Mi Bella Mondo

    Bosnia

    Hidden Wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Blog, Bosnia, Medjugorje, Mostar /

    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. Stari Most’s revealed how powerful Bosnia and Herzegovina is. It links the past and the present, hope and history! Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance   A Gathering Like No Other The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the most significant cultural festivals in the… The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity   First Day of the Maha Kumbh Mela The official first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela began long before… The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam   The Nearest Sangam Following our strenuous walk of over 25 kilometers the previous day, every muscle in our legs… The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade   An Unforgettable Experience at the Maha Kumbh Mela   Reaching the Sangam The Sangam is the revered junction of… Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time   My Journey Back in Time I took the night bus from Udaipur to Jaipur, leaving behind the city’s shimmering… Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos   Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos When we

    Hidden Wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina Read More »

    The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Balkan, Bosnia, Destination, Europe /

    EXPLORE Bosnia & Herzegovina                                  Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 19,641 square miles Capital: Sarajevo Main Religion: Diverse, with the main religions being Sunni Islam, Serbian Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholic Population: 3.2 million people (2023) Official Languages: Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian Currency: The Kenyan shilling is the currency in Kenya. The conversion rate was from 1 USD to 127.62 Kenyan shillings. All major credit cards are accepted. Banking Hours: 08:00-18:00 and Sat 08:00-13:00 Telecommunication: Country code: +387   Climate: The Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, in the slight coastal stretch; the transitional Mediterranean climate in the western plain (Mostar); and the continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, in the hilly areas (Sarajevo) and the northern plain (see Bihac and Tuzla). And the chilly mountain climate of the Dinaric Alps. Travel Requirements Bosnia and Herzegovina has the following entry requirements: Passport: Ensure your passport is valid, in good condition, and will remain valid for at least 90 days after your departure. Visa: A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for citizens of the EU, the United States, and Canada. Citizens of other nationalities should check with their embassies before traveling.  Proof of funds: Documents that demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your trip. Proof of travel can be either a round-trip ticket or a travel itinerary. Documents required for your next destination are proof of onward travel. Documents such as a business cover letter, conference registrations, or other support letters serve as proof of travel purposes. Proof of residence: If you don’t live in your home country, you should bring proof of residence.  Transportation Options   Main Airport: Due to the war’s damage to much of its transport infrastructure, particularly the rail network, Bosnia-Herzegovina is not the easiest country to navigate. Things are improving, however, and decent bus services will almost always be able to get you where you want to go; it’ll just take a little longer than you might expect. Trains: The Swedish government donated the Bosnian trains, which are quite old. The wars severely damaged the rail system, resulting in repairs that were not optimal. In addition, there is widespread smoking on the trains, and they are frequently overcrowded. The route from Mostar to Sarajevo stands out as an exception. There are a few railway lines across the country, but due to severe underfunding, most trains are too slow or irregular to be worth considering. However, one exception is the twice-daily route that connects Sarajevo and Mostar, which is incredibly scenic. Exercise increased caution on public transportation due to pickpockets and those posing as ticket controllers. Buses: Local tram and bus services are reliable. Inter-city bus services are also widely available. There are buses from Croatia to Mostar. The buses were clean and on time. There are several border crossings as the road weaves out of Croatia to Bosnia, then back into Croatia, then back into Bosnia. The border crossings were stricter, as this is not the Schengen zone, and you may have to exit the bus. The local Mostar Bus operates the route from Mostar to Medjugorje, departing across the street from the main Mostar Bus Station, just like it does for Blagaj. 40-minute trip one-way. The schedule posted was accurate. Larger bus companies operate this route from the main bus station. Note: To further complicate matters, there is also a Mostar West/Croat Bus Station. Taxis: Taxi service is available in most towns and for intercity travel. Use only registered taxis whose license plates begin with “TA.” Make sure the driver turns on the meter to prevent overcharging. Travel Safety Tips Exercise a high degree of caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to crime and the risk of unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural and isolated mountainous areas. While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners where large crowds may gather. Health Safety The World Health Organization (WHO) has found the Sarajevo public water supply to meet its standards. Experts do not consider the water to be a health risk. Sarajevo’s tap water does not contain lead, but it lacks natural fluoride, necessitating a supplement for children to maintain dental health. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are available in the markets. Although most people consider them safe, it’s advisable to thoroughly wash all unpeeled vegetables and fruit to prevent foodborne disease. Fun Facts! The name Bosnia comes from the Indo-Germanic word Bosana, which means water. Sarajevo hosted the Olympic Games in 1984. Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 10th in the world in terms of coffee consumption. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that has more waterfalls than Italy, France, and Germany combined. Perućica is one of the last remaining rainforests in Europe. In the small town of Konjic, located by the Neretva River, there is a nuclear bunker known as the Atomic War Command, built during the revolution in Yugoslavia and under Josip Broz Tito. In the area of Zavidovići, around 50 stone balls have been found, distributed in eleven places. Related Blogs Our Family Road Trip Through the Beautiful Balkans Read More Hidden Wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina Read More ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES Mostar Famous for the Stari Grad or Old Bridge. The Old Bridge is an Unesco World Heritage site that was rebuilt after the war. The replica was finished in 2004 and readded to the UNESCO list in 2005. Medjugorje Since 1981, in a small village called Medjugorje, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing and giving messages to the world. Our Lady of Medjugorje, also called Queen of Peace and Mother of the Redeemer, is the title given to alleged visions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, said to have begun

    The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina Read More »

    Scroll to Top