Posušje marks the first kilometers through heritage
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the municipality of Posušje hosted the first cycling tour as part of the Route of the projekta Stećak Route project, which uniquely connects recreation, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism in Western Herzegovina. Organized by the HerzegovinaBike Association and the Posušje Cycling Club, cyclists set off on a two-hour ride through a landscape rich in history, accompanied by a professional guide who explained the meaning and symbolism of stećci – medieval tombstones characteristic of this region.
The project is implemented under the coordination of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the West Herzegovina Canton, and is funded through the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021 – 2027within the framework of the SUSTOUR – Sustainable Tourism for Local Development.
Three Localities, One Wealth of History
During the ride, participants visited three significant stećci necropolis sites in the municipality of Posušje, guided by a local expert:
1. Stećci at Ričina
In the hamlet of Čitluk, near the now-dry Ričina stream, cyclists visited a necropolis consisting of multiple groups of stećci. The most impressive are located outside the cemetery walls – monumental gabled tombstones and chests decorated with rosettes and crescent moons. Inside the cemetery, the stećci are in much worse condition, many of them damaged and partially sunken. This site is registered in the Archaeological Lexicon of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is believed to contain the foundations of a medieval church. It lies just 50 meters from the main Posušje–Tomislavgrad road.
2. Stećci at the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Originally from two locations – Piškovića strana and Slavić – these richly decorated stećci were relocated in 1976 to the Ukraskamen company site, and in 2008 moved to the church courtyard in Fratarska ograda. Set on a landscaped elevation above the parking area, these stones are accessible to all visitors. The ornaments include a lily, deer, human figures, a knight on horseback, crosses, and twisted bands – making this one of the most visually appealing sites.
3. Tribistovo Necropolis
Near the local church and former school, the stećci in Tribistovo are scattered across a natural slope. Many are decorated with crosses, rosettes, and crescent moons. Most of them are partially or fully sunken into the ground, and though partially preserved, the site is at risk of deterioration if not regularly cleared of vegetation.
Education and Discovery
Thanks to the efforts of the Posušje Cycling Club, the event also had an educational character. A local guide provided context and historical background for each site, explaining the meanings behind the shapes and symbols carved into the stećci. Cyclists listened attentively, discovering stories hidden in these ancient stones.
President of the Posušje Cycling Club, Mario Ramljak, said in a statement to the media:
“I’m happy today because through this project we’ve learned new values and insights about our heritage. I was especially moved when some participants said they never knew these stećci were here, even though they live in Posušje. That proves how important initiatives like this are – so we can better understand and appreciate what we have.”
The Journey Continues
Project Stećak Route project continues on June 27, 2025, in Grude, hosted by the Grude Cycling Club. Upcoming events will take place in Široki Brijeg, Ljubuški, and finally at Blidinje, as part of the Blidinje Gastro Festival.
All interested participants are encouraged to follow updates on the official HerzegovinaBike channels and become part of this unique cycling adventure through the heritage and landscapes of Herzegovina.
See you in Grude – through nature, heritage, and togetherness!
