What to see if you decide to visit Trebinje?

Located in the picturesque valley of the Trebišnjica River, Trebinje is a small town in the very south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, just a few kilometers from the border with Montenegro and Croatia.

It is a small town inhabited since prehistoric times, more precisely the Paleolithic, its climate attracted Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans, while in the Middle Ages, it was an important commercial and military center for the Ottoman Empire.

Trebinje, Photo: Dudlajzov, Depositphotos

All these civilizations left their mark on today’s look and spirit of the city. Trebinje is proud of its rich history and cultural heritage and is adorned with numerous bridges, old churches, monasteries and mosques, and picturesque streets surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.

If you decide to visit it, know that it will not disappoint you. Here’s what you have to see in Trebinje!

ARSLANAGIĆA BRIDGE – A BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS HISTORY AND FUTURE

Arslanagića Bridge is the oldest bridge in Trebinje and one of the most important historical monuments in all of Herzegovina. It was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire, and its imposing architecture and unique design make it a true gem of Herzegovina’s heritage.

Arslanagića Bridge, Trebinje, Photo: Dudlajzov, Depositphotos

MONASTERIES

In Trebinje you can visit as many as four monasteries:

DUŽI MONASTERY

Located 12 km from Trebinje, this monastery was first mentioned at the end of the 17th century and served as the seat of the Metropolitanate of Herzegovina until 1776.

TVRDOŠ MONASTERY

Located on the Trebišnjica river, this monastery dates back to the 13th or 14th century and was thoroughly renovated in 1509 and 1928. In addition to its turbulent history, the Tvrdoš monastery also hides wine cellars underground. It is a tradition that started back in the 16th century and was brought back to life at the beginning of 2000. You can try them all, and even buy them in the monastery itself.

Tvrdoš Monastery, Photo: Dudlajzov, Depositphotos

MONASTERY OF THE HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL

Located near Čičevo, this monastery has two churches, one dedicated to Saint Peter and the other to Saint Paul. The place has historical roots dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries and was rebuilt in the 20th and 21st centuries.

HERZEGOVačka GRAČANICA

Built in 2000 on Crkvina hill, this church is a replica of the Gračanica monastery in Kosovo. It fulfills the last wish of the poet Jovan Dučić, who is buried here.

Hercegovačka Gračanica, Trebinje Photo: Dudlajzov, Depositphotos

BEGOVA KUĆA – RESULBEGOVIĆ’S HOUSE

Declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Begova kuća was a summer house built in honor of Osman Pasha Resulbegović by his son in 1746. It was a real tourist attraction for centuries until the war that engulfed this area in the 90s.

Due to its historical and cultural importance, the entrepreneur Rodoljub Drašković tackled its reconstruction, so today you can visit its modern replica, which has restored the splendor of the most important monument of Ottoman architecture and the former symbol of Trebinje.

 

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MOSQUES

If you visit Trebinje, then do not miss two living reminders of the period of Osman-pasha Resulbegović‘s reign.

EMPEROR’S MOSQUE

Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Emperor’s Mosque was built by order of Osman Pasha Resulbegović in 1719 in honor of Sultan Ahmed. Its original form did not survive the war and it was demolished. It was renovated in 2013 with a more modern look, and it also hides the doorstep from the original mosque, which can still be seen today.

OSMAN PASHA MOSQUE

Also one of the mosques that was built by order of Resulbegović, and was also demolished during the war. It was restored by the expelled Bosniaks during the war and is a reminder of the heritage that once resided in this city of the sun.

Emperor’s mosque, Trebinje, Photo: Dudlajzov, Depositphotos

STRAČ FORTRESS

The Strač fortress was built during the Austro-Hungarian period in the village of Gornje Čičevo near Trebinje. Its goal was to protect the area from attacks, and it stands out for its appearance and view of Zupče, Petrovo polje, and Trebinje.

 

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Trebinje is also home to the towers of Branković, Petrina, and Golo Brdo, the medieval fortress Mičevac and the fortress Kličanj, the Museum of Herzegovina, the Old Town of Trebinje, and the interesting aqua and dino park Grad Sunca, which you must not miss.