Underwater Archaeological Research of the Krka River near the Southern Bridge in Kostanjevica na Krki
03. 12. 2021 - 22. 01. 2022


The research took place in December 2021 and January 2022, with a focus on the area surrounding the southern bridge, which is in need of renovation. During this study, three research procedures were carried out: a high-resolution bathymetric measurement of the riverbed, a topographic survey of the riverbed, and an intensive surface survey of the riverbed.

Historically, bridges served as vital entry points to medieval cities, often constructed near major rivers. The southern and northern bridges, both originally made of wood, have had a limited lifespan due to various factors. Alongside the threats posed by atmospheric conditions, natural disasters such as severe floods and fires have periodically added to the challenges faced by these structures.

The southern bridge is supported by both submerged and above water structures, consisting of large oak beams. During the research, remnants of older supports were discovered near the existing bridge structure. These remnants align with the current construction, suggesting that they represent either the foundations of the existing bridge or its older versions. However, they are not believed to date back before the 19th century. No evidence of older construction phases for the bridge was found during the study.

In terms of the riverbed, the topographic survey revealed that only a small portion within the research area retains its natural state, while the majority consists of more recent artificial deposition. Most of the findings obtained from the research were fragments of pottery from the modern era. However, due to the extensive depositon, it is possible that any older artifacts are located deeper within the sediment layers.

The research took place in December 2021 and January 2022, with a focus on the area surrounding the southern bridge, which is in need of renovation. During this study, three research procedures were carried out: a high-resolution bathymetric measurement of the riverbed, a topographic survey of the riverbed, and an intensive surface survey of the riverbed.

Historically, bridges served as vital entry points to medieval cities, often constructed near major rivers. The southern and northern bridges, both originally made of wood, have had a limited lifespan due to various factors. Alongside the threats posed by atmospheric conditions, natural disasters such as severe floods and fires have periodically added to the challenges faced by these structures.

The southern bridge is supported by both submerged and above water structures, consisting of large oak beams. During the research, remnants of older supports were discovered near the existing bridge structure. These remnants align with the current construction, suggesting that they represent either the foundations of the existing bridge or its older versions. However, they are not believed to date back before the 19th century. No evidence of older construction phases for the bridge was found during the study.

In terms of the riverbed, the topographic survey revealed that only a small portion within the research area retains its natural state, while the majority consists of more recent artificial deposition. Most of the findings obtained from the research were fragments of pottery from the modern era. However, due to the extensive depositon, it is possible that any older artifacts are located deeper within the sediment layers.

The research took place in December 2021 and January 2022, with a focus on the area surrounding the southern bridge, which is in need of renovation. During this study, three research procedures were carried out: a high-resolution bathymetric measurement of the riverbed, a topographic survey of the riverbed, and an intensive surface survey of the riverbed.

Historically, bridges served as vital entry points to medieval cities, often constructed near major rivers. The southern and northern bridges, both originally made of wood, have had a limited lifespan due to various factors. Alongside the threats posed by atmospheric conditions, natural disasters such as severe floods and fires have periodically added to the challenges faced by these structures.

The southern bridge is supported by both submerged and above water structures, consisting of large oak beams. During the research, remnants of older supports were discovered near the existing bridge structure. These remnants align with the current construction, suggesting that they represent either the foundations of the existing bridge or its older versions. However, they are not believed to date back before the 19th century. No evidence of older construction phases for the bridge was found during the study.

In terms of the riverbed, the topographic survey revealed that only a small portion within the research area retains its natural state, while the majority consists of more recent artificial deposition. Most of the findings obtained from the research were fragments of pottery from the modern era. However, due to the extensive depositon, it is possible that any older artifacts are located deeper within the sediment layers.

The research took place in December 2021 and January 2022, with a focus on the area surrounding the southern bridge, which is in need of renovation. During this study, three research procedures were carried out: a high-resolution bathymetric measurement of the riverbed, a topographic survey of the riverbed, and an intensive surface survey of the riverbed.

Historically, bridges served as vital entry points to medieval cities, often constructed near major rivers. The southern and northern bridges, both originally made of wood, have had a limited lifespan due to various factors. Alongside the threats posed by atmospheric conditions, natural disasters such as severe floods and fires have periodically added to the challenges faced by these structures.

The southern bridge is supported by both submerged and above water structures, consisting of large oak beams. During the research, remnants of older supports were discovered near the existing bridge structure. These remnants align with the current construction, suggesting that they represent either the foundations of the existing bridge or its older versions. However, they are not believed to date back before the 19th century. No evidence of older construction phases for the bridge was found during the study.

In terms of the riverbed, the topographic survey revealed that only a small portion within the research area retains its natural state, while the majority consists of more recent artificial deposition. Most of the findings obtained from the research were fragments of pottery from the modern era. However, due to the extensive depositon, it is possible that any older artifacts are located deeper within the sediment layers.