Bay of Bones Museum
Southwestern Region
The Bay of Bones Museum, located on the southern coast of Lake Ohrid near the village of Peštani in North Macedonia, is an archaeological and ethnographic site showcasing a reconstructed prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement. The site, known as "Ploča Mićov Grad," was discovered during underwater archaeological excavations conducted from 1997 to 2005. These excavations revealed a late Bronze Age and early Iron Age settlement built on wooden piles driven into the lakebed at depths of 3 to 5 meters. Archaeologists identified over 6,000 wooden stakes supporting a wooden platform that housed around twenty prehistoric dwellings. The museum complex includes a reconstructed village above the water, allowing visitors to experience life as it was thousands of years ago. Numerous artifacts such as pottery fragments, stone and flint tools, and animal bones were recovered, shedding light on the daily life and culture of the settlement's inhabitants. The Bay of Bones Museum is significant as it represents one of the rare underwater archaeological sites in the Balkans, officially marking underwater archaeology as a distinct discipline in North Macedonia. The museum operates seasonally, offering visitors a chance to explore this unique fusion of natural and cultural heritage in a stunning lakeside setting.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Bay of Bones Museum is during the summer months from May to September when the museum is open from 9:00 to 16:30, offering longer daylight hours and pleasant weather. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance during peak season to avoid waiting times. The museum offers reduced admission for students and groups. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays year-round. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the reconstructed settlement and surrounding areas.
Interesting facts
- •The Bay of Bones site contains over 6,000 wooden stakes that supported a prehistoric pile-dwelling village on Lake Ohrid.
- •This is one of the few underwater archaeological sites in the Balkans officially studied and presented to the public.
- •Artifacts found include pottery, stone and flint tools, and animal bones, providing insight into late Bronze and early Iron Age life.
- •The reconstructed settlement allows visitors to walk through a prehistoric village built above the lake's surface.
- •The museum helped establish underwater archaeology as a recognized discipline in North Macedonia.
History
The Bay of Bones settlement was discovered through underwater archaeological research conducted between 1997 and 2005 in Lake Ohrid, near the Gradište peninsula.
It dates back to the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, approximately 3,000 years ago.
The site was submerged due to fluctuations in the lake's water level over centuries.
In 2007-2008, a reconstruction of part of the settlement was completed to present the archaeological findings in an accessible and engaging way.
This project marked the official recognition of underwater archaeology as a separate branch of archaeology in North Macedonia, focusing on preserving and showcasing cultural heritage hidden beneath lake waters.
Place Guide
Reconstructed Pile-Dwelling SettlementLate Bronze Age / Early Iron Age
A faithful reconstruction of the prehistoric village built on wooden piles above Lake Ohrid's waters, featuring dwellings, wooden platforms, and walkways that demonstrate ancient construction techniques and lifestyle.
Archaeological Exhibition
Display of original artifacts recovered from the site, including pottery shards, stone and flint tools, and animal bone fragments, illustrating the material culture of the settlement's inhabitants.
Contact
Phone: 046 231 300