Lepenski Vir Serbia (July 2013) The Lepenski Vir archaeological site is located in the Djerdap National Park 160 km southeast of Belgrade. During the preparation of the terrain for the construction of the Djerdap Hydroelectric Power Plant in the 1960s, the site Lepenski Vir was found. The site is extremely significant as it is one of the oldest Mesolithic sites in Europe. The site dates from 9000 – 6200 BC.
One of the important features was that during the Lepenski Vir I phase, the residents of the settlement decided to stay at this place for a whole year, which required the construction of a permanent settlement. In the central part of the settlement was a larger building, which was interpreted as a sanctuary. The first European monolithic sculptures originate from this site.
Found river pebbles up to 80 cm in height, which we now call early works of art, had a cult purpose for their creators. The sculptures were given new names: Grandparent, Founder, Water Fairy, Adam, Danubius, etc. we will never know their real names and significance, we can only assume that they played an important role in society.
The site was relocated and protected after the completion of the hydroelectric power plant, but in 2010 it received an adequate museum building. Visiting the site is often organized as a day trip where you have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful gorge, but also to learn a lot about this mysterious civilization.