This quaint, sunny southern town full of striking Ottoman architecture is a true playground for those intrigued by anthropology, archaeology and history.

The area has been settled for at least 15,000 years as evidenced by the markings in Badanj Cave, which experts have dated 12000-16000 BC. Throughout its long history, Stolac has been an outstandingly cultured town. No other town in Bosnia and Herzegovina has produced such a rich array of intellectuals, artists, poets and leaders. Strolling through Stolac to the sound of the rushing Bregava and the many songbirds, it is easy to imagine the inspiration felt by its many generations of extraordinary personalities. 



It's a great place to stroll around, eat figs, drink the tasty local wine, or dig into one of those delicious pomegranates that grow in every yard. It's also a good base from which to explore the region by bicycle. The town has a sleepy, Mediterranean air to it and is lined with café's along the crystal-clear Bregava River. The Bregava is a favorite spot for youths to swim and dive and one will often find most of the town near the water during the hot and dry summers. 



The centre enjoys lush trees and foliage, with unique pines darting into the skyline near the ancient old town fortress of Vidoska (built in the 14th century). The Bregava has made Stolac and the surrounding region (called Dubrava) one of the most fertile areas in the country. Vegetables and fruit from here seem to taste just that bit better. Zilavka and Blatina wines produced from the harvests of the local vineyards are great so the vineyards should be paid a visit. 

At the northern entrance to the city, 3 km west of Stolac, is the country's oldest necropolis, Radimlja.


There are 133 medieval tombstones marked with the unique carvings of 13-15th-century Slavic worshippers of the Bosnian Church. They fascinated the famous poet Mak Dizdar. Over the stones, smoke drifts once more on the wind. Under the stones, the chosen sleep. But the day they shall wake is at hand. The necropolis is open to visitors free of charge and next to it is a Tourist Information Point. 
West of Stolac one can visit Badanj Cave with findings from the Palaeolithic Age. It is located near the village of Borojevic and the Bregava River. The findings date back between 13 and 12 thousand years BC. Inside the cave is a very interesting horse wall drawing. The cave is easily accessible as the path is well-marked.  

Not far from Stolac is the oldest remaining human settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Daorsi tribe is said to have lived in these parts over 4,000 years ago. Remnants of Hellenistic art and design have suggested that at least some elements of the Hellenistic civilization reached this far north. Near the small village of Osanici is the 'Herzegovina Stonehenge' whose massive cyclopean walls are hidden in the thorny brush above Stolac and the Bregava. It may be difficult to find but it's a worthwhile adventure to admire the ingenuity in creating a structure of this magnitude four millennia ago! The Church of St Peter and Paul from the year 1500 managed to escape the systematic destruction of sacred buildings in and around Stolac, and remains intact and worth a visit. 

In the nearby village of Domanovici, as well as in Stolac, wines Zilavka, Blatina, Vranac and Merlot are all produced from the harvests of the local vineyards. Domanovic vineyard also produces a unique Zilavka sparkling wine. The vineyard also has the largest wine barrel in Bosnia and Herzegovina (16.230 litres). More information about vineyards can be found atwww.vinskacesta.ba.

Museums and galleries

The Mak House is a cultural centre devoted to the life, work and spirit of the great Bosnian-Herzegovinian poet Mak Dizdar. The nucleus of the Mak House is a memorial room containing an exhibition of Mak’s original manuscripts, annotated books, documents, photographs and Mak’s portraits by the authors Mario Mikulić, Mirza Ibrahimpašić and Magdalena Nuneska. The memorial room also holds different editions of Mak’s works, translations of his poetry into numerous languages, essays and reflections on his work… Finally, there is a library dedicated to different aspects od Bosnian-Herzegovinian history, art, culture and identity.

Museum of stećak art
In accordance with Mak’s understanding of the significance of the stećak, a decision was made to create a home for artists who are inspired by the stećak and the Bosnian Middle Ages in general precisely here, in Stolac, the town in whose surroundings are located the most significant stećak sites, in the house that is dedicated to Mak’s poetry.

Besides the permanent exhibition, the house has served and will serve as a venue for art exhibitions, concerts, poetry evenings, book promotions and different formal and informal meetings of writers, artists, scholars and travelers.

The Mak House is located in the Solac neigbourhood Uzinovići, besides the road Stolac-Trebinje, approximately 300 m south of the central Stolac crossroads. Visits are possible only with prior announcement on the mail address [email protected] or phone number 00 387 61 203 818.

The ticket price is 5 KM, or 3 KM for students. We offer special arrangements for larger groups and school trips.

Web:  www.makdizdar.ba

Getting there 

By bus
Sarajevo-Stolac: every day from main bus station at 17:00. A one way ticket costs 23,50 KM.

Tourist information can be obtained in:
Tourist Information Centre in Mostar: 
address: Rade Bitange 5
phone: + 387 36 580 275 
or 
the main Tourism Office in Mostar:
address: Ante Starcevica bb
phone: +387 36 355 090 
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.hercegovina.ba

(bhtourism.ba)