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Remesiana – B. Palanka

The archaeological site is located in the center of Bela Palanka, on the so-called “Old Market” square, and represents a part of the ancient Roman town of Remesiana. A project for the reconstruction and revitalization of the remains of the Late Antique basilica and forum has been developed. In the 1970s, a residential building was constructed above the site.

The project concerns two interconnected areas that form a single functional and spatial unit. One is a square with a fountain at sidewalk level, and the other is the archaeological site itself, which includes a museum with a lapidarium and a café-gallery.

The project envisions the creation of a fountain with a reflective water surface on the square. Within the fountain area, two pedestals are planned: one for the presentation of a Roman funerary monument, and the other for a scale model of the city fortifications.

The lapidarium site is situated at the authentic floor level of the ancient structures, below current sidewalk grade. The space will be functionally divided into two zones: a café-gallery and a museum with a lapidarium.

The architectural treatment of both the archaeological remains and new interventions is subordinated to the affirmation of the historical spatial matrix. At the same time, the project seeks to diminish the negative impact of the large residential building constructed above the site. The main goal of the project is to preserve the integral form of the basilica and to restore and integrate selected elements of the historical complex with parts of the newly built structure.

The basilica will be preserved in its original form, with conservation and anastylosis works emphasizing its Late Antique phase. Around the apse, display cases will be arranged in a regular rhythm that respects the historical form, intended to showcase various museum artifacts. Within the nave, a stepped earthen profile will be stabilized and used as amphitheatrical seating.

Elsewhere within the historical complex, two functional zones have been established in different parts of the site. In the northern section, within the remains of former tabernae, a café-gallery is planned. On the southern side, an authentic museum hall will be formed in a preserved historical space. The ambiance of the interior will be enhanced through the restoration of historical elements.

The interior design is deliberately minimalist, ensuring that new architectural elements do not compete with the historic features.

The fountain on the square, in addition to completing the urban composition, also serves as an introductory panel narrating the ancient history of Remesiana. It will house a replica of a notable monument from the time of Septimius Severus, as well as a scale model of the ancient city. The entire composition is surrounded by water, symbolically linking historical epochs.