Lepenski vir, Serbia

Lepenski vir highlights

Known for ancient settlement, archaeological park, archaeological site, museum

Lepenski Vir, located in Serbia, is an important archaeological site of the Mesolithic Iron Gates culture of the Balkans. The latest radiocarbon data suggests that the chronology of Lepenski Vir spans between 9500/7200–6000 BC. The late Lepenski Vir (6300–6000 BC) architectural phase saw the development of unique trapezoidal buildings and monumental sculpture. Numerous piscine sculptures and peculiar architectural remains have been found at the site. On 2020, the wider area around was designated a UNESCO global geopark.

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Last reviewed: 7 November 2023

Lepenski vir description

Lepenski Vir is located on the right bank of the Danube in eastern Serbia, within the Iron Gates gorge. The view above and across the Danube is wide open and the stable and enduring terrain on the river's bank resists the intensely erosive effects of the Danube. Stability is secured by two or three boulders at the top of the plaz, a rocky cape jutting deeply into the river. The boulders acted as a natural anchor for the terrain on which the settlement developed.

Long habitation on the site was also enabled by the proximity of the great river, the natural richness of the hinterland, and the thermic benefits of the accumulated limestone cliffs.

Archaeologist Dragoslav Srejovic, who first explored the site, said that such large sculptures so early in human history, and the original architectural solutions, define Lepenski Vir as a specific and very early phase in the development of European prehistoric culture. The site was notable for its outstanding level of preservation and the overall exceptional quality of its artifacts. Because the settlement was permanent and planned, with an organized societal life, architect Hristivoje Pavlovic labeled Lepenski Vir as "the first city in Europe".

Downstream from Lepenski Vir, in the direction of the Vlasac location, and half-way to the mouth of the small Boljetinka, or Lepena river, the vertical 40 m high Lepena Rock, rises over the river. At the foot of the rock, the Romans built a road which is today submerged under the waters of Lake Derdap. It is situated at a depth of 13.5 m, together with a road plaque commemorating Emperor Tiberius. The slope above the Danube between the Lepena Rock and the mouth of the Lepena river is also called Lepena, as is the bight where the slope ends.

The main site of Lepenski Vir comprises several archaeological phases starting with Proto-Lepenski Vir, then Lepenski Vir Ia through Ie, Lepenski Vir II and Lepenski Vir III, whose occupation spanned 1,500 to 2,000 years, from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic period, when it was succeeded by the Neolithic Vinca culture and Starcevo culture, both upstream the Danube, 135 km and 139 km from Lepenski Vir, respectively.

The Lepenski Vir site consists of one large settlement with around ten satellite villages. A number of satellite villages belonging to the same culture and time period were discovered in the surrounding area. Found artifacts include tools made from stone and bone, the remains of houses, and numerous sacral objects including unique stone sculptures.

It is assumed that the people of Lepenski Vir culture represent the descendants of the early European population of the Brno-Predmosti (Czech Republic) hunter gatherer culture from the end of the last ice age. Archaeological evidence of human habitation of the surrounding caves dates back to around 20,000 BC. The first settlement on the low plateau dates back to 9500–7200 BC, a time when the climate became significantly warmer.

These developments are clearly evident in the layout of the Lepenski Vir. The village was well planned. All houses were built according to a single complex geometric pattern. The remains of these houses constitute the distinct Lepenski Vir architecture. The main layout of the village is clearly visible. The dead were buried outside the village in an elaborate cemetery. The only exceptions were apparently a few notable elders who were buried behind the fireplaces (hearths) of houses.

The complex social structure was dominated by a religion which probably served as a binding force for the community and a means of coordination of activity for its members. Numerous sacral objects that were discovered in this layer support this theory. The most remarkable examples are piscine sculptures, unique to the Lepenski Vir culture, which represent one of the first examples of monumental sacral art on European soil.

Lepenski Vir gives us a rare opportunity to observe the gradual transition from the hunter-gatherer life-ways of early humans to the agricultural economy of the Neolithic. An increasingly complex social structure influenced the development of the planning and self-discipline necessary for agricultural production.

The Lepenski Vir site was discovered on 30 August 1960, on a lot owned by a local farmer, Manojlo Milosevic. Subsequently, after almost three years of inactivity, archaeological exploration of the region was organized by the Belgrade Institute for Archeology.

Construction of the Iron Gate I Hydroelectric Power Station, which would flood the bank regions with its artificial lake, was slated to begin, so archaeologists wanted to explore the area as much as possible before that happened. The location appeared ideal for a settlement, so it was surveyed. There was found so many ceramic fragments that it was like uncovering a ceramics workshop.

The necessary funding was acquired and on 6 August 1965 began exploration of the site, which continued with excavations through 1966 and 1967. Probing of the terrain in 1965 grew into protective excavations in 1966 and developed into fully systematic excavations in 1967 as they dug deeper. The cultural-archaeological layer starts below the surface layer of humus, 50 cm thick.

It was only in 1967, after the discovery of the first Mesolithic sculptures, that the site's importance was fully understood. These findings were publicly announced on 16 August 1967. The excavations ended in 1971 when the whole site was relocated 29.7 m higher to avoid flooding from the newly formed artificial Derdap Lake which was created by the construction of the Iron Gate I Hydroelectric Power Station.

The main exploration of this site was the work of professor Dragoslav Srejovic of the University of Belgrade. Exploring up to the depth of 3.5 m, 136 or 138 buildings, settlements and altars were found in the initial excavations in 1965–1970. A necropolis was discovered in 1968.

The Derdap national park, which includes Lepenski Vir, was established in 1974. On 10 July 2020, the park's wider area was designated a UNESCO global geopark.

By UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, Geopark is conceived as single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

Apart from the Iron Gates gorge, the Derdap UNESCO Global Geopark includes parts of the Miroc and Kucaj mountain massifs, with total area of 1,330 km2, and was the first such designation in Serbia.

Lepenski vir related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Lepenski vir during multi-day small group car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Lepenski vir.

We have developed several small group tours that visiting beautiful Lepenski vir. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

Year-round Serbia discovery 17 days tour from Sarajevo. Serbia: land of monasteries, Roman villas, fortresses, rivers and scenic roads. all seasons tour 17 days Price from € 3,629 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina tour finishes in: Belgrade, Serbia tour duration: 17 days (16 nights) tour countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia tour destinations: Fetislam, Gamzigrad Feliks Romulijana, Golubac, Gostilje, Krušedol, Kruševac, Lepenski vir, Mediana, Mileševa, Mokra Gora, Niš, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad, Petrovaradin, Pirot, Požarevac, Ram, Sirmium, Sirogojno, Smederevo, Sopoćani, Sremska Mitrovica, Sremski Karlovci, St Peter and Paul in Ras, Stari Ras, Stopića, Studenica, Tumane, Uvac Molitva, Viminacium, Višegrad, Zaječar, Zlatibor, Đavolja Varoš, Đurđevi Stupovi, Žiča We welcome you to come with us to explore Serbia, with our year-round 17 days tour. Serbia is the land of inland and river fortresses, Orthodox monasteries known from medieval ages, amazing parks with waterfalls, with clean rivers and lakes. Serbia is a country with intense history, culturally rich, with strong traditions, rich gastronomy and tasty wines. Serbia, the main country of former Yugoslavia, is also an unexpected land of many Roman emperors and sites of Roman presence. With this exploring styly roadtrip, we will pass across whole country to see the most important attractions of this great Balkan country. And we will pass across this beautiful land by picturesque scenic roads. Try Serbia with us, as off the beaten path journey.

Year-round Serbia 17 days discovery tour from Belgrade. Roadtrip across largest former Yugoslavia country. all seasons tour 17 days Price from € 3,962 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Belgrade, Serbia tour finishes in: Belgrade, Serbia tour duration: 17 days (16 nights) tour countries: Serbia tour destinations: Fetislam, Gamzigrad Feliks Romulijana, Golubac, Gostilje, Kraljevo, Krušedol, Kruševac, Lepenski vir, Mileševa, Mokra Gora, Niš, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad, Petrovaradin, Pirot, Požarevac, Ram, Sirmium, Sirogojno, Smederevo, Sopoćani, Sremska Mitrovica, Sremski Karlovci, St Peter and Paul in Ras, Stari Ras, Stopića, Studenica, Tumane, Uvac Molitva, Viminacium, Zaječar, Zlatibor, Đavolja Varoš, Đurđevi Stupovi, Žiča We invite you to come with us to explore Serbia with our 17 days discovery tour across largest former Yugoslavia country. By this roadtrip, taking scenic roads, you will learn about the history of this great country and whole area through interesting facts and historical intersections. We will visit famous UNESCO places, Ottoman medieval fortresses, picturesque caves, old Orthodox monasteries, beautiful parks with waterfalls, and amazing viewpoints. Serbia is rich in culture, history and traditions, and you will understand why the Balkans called multicultural land. Local cuisine and wines will accompany us during the trip.

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