THE MANY WONDERS OF MEĐUGORJE AND HERZEGOVINA
Međugorje is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. It is a place where spirituality meets astonishing nature. The most important religious places in Međugorje are St. James’ Church and Apparition Hill (locally known as Podbrdo). St. James’ Church, with its two towers and the statue of Our Lady, the Queen of Peace, is the symbol of Međugorje. It is centrally located place where the main masses are held.
Apparition Hill, as the name suggests, is the place where the entire story began in 1982, when six local kids witnessed the appearance of Our Lady. Climbing the steep path towards the top is one of the best ways to experience the raw, yet mesmerizing beauty of Herzegovina. As if the sun, rocks and nature united to create something truly wondrous.
Besides the religious experience, the surrounding area of Međugorje has a lot to offer. One thing definitely worth experiencing is the Kravica waterfall. The water is cold even in the summer, yet it is a perfect place for swimming while enjoying a truly mesmerizing view.
Our second recommendation is a visit to Mostar, especially the Old Town where the famous Old Bridge is located. Stroll to the local Kujundžiluk bazaar, pick a few souvenirs and have a filđan of real Turkish coffee. The Old Town, which was originally built during the Turkish reign, is surrounded by various building styles that sometimes feel like an architectural history museum, with each era leaving its lasting imprint. Mostar truly is in many senses an intersection of the East and the West.
Any visit to Mostar would be incomplete without tasting local food. The food in Herzegovina is, like many other things, an interesting mix of Mediterranean and Turkish influences. One dish that we especially love is japrak. It is basically raštika (the local name for what is known in English as collards green) filled with minced meat (usually a mix of baby beef, lamb and veal), garlic, onions, carrots and a bit of thinly sliced prosciutto placed carefully on top of dry pork and slowly cooked. Japrak is comfort food by the book.
When in Herzegovina, one must try the local wine as well. If you are more in a mood for a white wine, Žilavka is the best choice. It is a rich tasting wine of deep golden colour and aromas of lemon zest and Mediterranean herbs. Žilavka is very popular because of its refined flavour profile and the fact that it goes well with any kind of food.
If you are in mood for red, Blatina is the local choice. It is a wine that will strike your taste palate with a wonderful mix of red fruit, plum and old oak. It is the kind of full taste that keeps lingering in the mouth even a few hours after the last sip.
Just like Blatina, Herzegovina will leave a lasting impression that you will seek again and again.