Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
Date of Inscription: 2016
Selection criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards is a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of a series of more than 70 medieval tombstone graveyards located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. These graveyards date back to the 12th century and are known for their unique and intricate designs, as well as their cultural significance.
Prominent Features:
Fun Fact: The Stećci tombstones are renowned for their unusual and unique designs, which are unlike anything found in other parts of Europe. Some of the tombstones are decorated with intricate carvings that depict scenes from daily life, while others feature religious and mythological motifs. Many of the tombstones also include inscriptions in the Glagolitic script, which was used by the Slavic peoples of the region in the Middle Ages.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards.
How to Reach It:
Where to Stay: There are accommodation options in Pljevlja, Berane, Cetinje, and Plav. These towns have a range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments to suit different budgets. It's best to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June to September).
Selection criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards is a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of a series of more than 70 medieval tombstone graveyards located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. These graveyards date back to the 12th century and are known for their unique and intricate designs, as well as their cultural significance.
Prominent Features:
- The graveyards are made up of more than 60,000 tombstones, each of which is carved with unique designs and inscriptions.
- The tombstones are characterized by their distinctive shapes, which include rectangular, circular, and octagonal.
- Many of the tombstones feature intricate carvings that depict scenes from daily life, as well as religious and mythological motifs.
- The graveyards are also significant for their cultural and historical importance, as they provide important insights into the customs and beliefs of the medieval Slavic peoples who lived in the region.
Fun Fact: The Stećci tombstones are renowned for their unusual and unique designs, which are unlike anything found in other parts of Europe. Some of the tombstones are decorated with intricate carvings that depict scenes from daily life, while others feature religious and mythological motifs. Many of the tombstones also include inscriptions in the Glagolitic script, which was used by the Slavic peoples of the region in the Middle Ages.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards.
How to Reach It:
- Boljevići Stećci Graveyard: This site is located near the town of Pljevlja, in northern Montenegro. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi. It's about a 30-minute drive from Pljevlja, and the road is well-signposted. There is no public transport available to this site.
- Đurđevi Stupovi Stećci Graveyard: This site is located near the town of Berane, in northern Montenegro. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi. It's about a 20-minute drive from Berane, and the road is well-signposted. There is no public transport available to this site.
- Stećci Graveyard at Boljesovice: This site is located near the town of Cetinje, in central Montenegro. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi. It's about a 30-minute drive from Cetinje, and the road is well-signposted. There is no public transport available to this site.
- Stećci Graveyard at Miroč: This site is located near the town of Plav, in northern Montenegro. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi. It's about a 45-minute drive from Plav, and the road is well-signposted. There is no public transport available to this site.
Where to Stay: There are accommodation options in Pljevlja, Berane, Cetinje, and Plav. These towns have a range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments to suit different budgets. It's best to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June to September).