Pilgrimage Sites
Međugorje
In the heart of Herzegovina lies Međugorje, a serene town whispering stories of divine apparitions that captivate thousands of spiritual seekers each year. This tranquil place, renowned for the Virgin Mary’s apparitions, humbly stands as a global pilgrimage beacon. Walk on the hallowed grounds of Apparition Hill, and find peace and inspiration under its iconic cross, shared by countless faithful. Let the Church of St. James, the town’s spiritual hub, pull you into a world of introspection and prayer. In Međugorje, the harmonious blend of deep spiritual nourishment and heartfelt hospitality unravels a unique experience that echoes long after your visit.
Podmilačje
Monasteries, Churches and Cathedrals
Franciscan Monastery Kraljeva Sutjeska
Located in the heart of Bosnia, the Franciscan Monastery Kraljeva Sutjeska, whose roots date back to the 1300s, is a rich blend of history and spirituality. Its neo-Renaissance church, museum, and library collectively house a plethora of artifacts, art, and ancient literature, including the first Bible written in the Bosančica (Bosnian Cyrillic) alphabet. As a testament to resilience, the monastery withstood various trials over centuries, safeguarding precious records and sacred objects, and it stands as a symbol of the enduring faith and dedicated scholarship of the Franciscan monks. Its historical significance is underscored by the Ahdnama decree granted by the Ottoman sultan, which provided protection to Bosnian Franciscans for centuries.
Konjic Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan monastery in Konjic is a designated national monument and encompasses diverse elements, including the monastery’s church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the monastery structure itself, three additional buildings serving educational and communal purposes, and a collection of valuable movable heritage items.
Franciscan Monastery of St. Catherine & Museum in Kreševo
Located in the small municipality of Kreševo, the Franciscan Monastery and its museum stand as a living testament to the rich and varied heritage of the Franciscans in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the museum’s walls, a treasure trove of valuable artifacts paints a vivid portrait of life in this region throughout centuries gone by. From a diverse array of minerals and crystals to an archaeological compilation spanning from prehistoric to ancient times, a numismatic assortment, and the memorial chamber dedicated to Fr. Grga Martić, the museum unfolds the diverse history of Kreševo and its surroundings.
Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Guča Gora
The monastery was constructed following the traditional monastery architecture. Three residential wings, along with the church, enclosed the monastery cloister. Upon its completion, this building was the largest in Bosnia and was distinguished by its beauty
Franciscan Monastery of St. Luka in Jajce
The Franciscan Monastery of St. Luka in Jajce was built in 1885. Franciscan friars have been active in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the 13th century and played a crucial role in educating the local population. The Franciscan Monastery houses archaeological monuments from antiquity, early Christianity, and the medieval period. It also holds the remains of the last Bosnian king, Stjepan Tomašević. The monastery has its ethnographic collection, library, and souvenir shop.
Franciscan Monastery of St. Anthony in Sarajevo
The Small Gallery of St. Anthony, located in the monastery’s basement, has been operating successfully for several years. It has consistently hosted a variety of cultural events, such as music nights, book launches, art and craft exhibitions, expert talks, roundtable discussions, annual gatherings, and more over the past decade. Many individuals and institutions from our community have enjoyed its services at no cost. This gallery has become a prominent and well-known cultural center in Sarajevo.
The Franciscan Monastery of St. Ante Padovan on Humac
Situated in Ljubuški, this iconic monastery houses the country’s oldest museum.For all culture and history buffs as well as those traveling through the Herzegovina, a visit to the Franciscan Monastery of St. Ante Padovan on Humac is recommended. The museum provides a comprehensive delve into the cultural heritage of the area and the involvement of Herzegovinian Franciscans in its safeguarding. Delve into the engaging displays to acquire a deeper understanding of the history and distinctive identity of this intriguing region.
Old Church Vareš
Old Church in Vareš is the oldest well-preserved Catholic church in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Locally referred to as the “Small Church,” it is consecrated to St. Michael, who serves as the patron saint of the Vareš parish. Historical documentation attests to the church’s presence dating back to the 16th century.
Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart in Sarajevo
Built in 1889 in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart is the central place of worship for the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna. As the largest Catholic cathedral in the country, it was constructed in the Neo-Gothic style, drawing inspiration from the designs of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Dijon, France, and Prague’s St. Teyn Cathedral.
Cathedral of Mary, Mother of the Church in Mostar
The Mostar Catholic Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Mary, Mother of the Church, is one of four Roman Catholic cathedrals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s the seat of the Mostar-Duvno Bishopric. Construction began in 1974, and despite some delays, design changes, and architectural issues in the presbytery area, it was completed in 1980. The interior is decorated with stained glass and mosaics.
Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure in Banja Luka
The Banja Luka cathedral, often called “the Bishop’s church” due to its non-parish status, is dedicated to St. Bonaventure and was constructed between 1885 and 1887 in the Gothic style. Situated in an uninhabited area known as “Polje” or “Field” at the time, it featured wooden Gothic altars crafted in Tyrol. Government regulations during the Austro-Hungarian era limited its dimensions to 18 meters in length and 9 meters in width. Despite these constraints, it served worshippers until a destructive earthquake on October 26, 1969, necessitated its demolition. In its place, a new cathedral was built in 1972-73.
Cathedral of Holy Mother of God in Trebinje
After serving as an ordinary county church for almost a century, it officially became a Cathedral church in 1984, commemorating both the Trebinje diocese’s millennium and the church’s centenary. In 2006, The Cathedral of The Holy Mother of God earned national monument status in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
