Trebinje

The Hercegovačka Gračanica monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located above the city, on the historic Crkvina Hill. Famous Serbian poet Jovan Dučić wanted to be burried on one of the hills aroud Trebinje in a church ‘resembling the one in Kosovo’ – reffering to the Gračanica monastery in Kosovo, the most important legacy of king Milutin from 1321. Hercegovačka Gračanica has one level less, and the interior is slightly different than the Kosovska Gračanica. Inside the church there are 16 pillars, out of which 15 are square-shaped and one is round-shaped, carrying special symbolic meaning. In its base there is a stone from Kosovska Gračanica, which is a symbol of home cornerstone, carryng the spirit of old home to new home. Monastery is completed in 2000, 47 years after poet’s death and his remains were brought to Hercegovačka Gračanica.

Trebinje old town was built on the right bank of Trebišnjica, above the deepest part of the river. Old town Kastel was initially triangle-shaped and it became rounded over time. Its final shape, with all towers, canals, was formed in the first decade of 18th century. Today in the Old Town with its narrow lanes, arches, gates and antique stone buildings, you can visit Osman Pasha’s Mosque, the Museum of Herzegovina, numerous cafės and boutiques. Osman Pasha’s Mosque was built of cut stone and covered with a pyramid roof imitating a dome under the eternity. It was built in 1726 as a waqf (endowment) of Osman Pasha Resulbegovic. Its height is 16 meters and it was one of the most beautiful in Herzegovina. It contains elements of the Mediterranean architecture.

Tvrdoš Monastery is the seat of the Diocese of Herzegovina and Zahumlje. It is built on the foundations of the tiny church from the 4th century. Tvrdos monastery is entirely surrounded with rich vineyards and widely known for its excellent wines, kept in the wine cellar and oak barrel from 16th century. Saint Vasilije Ostroški received monastic tonsure in Tvrdoš monastery and became a priest, after which he served for a certain period as a parish priest of Popovo polje. That is the reason why he is called “Of Ostrog and Tvrdoš”.

Records about Herzegovinian wines can be found in Middle Ages. The quality of Herzegovinian wines was rewarded with many medals. Throughout the years wine making has become a tradition for many families from Trebinje, so this relatively small area has a great number of wine makers and wine cellars.

On the west side of Trebinje lies ‘The City of Sun’. Until now, eastern part of it was finished, and it has capacity up to 5.000 visitors per day. Aqua park “Sunny springs” is the largest aqua park in the Balkans, and there is also a Dino park with dinosaur replicas in full size, Splash safari, playground, sports fields, bars and restaurants.

Trebišnjica river is one of the longest subterranean rivers in the world. It flows through Trebinje on its way to the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can take boat trips on the river or swim during the summer season.

Trebinje’s historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural offerings make it a captivating destination for travelers looking to experience the rich heritage of the Balkans.