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Home , Buna (Neretva), Hutovo Blato, Konjic, Krupa (Neretva), Neum, Prenj

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Geographical position

Herzegovina-Neretva Canton is the only canton in and Herze- govina with access to the at town of . is the largest city in the Canton and the fifth largest city in the country. It is the biggest city in Herzegovina, southern region of Bosnia and Herzegov- ina and it is situated on Neretva river, the largest and one of the most beautiful rivers of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. Herzegovina terrain varies from hilly karsts to heavily forested areas with fast flow- ing rivers and high mountains and sunny Adriatic coast.

Area: 4,401km2

Population

According to 2013 census, 236,278 people are living in Herzegovina Neretva Canton.

Climate

Because of its mild climate, Herzegovina is the largest and the only pro- ducer of grapes and wine in . Herzegovina-Neretva Canton is characterized by sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean climate strongly influences by Adriatic Sea. The average annual temperature in Mostar is 15°C with January (5°C avg.) being the coldest month of the year and July (25.1°C avg.) the warmest. Most parts of Herzegovina have warm summers and mild winters and average sea temperature in Neum (only Bosnian costal town) ranges from 12.5°C in February to 25°C in August.

Tourism Association of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton: www.hercegovina.ba

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Accommodation

Being the Canton with multiple attractions and beautiful towns, Herze- govina Neretva Canton has a good selection accommodation facilities. Only in Mostar there are over 10 hotels and motels. In last two years two new luxury hotels, Mepas and Mostar, have been opened in city center. There is a luxurious camp site Relax Garten on river with both bunga- “Circus Columbia” lows and trailer parking. In Neum, beside hotel accommodation, there are numerous different pos- sibilities and in Čapljina there is a 4-star Hotel Mogorjelo, that was used as “The Partisan’s Escadrille” a base by the crew of Danis Tanović’s CIRKUS COLUMBIA (2010). In addition ethno villages are offering possibilities of accommodation and different options for private accommodation are always opened, as peo- Films shot here: THE ple from Bosnia and Herzegovina are famous for their hospitality. BATTLE ON RIVER “A Stranger” NERETVA (1969), Veljko Bulajić; THE PARTISAN’S Getting there ESCADRILLE (1979), Hajrudin Šiba Krvavac; By air There are two bus stations in Mo- THE HORSEMAN (2003), star, one next to the train station Mostar International Airport is lo- Branko Ivanda; THE and another in its proximity, also in cated in the village of Ortješ, 7.4km LIVING AND THE DEAD south-southeast of Mostar’s rail- the north part of the city. Frequent (2007), Kristijan Milić; “The Battle on River Neretva” buses run between Mostar and way station. Currently, commer- CIRCUS COLUMBIA most cities in Bosnia and Herze- cial flights operate from March till (2010), Danis Tanović; govina and regular lines are estab- November to/from Italy and char- ON THE PATH (2010), lished between Mostar and Austria, ter flights can be organized. The Jasmila Žbanić; INSIDE , Germany, and airport is capable and equipped (2012), Namik Kabil; A . to handle all aircrafts up to “C” cat- STRANGER (2013), Bobo egory (maximum take-off weight By rail Jelčić; SABINA K. (2014), 200 tons). Cristóbal Krusen. Trains operate between Mostar “Circus Columbia” By road and , and Ploče A part of a motorway between Sa- on daily basis. The scenery on the rajevo and Mostar has been built train ride between Mostar and Sa- and it should be fully completed in rajevo is stunning and using the the following years. For now a high- train for transport might show not way is running through the Canton only more picturesque but also connecting it both to the seaside cheaper. However, the facilities of and central parts of Bosnia and the train stations and the trains are “A Stranger” “The Horseman” Herzegovina. rather dated, and the bus provides a more comfortable journey.

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Biščević’s House Čapljina

The Ottoman House or Bišćević’s cor- This town, situated ner, is one of the most beautiful pre- on the west bank of served residential structures from the Neretva River, was Turkish period. It was built in 1635. founded by Romans Ottoman House rests (some parts on in 5th century BC. The pillars of over 5m long) on the eastern municipality has a rich banks of the Neretva. There is a con- archaeological history. versation room (divanhana) preserved Mogorjelo, a Roman south of Čapljina and Price claimed to be in authentic Ottoman style. Through- villa rustica that dates near Gabela, the city Ilios, the capital city of out the house there are original house- from the early 4th cen- which Mexican sci- the State of Troy. hold objects and the courtyard is a fine tury, is situated 5km entist Robert Salinas example of the Ottoman style.

This town, situated in nent monuments in mountainous, heavily the town is Old stone wooded area, extends built in 17th on both sides of the century and blown up Neretva River and rep- by Wermacht in 1945. resents a kind of bor- It was reconstructed der between Bosnia after being declared and Herzegovina. One national monument of the most promi- in 2003.

Konjic

Tekke on River Buna

Buna is a short river, a left bank tributary of the Neretva River, and is characterized by a very beau- tiful karstic spring, emerging from huge cavern be- neath a high vertical cliff. The source of the Buna River is the finest example of an underground karst river. Tekke (a Sufi monastery) is situated right next to the source and is very important mon- ument from early Ottoman period. It is the place Tekke on River Buna where in special rituals Sufis celebrate God.

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Hutovo blato

Hutovo blato Bird Reserve provides a unique oasis amongst the harsh arid karst of western Herzegovina. Largest reserve of its kind in this part of is marshland, creat- ed by the underground aquifer sys- tem of the River. It is home to over 240 types of migratory birds and dozens that make their perma- nent home in these sub-Mediter- ranean . In the migration season, tens of thousands of birds fill this and its surroundings.

Jablanica Jablaničko Lake

Jablanica is situated in the valley of the Jablaničko Lake is a large artificially Neretva River, between the mountains formed lake on Neretva river, right and Čvrsnica, on several terraces below city of Konjic where Neretva at an altitude of 202m. It has consider- briefly expands into a wide valley. able natural resources such as water, The lake has an irregular elongated

minerals and forests and is character- Film: “The Battle on River Neretva” shape. It is a popular destination for ized by great natural beauty, but is, swimming, boating and especially actually, better known as a site of a fishing vacations. Weekend cottag- great WWII battle - “Battle on Neretva” es have been built along the shores when Partisans, against all odds, man- of the lake. Feature film ON THE aged to ensure the safety of its head- PATH (2010) by Jasmila Žbanić was quarters and a hospital and continue partially shot on Jablaničko lake. with their activities. Museum of “Battle of Neretva” was opened near the de- stroyed bridge, which is the symbol of the battle. In addition to the exhibition space in the museum building, there are lobby and small hall for temporary exhibitions, a large hall with 500 seats Film: “On the Path” and a library with reading room.

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Film: “Inside” Karađoz-beg’s

Karađoz-beg’s Mosque was built in 16th cen- tury by Mehmed beg Karađoz, the brother of Ottoman vizier Rustem Paša. The plans for the mosque were drawn up by famed Turkish ar- chitect, Mimar Sinan. It is characterized by high ARK D-0 elegant minaret, big dome and yard with harem. Famous ARK D-0, Tito’s bunker, one of the many military infrastructures existing in Bosnia and Herzegovina is located near Konjic. Building of this exclusive nuclear shelter that spreads over 3,000km2 underground the mountain Prenj last- ed for 26 years. It was intended to serve as a safe house for Tito and members of General Head- quarters in case of Third World War. In 2011 ARK D-0 became a home of Project Biennial, a project that aims to establish a hybrid museum, which would merge military museum with contempo- rary art museum. Also, ARK D-0 is becoming a popular location for film shootings and INSIDE (2012) by Namik Kabil was completely shot in it.

Neum

Neum is the only coastal town in from Split to is gorgeous Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the and very clean. The closed bay at country’s only access to the Adri- Neum is protected from the strong atic Sea (with 24.5km of coastline) open sea winds by the Pelješac 60km away from Dubrovnik, 70km Peninsula, and wonderfully calm. from Mostar and Međugorje and Neum is also home of the Neum 30km from Ploce and Metkovic, Animated Film Festival that is held which makes it highly accessible every year at the end of June. from every side. The Adriatic Sea

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Old Town of Mostar

Mostar has architecturally note- One of the most important features of Mostar, worthy buildings in a wide range central city of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, is of styles. The Old city center, sur- Stari Most (Old Bridge), 16th century Ottoman rounding the Old Bridge, is built in bridge in the city center that crosses the river Ottoman style and a number of early Neretva and connects two parts of the city. The trading and craft buildings still exist, Old Bridge stood for 427 years, until it was de- notably some low shops in wood stroyed on 9 November 1993 during the last war. or stone, stone storehouses, and a It was reconstructed and opened on July 23rd group of former tanneries round an 2004. open courtyard.

Neretva

Neretva is the largest river of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. It has been harnessed and con- trolled to a large extent by four HE power-plants with large dams (higher than 15m) and their stor- age , but it is still recognized for its natural beauty, diversity of its landscape and visual attractive- ness.

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The Partisan Memorial in Mostar

The Partisan Memorial Cemetery in Mostar, designed by Bogdan Svitava Bogdanović, was built in 1965 in There is only one way to reach honor of the of Neum from inside the country Mostar who were killed during World without entering Croatia — using War II. It is unique monument in the the road known as Svitava, named urban scale of the city of Mostar, and after the village in its vicinity. The is of particular ambient value. road is narrow and can be danger- ous but is very scenic. The Hutovo Fortress (or Hadžibeg’s Town), 19th century fortress that was protect- ing road to Dubrovnik, is located on this road.

Počitelj

th This unique settlement built in the late 14 cen- Lake tury and listed as a UNESCO heritage site repre- sents one of the few urban ensembles in Bosnia This artificial lake located 80km and Herzegovina that were preserved in their in- from Mostar covers the area of tegrity to the present times. Besides its stunning 15.2km2. The water coming into the oriental architecture and Ottoman feel, Pocitelj lake is clear and of pristine quality. hosts the longest operating art colony in south- In the middle of the lake lies Šćit east Europe. Because of its exceptional beauty Island with a Franciscan Monas- Počitelj is a highly valued shooting location. THE tery built in 15th century. As part of HORSEMAN (2003) by Branko Ivanda was par- the monastery the House of Peace tially shot here. is functioning as a place for those looking for peace and quite, coun- seling or just fishing.

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Stolac Vineyards

This quaint, sunny southern town Austro-Hungarian period, and the Because of its mild climate, Her- maple, juniper and pine trees. One full of striking Ottoman architec- time of the first and second Yu- zegovina is the largest and the of the best known vineyards in Her- ture is built in the area that has goslavia. is home to “Furaj only producer of grapes and wine zegovina Neretva Canton is Brkić, been settled for at least 15,000 svoj film”, summer workshops for in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her- but important vineyards like Nuić years, as evidenced by the mark- children and youth organized by zegovina is the land of sun and and Vukoja can be found in other ings in Badanj Cave, which experts DeblokadaLab. The workshops, rocks, and its glades and vales are cantons ( have dated 12,000 - 16,000 BC. designed to further educate young covered with shrubs and trees such and respectfully). population about film art and give as thorn-bush, oak, ash, common Nine historical layers compose Sto- them an opportunity to get in- lac’s architectural ensemble: pre- volved in making a short film, have history, Illyrian-Roman period, the been held for the third consecutive early Middle Ages, advanced and year in summer of 2016. late Middle Ages, Ottoman period,

Radimlja

Near the city of Stolac, in Vidovo able monuments of medieval pe- polje, lies one of the most impor- riod of Bosnia and Herzegovina be- tant Stecak necropolis - . cause of the diversity and presence Stećak is the name for monumen- of all basic forms among the great tal medieval tombstones scattered number of tombstones that can across Bosnia and Herzegovina. be found there. These tombstones They first appeared in the mid 12th are characteristic for relatively high Fortress of Herceg Stjepan century, reached their peak in the artistic quality, plastic decorations Fortress of Herceg Stjepan 14th and 15th century, and disap- and inscriptions mentioning the is a medieval town, built on peared during the Ottoman oc- famous historical figures as well as the high point overlooking cupation in the early 16th century. unusual location and accessibility. Blagaj on the grounds of Radimlja is one of the most valu- late antique settlement. It is surrounded by strong walls and remains of smaller, Međugorje older fortress can be found The name Međugorje literally of Međugorje and Bijakovici when near it. The Fortress of Her- means “between mountains”. It is a Mother Mary appeared and spoke ceg Stjepan is also known town in northern Herzegovina that to them. There has been much con- as Old City of Blagaj. There has been popular pilgrimage for troversy over the legitimacy of the is a legend about buried Catholics from all over the world visions for years and Pope recently treasure (blago) of Herceg for more than 30 years. In 1981 six denounced it, but this small Her- Stjepan somewhere in the teenagers were playing on the bar- zegovinian town has been greatly town and because of it the ren hillside between the villages influenced by this event. town was named Blagaj.

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