Hidden Wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating country in the Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for its abundant history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural scenery. Its blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences is visible in its architecture, food, and traditions. Though the country bears scars from its turbulent past, it remains a place of immense beauty, warmth, and cultural depth, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Exploring Medjugorje

When we arrived in Medjugorje, we felt serenity and calmness. The little village radiated respect and tranquility. The reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary brought Medjugorje worldwide recognition. This place turned into a major Catholic pilgrimage destination. These apparitions sparked six local children to report seeing the Virgin Mary on Apparition Hill in 1981. Since then, many people who believe Medjugorje has miraculous healing abilities have visited the place. Many pilgrims have claimed strong spiritual awakenings and healing.

Rising against the horizon, St. James Church—the spiritual center of the town—stands forth.

On a sweltering Medjugorje day, we began our difficult climb up Apparition Hill. This was a challenging path because of its somewhat high slope. The dry, rocky ground and scorching heat made it harder to climb.

As we climbed higher, the view started to show the beauty of the vast stretches of the nearby hills and valleys. For us and the other climbers, the intermittent wind provided a brief respite from the heat and offered some comfort. Despite the heat making the ascent sluggish, we persevered. The spiritual value of the trip for the pilgrims transcended their exhaustion on a hot July day.

Believers gathered around a monument to the Virgin Mary. This marked the location of her first apparition for the group of children in 1981.

A large cross on top of the hill offered a panoramic view. Some pilgrims continued to climb the steep hill to pray, taking in the breathtaking surroundings. The boys persevered while I sank to the ground below. Simply put, it was too hot!

Trekking back from Apparition Hill was a quiet affair. The boys returned from their climb, and we had a quick lunch before leaving to travel to Mostar.

Medjugorje offered an intense spiritual experience. The town’s peaceful and devout attitude produced a special and powerful spiritual atmosphere. This pilgrimage has affected the lives of millions of visitors before us.

As we left Medjugorje, the tranquil streets gave way to the rugged landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With sporadic views of the Neretva River glittering in the afternoon light, the route to Mostar went past little towns, vineyards, and verdant fields. The terrain seemed ageless, a mirror of the nation, strong and understatedly beautiful.

As we approached Mostar, the landscape unfolded to reveal a city nestled between hills.

Tips for Visiting Medjugorje

Respect local customs and religious importance by dressing modestly. This is especially important while visiting places of worship, such as churches.
Be polite and silent in the various places that Medjugorje has set aside for calm contemplation and prayer.
If you are visiting in the summer, keep Hydrated. The weather can get hot, so make sure to have water with you!

Exploring Mostar

Mostar, with its blend of historic Ottoman-style architecture and visible scars from the war, is a city that evoked a range of emotions. The buildings, some still bearing the marks of battle, served as poignant reminders of the area’s turbulent history.

This juxtaposition of the past and the more recent recovery makes Mostar a place that resonates deeply with visitors, offering a rich cultural experience.

The Stari Most stood as a symbol of Mostar’s resilience, having been rebuilt after the devastation of the Bosnian War. The city, despite the horrors it endured, has risen above its past, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.

This beautiful stone bridge looks like it has been around for a long time. However, it was only rebuilt a few years ago, which is truly remarkable! The Ottomans built the original bridge in the 16th century. The Bosnian War of 1993 destroyed the bridge, which was a terrible loss for the city and its people.

Traditional methods allowed for the stone-by-stone reconstruction of the Stari Most. People from all over the world made this possible. UNESCO has now recognized the bridge as a World Heritage Site.

The bridge connects the two sides of Mostar and the painful gaps between people in the past. It had become a symbol of strength and unity.

During the summer, divers meet at the bridge to make dangerous jumps into the Neretva River below. This had been a tradition for generations! The bravery of the divers when you see them jump from 20 meters above will inspire you. It felt that each dive honors the history of the bridge and the country.