This calm city in western Herzegovina has a 19th-century Franciscan monastery and is known for its local football club NK Široki Brijeg, founded in 1948.
Široki Brijeg sits among limestone hills 20 kilometers from Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina's West Herzegovina Canton. You can explore deep limestone caves, watch premier league football at the 7,000-seat Pecara Stadium, or follow hiking trails along the Lištica river as it winds through the city center. Local vineyards produce wine from grapes grown on the surrounding slopes, while basketball fans pack the Pecara Sports Hall to watch the city's championship-winning team HKK Široki.
Getting to Široki Brijeg
You can reach Široki Brijeg by car or bus from several major cities. The town is 80 kilometers from Sarajevo, 29 kilometers from Međugorje, and 88 kilometers from the Adriatic coast at Ploče. The central location makes it convenient for day trips throughout Herzegovina.
Climate and Seasons
Temperatures in Široki Brijeg range from around 0°C in winter to 30°C in summer. July and August are the hottest months, while December through February can bring frost. Spring and autumn are mild, with temperatures between 15-20°C and occasional rain showers.
Karst Landscape
The limestone hills around Široki Brijeg contain numerous caves and sinkholes. The Lištica River has carved a valley through the city center, creating white limestone cliffs up to 20 meters high. You can explore several marked cave entrances in the surrounding hills, including the Titova Pećina cave system that extends over 150 meters underground.
Sports Venues
The 7,000-seat Pecara Stadium hosts NK Široki Brijeg's home games in Bosnia's Premier League. It's one of only two UEFA category 3 stadiums in the country. At the Pecara Sports Hall, HKK Široki has won eleven national basketball championships, making it Bosnia's most successful basketball team.
Wine and Agriculture
Local vineyards produce Žilavka and Blatina wines, two grape varieties native to Herzegovina. Small family farms grow tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes in the valley, while sheep and goat farms in the surrounding hills produce milk for traditional cheeses. You'll find locally grown produce at the morning market in the city center, where farmers sell seasonal vegetables and fruits.
