The fortress of Harilaç (4th-6th century) is located on a hill known as Grandina of Harilaq, situated in a dominant position to the west of the village of Harilaq. The castle is approximately 9 km southeast of Fushe Kosova and only 2 km west of the "Adem Jashari" International Airport in Pristina.
The castle stands out from other fortresses due to its surrounding wall construction and the internal architectural structure. The castle covers an area of about 1.3 hectares, surrounded by protective walls. Archaeological excavations at this site began in 2005 and continued systematically until 2010, during which some conservation and consolidation of the walls were also carried out to protect and preserve the structure.
During the excavations, many traces of sacral, profane, and utilitarian objects have been uncovered, including the outer side of the castle's surrounding wall with towers along its axis, a church with three naves and a sacristy, as well as two nearly identical ring-shaped structures forming part of a sacral complex. Additionally, abundant mobile archaeological material such as tools, ornaments, coins, bricks, glass fragments, and architectural structures highlight the period of Late Antiquity, particularly during the time of Emperor Justinian.
Harilaq Castle also provides evidence of prehistoric periods, particularly the Age of Metals, Antiquity, and the Middle Ages, demonstrating the continuity of life within the castle throughout different historical eras.
