The massive stones
Carved chests and slabs.
Joanne Goldby from Birmingham, UK — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Joanne Goldby from Birmingham, UK — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Ziegler175 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Senad.sabovic — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Senad.sabovic — CC BY-SA 4.0
Radimlja Necropolis is one of the most important medieval sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 133 carved stećak tombstones, 3 km west of Stolac. It is part of the Stećci Medieval Tombstones listing on the UNESCO World Heritage List and one of its finest examples. The oldest tombstones date to the second half of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th, but most belong to the period from the 1480s into the 16th century. That was the time of the noble Miloradović-Stjepanović family, who lived in a settlement on a nearby hill. Building the road in 1882 damaged some 15 to 20 stones. You walk among massive white stones in a range of forms, including chests, slabs and cross shapes. Many carry spirals and bands, as well as scenes of people, horses and hunting. A well known figure shows a man with a raised hand. The place has a calm air, despite the road nearby. It is 30 km in a straight line from Mostar, on the Čapljina-Stolac road, so it suits a day trip with Hutovo Blato or Stolac town. The site is exposed, so bring a hat and water in summer, and half an hour to an hour is enough. Do not climb on the stones, which are old and fragile. Side light in the morning or late afternoon brings out the carving.
Carved chests and slabs.
Ornament on the stone.
A well known figure here.
Vidovo Polje, 3 km west of Stolac, on the Čapljina road
A carved medieval tombstone, typical of Bosnia and neighbouring areas.
Half an hour to an hour is enough to see the carvings.