About the Hike

Justinian I (482 – 14 November 565), also known as Justinian the Great, was the Eastern Roman emperor from 527 to 565. In his time, this area was known as Dardania. Born into a peasant family, he was probably the last emperor whose native language was Latin. Later, he established the administrative center of Justiniana Prima not far from his birthplace – in the north, in the present-day Republic of Serbia. As a ruler, he was known as the “emperor who never sleeps” – an allusion to his work habits. He managed to partially reconquer the old territory of Rome, through victories in Italy, North Africa, and southern Spain. He achieved his eternal glory through legal reforms, especially through the complete revision of Roman law. All of Justinian’s legislation is known today as the Corpus juris civilis and to this day is the foundation of the Western legal tradition, public and international law.

Our journey starts in Drachevo at the Gas Station Makpetrol. The first place we are about to visit is the lovely Taor village that got its name from the old Byzantine settlement of Tauresium. The settlement is placed just above the village on one small hill, where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the local landscape. It is important to be highlighted that according to the legend, the Roman Emperor Justinian, the First, who is considers as founder of City of Skopje, was born here in 482. Nowadays, Tauresium, also known as Gradishte, is part of the rich national heritage. Remains of the ancient town of Tauresium: city walls, pillars, houses, can be seen at this archeological site. Drachevo and Taor village are connected with asphalt road that passes through villages Studenicani and Orechani . The next stop of this interesting, so call Byzantium tour is the village Katlanovo. At this part of the road, you can enjoy unique off-road experience that will be followed by small break in nature. Besides buying juices, coffees, biers, sandwiches at the local village store for the brake, you will be able “to buy” local stories, experiences and the ‘fresh news’ from the community, told by the friendly locals.