Počitelj

Počitelj is a remarkable medieval and Ottoman-era village situated in the Neretva River valley, about 30 kilometers south of Mostar. The entire settlement is protected as a national monument and feels like a living open-air museum. Founded in the 14th century by King Tvrtko I, it evolved into an important strategic center under Ottoman rule. Its characteristic stone houses, steep narrow alleys, and domed structures create a unique Oriental atmosphere that has remained largely intact. Key landmarks include the Šišman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, an elegant example of Ottoman architecture, and the Gavran-Kapetanović Tower, which overlooks the village. From the hilltop fortress, visitors are treated to dramatic views of the emerald Neretva River winding through the karst landscape. Počitelj is also famous for its long-standing artists' colony, attracting painters and sculptors from around the world. Pomegranate and fig trees growing among the ancient stone ruins add to its photogenic charm. Visitors are encouraged to try the locally grown dried fruits and homemade juices sold by residents at small stalls along the paths. Climbing the steep, stepped streets can be physically demanding, but the panoramic vistas from the top are well worth the effort. Počitelj is a popular stop for travelers heading toward the Adriatic coast. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the golden hour light beautifully illuminates the limestone facades.

Nearby cities

Lukavica

Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.

East Sarajevo

East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.

Briješće

Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.

Ilidža

Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.

Konjic

Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Foča

Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.

Bileća

Bileća is located in eastern Herzegovina on the artificial Lake Bileća.

Kravica Waterfall

A spectacular natural phenomenon on the Trebižat River, often referred to as the 'Little Niagara' of Bosnia.

Ljubuški

Ljubuški is located in the heart of Herzegovina and is famous for the Kravica waterfalls.

Široki Brijeg

Široki Brijeg is the administrative center of the West Herzegovina Canton.

Kiseljak

Kiseljak is located in central Bosnia and is famous for its natural mineral water.

Fojnica

A charming spa town famous for its healing thermal springs and the historically significant Franciscan monastery.

Vogošća

Vogošća is a municipality north of Sarajevo and a key industrial suburb of the capital.

Čapljina

Čapljina is located in southern Herzegovina at the confluence of four rivers.

Tomislavgrad

Tomislavgrad is located in the southwest of the country on the Duvanjsko polje.

History & landmarks

Historic Village of Počitelj

Počitelj is a medieval and Ottoman urban settlement on the banks of the Neretva river.

Počitelj Fortress

This medieval and Ottoman fortress town is located on a slope overlooking the Neretva River.

Žitomislić Monastery

A significant Serbian Orthodox monastery in the Neretva valley, south of Mostar.

Ljubuški Fortress

This fortress on Butorovica hill is also known as the Fortress of Herceg Stjepan and overlooks the town of Ljubuški.

Nature

Hutovo Blato

Hutovo Blato is a nature park and bird reserve in the south of the country, one of the most important wetlands for migratory birds in Eur…

Kravica Waterfalls

These tufa waterfalls on the Trebižat River are surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.

More places

Sarajevo City Hall

Built in the Pseudo-Moorish style, the Vijećnica is one of the most magnificent buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period in Sarajevo.

Saint James Church

The central parish church of Međugorje and a world-famous Catholic pilgrimage site.

Mogorjelo

Mogorjelo is a significant 4th-century Roman villa rustica.

Radimlja Necropolis

Radimlja is the most famous site of stećci, the characteristic medieval tombstones of the region.