The historic Walls of Dubrovnik are anchored by several formidable fortresses that have defended the Republic for centuries. To the north stands the circular Minčeta Tower, while the southwestern corner is fortified by Bokar, a key circular bastion designed to protect the Pile Gate. The eastern entrance is guarded by Revelin, and the seafaring approach is held by St. John’s Fortress. Standing on a 37-meter cliff, Lovrjenac remains a vital detached citadel dedicated to preserving the city’s freedom.
Established in 1948 on the historic Gučetić-Gozze estate, the Trsteno Arboretum is the only one on the Croatian coast. Spanning 25.61 hectares, it blends cultural and natural heritage through Renaissance and neo-romantic gardens, a historic villa, and an olive grove. The collection features 465 plant taxa from around the globe, primarily Mediterranean, Asian, and American species. This protected monument of garden architecture offers a unique mix of exotic flora and native coastal forests.
Located near the village of Ošlje on Utrk Hill, the Rotonda is a mysterious pre-Romanesque church featuring a rare circular floor plan with eight internal and external apses. Dating likely to the 10th century, it is one of only two such structures in Croatia, featuring rustic, broken stone walls surrounding a six-meter interior space. Hidden within the greenery of Bijela lokva, this unique, largely unexplored site offers a fascinating, scenic location for visitors.
Built in 1447, the Rector’s Palace in Slano is a resilient monument of the Dubrovnik Republic. Despite being devastated by an earthquake in 1667 and burned during conflicts in 1806 and 1991, it was meticulously restored in 2017. Once a defensive and administrative seat, the palace now serves as a vibrant cultural center. Visitors can explore its historical architecture and preserved heritage, which reflect the complex and storied past of the Dubrovnik Primorje region.
Located in a restored Parish Hall, the Native House of the Dubrovnik Primorje in Slano serves as a vibrant cultural and social hub. Once destroyed during the War of Independence, this protected site now showcases local heritage through citizen-sourced artifacts, early Christian sarcophagi, and traditional folk costumes. Visitors can explore maritime ship models and 3D altar displays. Beyond its museum role, the house hosts lectures, artist residencies, and multimedia events, blending tradition with modern life.
Located south of Slano, the Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Jerome were established in 1399 by the Republic of Dubrovnik to suppress the Bogumil sect. Positioned strategically to overlook the bay, the complex includes a belfry, sacristy, and five wings. A highlight is the spacious garden housing a lapidary, which features significant archaeological finds such as four early Christian sarcophagi. These stone monuments, including one mentioning a priest, offer a unique glimpse into the region’s ancient spiritual history.
Perched 420 meters above sea level, the Gajina viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama spanning the Pelješac peninsula, Mljet National Park, and the Elaphite Islands. Often called the most beautiful viewpoint on the Adriatic, it is a highlight for cyclists and hikers exploring the Dubrovnik coast. The site features a dedicated rest area and bike service station, making it a perfect stop for active travelers to enjoy the striking contrast of white stone and blue sea.
Located near Čapljina, Hutovo Blato Nature Park is one of the most important wetland bird reserves in Europe. This unique wetland is of key importance from a scientific and ecological point of view, and in winter it hosts over two hundred species of birds. In addition to its rich birdlife, the park’s waters are rich in prized fish such as eel, carp and bream. As an unmissable tourist destination, it offers the perfect blend of untouched nature and biodiversity that enchants every visitor.
Počitelj, a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina near Čapljina, enchants with its blend of oriental and Mediterranean architecture. As the strategic headquarters of the captaincy, the city dominated the Neretva Valley until the 19th century. Today, it stands out with its impressive fortress, built between the 15th and 18th centuries, and the Šišman Ibrahim-paša mosque and madrasa, making this stone city an unmissable historical gem of Herzegovina.
The old stone bridge on the Bregava River near Čapljina, also known as Mustajbeg’s Bridge, was built in 1517 – half a century before the famous Old Bridge in Mostar. This national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina stands out with its most elegant arch, with a span of 17.5 m, which is a record for bridges on lowland rivers. Throughout history, it was a key point for the transport of salt from Gabela to the interior. With its specific cobblestones and Ottoman architecture, this hidden gem of Herzegovina represents the pinnacle of architecture of that time.
The Church of St. James in Medjugorje is one of the most famous Catholic shrines in Southeast Europe. Over the past decades, it has become one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world. It is dedicated to St. James the Apostle, the patron saint of pilgrims. It is recognizable by its two tall bell towers and a spacious space for large prayer gatherings. For pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago-inspired path, this church symbolizes the spiritual journey, prayer and communion of believers from different parts of the world.
Apparition Hill, also known as Podbrdo, is located in the village of Bijakovići. It is the place where, according to the testimony of six young people from Bijakovići and Medjugorje, the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary began on June 24, 1981. This event marked the history of this region and made it one of the most famous Marian pilgrimage sites in the world. Today, pilgrims from all over the world come to this hill to pray and contemplate the mysteries of faith in silence. Along the rocky path, there are rosary stations that follow the path to the site of the first apparition. For many pilgrims, this is a powerful spiritual experience and one of the most important moments of a visit to Medjugorje.