The Museum “The Bay of Bones” represents one of the most unique and cultural places that exist in North Macedonia. This open-air museum complex is placed near Lake Ohrid and offers a very rare opportunity to become familiar with the prehistoric life of this region. It reconstructs the settlement on piles dating from 1200-700 BC and provides the possibility to intermingle with how people of the ancient communities used to live on the lake. It is a must for a history enthusiast and lovers of archaeological and ancient cultures.

THE HISTORICAL VALUE OF THE MUSEUM “THE BAY OF BONES”

It gets its name from the great amount of animal bones and other finds that suggest the place was a strong settlement in late Bronze and early Iron Ages. The original settlement was built with wooden platforms supported by wooden piles rammed into the lakebed, a common method which prehistoric communities used to protect themselves from potential enemies and gain easy access to fishing.

It was found by underwater archaeological investigations at the end of the 20th century. The extensive underwater digs have shown that there are remains of these ancient dwellings at the bottom of the lake, together with various artifacts—such as pottery, tools, and jewelry. Various findings as the above have been transferred to the museum and reconstructed into a pile-dwelling settlement, giving a lively representation enclave; an ideal, vivid, and reliable reconstruction of prehistoric life, comprising the excellent setting called “Under the Thatched Roof.”

WHAT TO SEE AT MUSEUM “THE BAY OF BONES”

While at the Museum “The Bay of Bones,” there is no way you would like to miss the following highlights:

• RECONSTRUCTED PILE-DWELLING SETTLEMENT:

  The museum’s center has been the reconstructed settlement that was built from remains on wooden platforms over the lake. Therefore, while touring the museum’s center, one has the opportunities to walk through and get into the huts for an imagination of people’s lives in the past: how they lived, worked, and interacted with nature.

• UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXHIBITS:

  It also has a museum with exhibits of artifacts brought up from the lakebed, such as tools, pottery, and jewelry that give evidence of the daily life and culture of the prehistoric settlers.

• THE OBSERVATION DECK:

  A wooden viewing platform projects out into the lake, providing fine views both of the reconstructed settlement and the natural beauty of Lake Ohrid all around. It’s a perfect spot for photography and contemplation.

• INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS:

  In the interpretive displays throughout the museum, information on the history of the site, the archaeological finds that have been found, and methods used by prehistoric constructors is presented.

DIRECTIONS TO MUSEUM “THE BAY OF BONES”

The Museum on the Bay of Bones lies in Gradishte village, about 13 km south of the town of Ohrid. This museum is reachable by car or bus and has large parking for the visitors. Those who come from Ohrid will have the opportunity to enjoy their drive along the coast of the lake.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MUSEUM “THE BAY OF BONES”

The museum is open during the entire year. Still, the best period to visit it is during spring and summer, when the weather is warm and the lake looks just amazing. In such seasons, the visitor can enjoy to a greater extent the outdoor setting of the museum and get familiar with its surroundings by walking along the nearby beaches and nature trails.

CONCLUSION

The “Bay of Bones” Museum is much more than a museum; it is like time travel back into the prehistoric era of Lake Ohrid. Visiting this place provides one with the unique opportunity of knowing about the ancient civilizations that existed here and getting familiar with their mode of life in a more realistic manner. No matter whether you are an archaeology fan, love history, or are simply in search of diverse cultural experiences, the Museum “The Bay of Bones” is worth seeing.