“On my travels through Herzegovina, I often stop in the incredible Pocitelj, a stone town located right next to the Neretva River, on the road from Mostar to the Adriatic,” says Boris Trograncic, a photographer who continuously amazes us with his shots capturing the natural beauty of the region.
“Pocitelj belongs to the town of Capljina and is a historical settlement of Oriental-Mediterranean character, one of the most beautiful cultural-historical ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This medieval town had a Mediterranean appearance, but after the Ottoman conquest, it was transformed into an Oriental style. The blend of these two architectural styles gives Pocitelj a unique dimension,” says Boris Trograncic.
Since 2003, the cultural-historical core has been designated as a national monument of BiH. Withstanding the test of time are the Hajji Alija Mosque, the Sisman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, the clock tower, the madrasa (school), the hammam, the han (inn), and the Gavrankapetanovic House – one of the first art colonies in Southeast Europe, consisting of two smaller and one larger building.
The historic town of Pocitelj, built beneath the fortress, was once an important stronghold in the defense against the Ottomans – its role was to control the route to the sea through the Neretva Valley. During Austro-Hungarian rule, Pocitelj lost its strategic importance, along with parts of its walls. After turbulent times that left it damaged, Pocitelj was gradually restored.
“What gives this truly fairy-tale-like place a special charm for me is how easily you can get lost in the narrow passageways, where you can buy homemade juices, jams, and fruit from the locals, or beautiful handmade souvenirs,” adds Trograncic, who can be followed on Facebook and YouTube.
For those looking for an idyllic and peaceful place, still free of countless hotels, apartments, restaurants, and cafes, Pocitelj could be the perfect spot to recharge and enjoy breathtaking nature.
