Medjugorje is a place of deep spiritual connection and peace located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known for the alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, according to belief, appeared to local youths in 1981. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit this sacred site to pray, meditate, and seek spiritual healing. Medjugorje offers a rich spiritual atmosphere and beautiful scenery, attracting people from all over the world in search of spiritual experience and tranquility.
Humac is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Herzegovina, near the town of Ljubuski. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and authentic rural charm. This small settlement captivates visitors with its stone houses that are characteristic of this region. Humac is also known for its 19th-century church of St. John the Baptist and its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the narrow village streets, exploring traditional crafts, and indulging in local gastronomy abundant with homemade products such as cheese, prosciutto, and wine. Humac offers a unique experience of authentic Herzegovinian rural life and is a must-visit destination for nature and culture enthusiasts.
Tihaljina is a picturesque village nestled in the valley of the Neretva River, not far from the town of Capljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and unspoiled nature. Visitors can explore traditional stone houses, churches, and monuments that bring to life the area’s past. Tihaljina is also renowned for its vineyards and wine production, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts. Additionally, nature lovers can enjoy walks along the Neretva River or explore nearby mountain trails. Tihaljina offers a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Herzegovinian landscape.
Gorica, Western Herzegovina, hosts diverse archaeological findings from various epochs, reflecting its rich history. Notably, churches like St. Stephen’s, dating back to the early Christian period, are significant. The area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage continue to intrigue experts.
Grude, nestled in Herzegovina near Mostar, boasts a rich history and vibrant community. Its churches, museums, and stone buildings reflect its past, while traditional cuisine like cevapi and burek delights visitors. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Festivals celebrate its heritage, making Grude a must-visit destination for cultural immersion and natural beauty.
The first church in Međugorje was built in 1896-97. After ten years, it suffered serious damage. The old church, demolished in 1978, was replaced by a new one, construction of which began in 1935. Interrupted by WWII, it resumed in 1966 and finished in 1969. The interior decoration was completed in 1980. After the apparitions, side entrances, stained glass windows, bells, organs, and the Stations of the Cross were added. Artist Branimir Dorotić created the stained glass, installed by the Italian firm Domus Dei. The exterior altar was completed in 1990.
A Slovenian sculptor, Andrej Ajdič, created a remarkable statue of the resurrected Christ. What makes this statue so unique is that a liquid with the same chemical makeup as human tears appears to drip from the knees of the figure.
Krizevac is a hill above Međugorje (520 m) where parishioners erected an 8.56 m tall reinforced concrete cross on March 16, 1934, bearing the inscription: “To Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of humankind, in token of their faith, love, and hope, in commemoration of the 1900th anniversary of the Passion of Jesus.” Mass is celebrated at this sacred site every first Sunday after the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Since 1981, Križevac has become a station of the Cross with bronze reliefs from 1988. On November 24, 2001, on the anniversary of the death of Fra Slavko Barbarić, a monument was erected at the place of his passing. The bronze relief embedded in stone will serve as a lasting tribute to Fra Slavko Barbarić, a prominent believer of courageous spirit and profound love.
The statue of Our Lady on Apparition Hill marks the site of the first apparitions. Erected in 2001, it mirrors the one installed in 1987 at the parish church, sculpted by Italian artist Dino Felici from Massa Carrara. Gifted by Korean pilgrims, it symbolizes gratitude for healing and peace, as inscribed on a plaque. Along the path, a large wooden cross at the 2nd Station commemorates Mary’s call for peace. The steep ascent features bronze reliefs of joyful and sorrowful mysteries since 1989, with glorious mysteries added in 2002, crafted by versatile Italian artist Carmelo Puzzolo.
Responding to the request of the parish priest and clergy of the Studenci parish, and respecting the longstanding tradition of venerating the Sacred Heart of Jesus in this locality, Bishop Ratko Perić declared the parish church in Studenci a diocesan sanctuary of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 1998, marking the 90th anniversary of the parish’s establishment and the 60th anniversary of the church’s construction. This prompted an increased number of faithful to gather around the church, with pilgrim groups, including those from abroad, becoming more frequent.
Bozjak, nestled between Ljubuški and Čapljina, is beloved by locals and nature enthusiasts for its pristine waters and scenic beauty. Ideal for summer fun, visitors enjoy swimming, diving, and sunbathing on its well-kept beach. The highway overpass looms overhead, with Božjak located to the left of the VC corridor.
The Kravica Waterfall is a popular excursion and summer bathing spot in Herzegovina. Three kilometers downstream from the village of Hrašljani, between the villages of Studenci and Zvirići, the Trebižat River cascades from a height of 28 meters, creating a beautiful natural amphitheater 120 meters wide. This natural spectacle has attracted nature enthusiasts for years and offers relaxation and fun for all swimming and river activities enthusiasts during the summer months.
Ceveljusa, along the Trebizat River near Ljubuški, offers visitors tranquility and recreation. The sound of water soothes the mind, providing an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty. An increasing number of foreign visitors are discovering this hidden gem, marveling at various activities such as gastronomy and sports like beach volleyball. Relaxation for both body and soul is guaranteed for everyone.
At Humac, in the Franciscan monastery of St. Anthony of Padua, the Humac Tablet from the 12th century is preserved, the oldest written monument in the Croatian language in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina. The monastery also houses an art collection named “Mother.” In October 2022, a century-old wish was fulfilled – the St. Anthony’s House was opened.
The medieval fortress above Ljubuški, on Buturovica, is associated with Duke Stjepan, although it predates him. The first mention of Ljubuški dates back to February 21, 1444, as Lubussa. The fortress consists of two parts: the central tower, named “Herceguša,” built at the end of the 14th or beginning of the 15th century, and the perimeter wall with towers dating from the Ottoman period after 1472. The Old Town in Ljubuški became a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2003. Before 1477, the fortress fell into Turkish hands and became a frontier fortress with a strong garrison. The Turks converted it into a military compound, and after 1835, it lost its defensive and strategic role.
Koćuša Waterfalls are a hidden natural gem located in the village of Veljaci in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These beautiful waterfalls, situated on the Koćuša River, cascade from a height of approximately 10 meters, creating a spectacular sight in untouched nature. Surrounded by lush forests and rocks, these waterfalls offer a serene environment and an opportunity for relaxation in nature. Visitors can enjoy walks to the waterfalls, refreshing swims in their pools, or simply admire the stunning landscape. Koćuša Waterfalls are a favorite destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking inspiration in the natural beauty of Herzegovina.
At the summit of Klobuk Hill (475 m), once a site for open-air Mass during Ottoman rule. It’s believed that St. Mark’s Church or All Saints Church once stood here. In 2013, the villagers of Klobuk built a votive chapel, erected a twelve-meter cross, and arranged the Stations of the Cross path, which is formally walked every Good Friday.
The small church of St. Elijah the Prophet, a gathering place for the people of Tihalj for prayer, still stands. The foundations of the new church were laid in 1938, blessed by Bishop Alojzije Mišić. Construction was interrupted during the war but resumed in 1958 and completed in 1968. The church houses the statue of Our Lady of Grace, commissioned in 1971, with stained glass windows installed in 2013, and a new stone altar shortly after. This church symbolizes the spiritual growth of the community.
In the area of Tihaljina, there are several water sources, including Bartulovo spring, Jurića spring, Rašića spring, Modro oko, Nenač, as well as several smaller streams such as Jakšenica, Nezdravica, and Dunaj.
In Tihaljina, waters from Peć Mills flow through an artificial tunnel under Petnik Hill, built in 1946. The source of the Tihaljina River in Peć Mills is picturesque: water gushes from a cave beneath the reddish limestone cliffs, 150 meters high. The area of Peć has a unique horseshoe shape. Below the source in Peć, there were once seven mills and an equal number of pillars.
Drinovci, birthplace of the great poet Antun Branko Šimić. His childhood home, now a museum, is preserved by Šimić’s family to safeguard his legacy from oblivion.
In the Imotsko-bekijsko field near the village of Drinovci lies a lake that has never dried up. Lake Krenica, associated with many legends, is a place for excursions and gatherings in warmer days. Oval in shape, it is 310 meters long and 270 meters wide, but the exact depth has not been determined, although estimates by divers reach up to 200 meters.
The collection was established in 2000 and legally formalized in 2001. It is owned by the Herzegovinian Franciscan Province. Its purpose is to research, present, and protect archaeological sites in the cemetery, old church, and surrounding areas. The old church from 1856 has been restored, along with numerous findings such as a baptismal font from the 4th to 6th centuries. Movable artifacts are displayed in adapted premises in the old parish office in Gorica.
The permanent archaeological-historical exhibition of St. Stephen of Imota was set up in the premises of the Croatian Franciscan Archaeological Collection of St. Stephen in Gorica in 2006. The exhibits were obtained through systematic archaeological research conducted by Šamator.