Archaeological site Gradina is situated on a hill about a hundred meters west of the fresh water spring, which was the main reason for the settlement of this area in the prehistoric times. According to the map Tabula Peutingeriana, this area was once the ancient settlement Aronia. The fort whose remains are visible in Gradina, was the most important part of the settlement that extended at its foothill and east of the spring. The largest number of archaeological findings from this area, such as ceramic pots and lamps, amphorae, tools, coins and other, date from Antiquity. Artefacts discovered during the construction of the surrounding houses are kept in the local archaeological collection and other museums. Life in Gradina started dying out with the invasion of barbarian tribes from the north in the 7th century AD. Legend says that there used to be a small church at Gradina, whose bell was warning fishermen about the forthcoming storm. In spite of the lack of archeological evidence for this legend, perhaps we will come across a piece of pottery scattered around Gradina, with ornaments specific for sacred objects. Or we may just press our ear against the ground, and hear a faint distant bell ringing before the skies turn dark and stormy.
