The outer wall of Bargala as viewed from neighboring hills.
We are on our way to Stip and the ancient remains of the Roman city called Bargala. Bargala is located about 11 miles northeast of Stip; following a well paved secondary road into the region of Kuchani, where I spent some time in March monitoring the election process (another story sometime). The countryside is mainly rolling hills with well tended wheat fields and some very fascinating small villages strategically located near rivers or hilltops.
The outer wall extending towards a river.
We are immediately aware that Bargala is not a well tended archaeological site and not especially secure. A serious issue in the Balkans as throughout much of the world hosting sites from ancient civilizations; is the destruction/damage to the sites by artifact thieves. Bargala has suffered that indignity and yet, is left wide open without any form of security or protection.
Some restoration is visible within the site.
Bargala was a significant urban center up until around the 6th century; however historical reference to Bargala's existence dates back to the 4th century BCE; additional evidence recovered from the site suggest human residence on site dating much further back in time.
Approaching the former Basilica.
An assortment of remnants of pillars once supporting the roof lines of Bargala.
A pillar still stands in the Basilica of Bargala.
The floor of the Basilica.
Looking down on the entrance to Bargala; the arches have all been restored.
Storage room with buried clay pots.
The storage room was located near the top of the city; it has been recreated on the site and was a nice surprise. It is the most complete reconstruction that I have seen in Macedonia. Some of these pots are at least 6-8 tall, yes they are huge.
This pot has been pieced together.
The paleo-archaeologist at Stobi told us that the pots were used for everything from grains, wine, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The process of placing the pots below the surface kept them at a constant temperature; coupled with a roof to protect from the elements; it is a primitive version of "cold" storage as we know it today, ensuring a longer life for the stored food items.
Clay supports/pipes in the old bath.
Madlyn next to inside of the outer wall; eyeing the path that follows the wall to the large arch; I believe it is an exit gate from Bargala.
Bargala was the site of the early Christian Church of St. George; the photos of the Basilica show what is left of this 5-6th century church. Down the hill and nearer to the river is a very old Orthodox Church; we were unable to approach and determine the name and age of the structure.
This church is just below the outer walls of Bargala.
The road trip to Bargala was an easy drive and our reward for this adventure would be lunch at the Mal Odmor (owned by the Oaza Hotel)just outside of Stip. (Recommended and rightly so by Brandt) We had a great lunch, of local cuisine; Roy even tried the carp (he said it was great; note, Roy eats about anything; just don't let him pick out the wine!). We head out of Stip in the direction of Veles and the intersection of the main national Macedonian highway for our return to Skopje.
A very common sight; stork nests atop utility poles.
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