Stecci Medieval Tombstones

ZelenkaBlazek's picture

Location

Dalmatia, Dubrovnik
Croatia
43° 29' 4.9272" N, 17° 12' 15.318" E
HR
General info: 

Some real oddities that are present in Croatia, (and also in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia) are the Stecci. These medieval tombstones are unique in the world and are closely following the borders of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. There are a total of 70,000 Stecci spread in the area between the above mentioned countries and several thousand of them are in Croatia. The decorative motifs featured on the tombstones are enigmatic, spirals, rosettes and crescent moons being part of the recurrent motifs on the monuments.

Stecci contain epitaphs written in Cyrillic Bosnian and the oldest one dates back from the 12th century. Larger numbers of Stecci can be seen in both Imotski and Dugopolije, border areas of Croatia. Stećci have been nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List as Joint Cultural Heritage by the four countries in 2009.

Getting there: 

Most of them are located in the areas of Dalmatia and Dubrovnik. An easily accessible location is Cista Provo, only half an hour away from Split.

Costs: 

Free for all

Interesting places nearby

Vernár ski resort is situated in between the Low Tatras and Slovak Paradise, approximately 20 km away from the city of Poprad, 500 meters from the Vernár village. In Vernár you can easily find accommodation.

20 km of wonderful downhill skiing on runs ranging from easy to average; ideal for children, beginners and families. Snowboard area with 120 m long halfpipe.

The town is located in a sunny position on the alluvial cone of the Rio de Vael and is the seat of the 'Institute for the Ladin Culture'.

The ski area Ski-Arena Wildkogel is located in the heart of the Kitzbüheler Alps and is easily accessible. The Wildkogel provides a spectacular view on the threethousands of the Hohe Tauern national park and the Großvenediger (3674 m).

BASE: 1320ft
SUMMIT: 1765ft
VERTICAL DROP: 445ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 3
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 2
Surface: 1

While strolling through the centre of Vipiteno and window shopping along the attractive streets, you would expect many things, but certainly not to reach the Monte Cavallo valley station in just five minutes.