top of Ganić karst and even an adequate cable car.