Pestova (archaeological site)



Part of a series of articles upon Archaeology of Kosovo

Pestova archaeological site is an archaeological site located in the village Pestova, in the municipality of Vushtrri, on the left side, stretched along the Pristina-Mitrovica road, more or less 4 km from Vushtrri. The area is known for a very fertile agricultural land, productive even in present days.

History
The Pestova archaeological site, situated approximately 4 kilometers from Vushtrri in the village of Pestova, holds significance for its Roman villae rusticae. These villas, typical of Roman countryside residences, were characterized by their complex structures featuring multiple rooms, baths, and water storage facilities. Typically, villae rusticae served as luxurious resting places for wealthy Roman families, providing spaces for relaxation.

In 2005, during excavation work in Pestova, wall contours were accidentally discovered, prompting a rescue excavation that revealed intriguing archaeological findings. The unearthed remains included the ruins of a Villa rusticae, offering a glimpse into the architectural and lifestyle aspects of the Roman period. As per Roman architectural principles, villas were composed of various rooms, baths, and water deposits. The Pestova villae rusticae, likely belonging to a distinguished and affluent Furi or Ponti family from the ancient site of Ulpiana, had features such as a corridor and potentially served as a resting house.

Analyzing the ancient map Tabvla Imperii Romani and the site layout of the Pestova villa, it is plausible that the ancient route connecting Ulpiana with the Municipium DD passed close to this archaeological site. The Pestova archaeological site holds historical significance, providing valuable insights into the Roman period in the region. Partial excavation efforts have uncovered foundations, walls, floor mosaics, and various artifacts like pottery, coins, and jewelry, enriching our understanding of Kosovo's cultural heritage. Today, the site stands as a compelling tourist destination, inviting visitors to explore remnants of a bygone era.

According to the Roman architecture rules, villas were complex built structures composed of several accompanied rooms, baths or termae and drinkable water deposits. The Pestova villae rusticae had a corridor Villas in the Roman culture apprehend a luxury house; in the towns they are known as villae urbana, whereas in the countryside they are known as villae rustica, and served as resting houses or places for relaxation for the wealthy and powerful Roman families. Villa’s are consisted of master’s house and the Pestova villa most likely belonged to latifondist family, presumably to a very distinguished and rich Furi or Ponti family members from the ancient site of Ulpiana. Parts of villa complex usually are stables for the domestic animals, workshops and storehouses. When analysing the ancient map Tabvla Imperii Romani, and the site setting of the Pestova villa, it can be argued that most likely, the ancient route that connected Ulpiana with the ancient town of the Municipium DD, passed close or nearby this interesting archaeological site.