This ancient town in Herzegovina has stone bridges from Ottoman times, medieval tombstones, and ruins of fortresses dating to 1 AD on its hilltop.
Stolac, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sits along the green Bregava River. Walk through the town to see 16,000-year-old cave drawings at Badanj, examine carved medieval tombstones at Radimlja, and climb to the massive Vidoška fortress. The town center has several waterfalls, while the surrounding hills contain Ottoman-era buildings and vineyards producing Žilavka and Blatina wines.
Getting to Stolac
A new 36-kilometer road completed in 2022 connects Stolac with Neum - you can reach the Adriatic Sea in 30 minutes. From Sarajevo, drive through Mostar for about 3 hours. You can easily reach Mostar, Blagaj, and Počitelj within 40 minutes by car.
Ancient Sites Around Town
Walk 7 kilometers from town to see stone carvings of horses in Badanj Cave, dating back 16,000 years - some of the oldest Paleolithic drawings in the Balkans. Five kilometers south, explore the ruins of Daorson, where 2,500-year-old Illyrian megalithic walls show construction techniques similar to ancient Inca sites.
Medieval Tombstones at Radimlja
Walk among 133 medieval tombstones (stećci) at Radimlja necropolis, 3 kilometers from town center. The stones display detailed carvings of human figures, hunting scenes, and geometric patterns. UNESCO recognized this site as a World Heritage location. Entry costs 4 KM (2 euros).
Exploring Vidoška Fortress
Climb the hill above Stolac for 15 minutes to reach the fortress. Builders started construction in the 5th century, expanding it to include 13 towers by the 1600s. The Austro-Hungarian military added fortifications in 1888. It's now the largest citadel in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit during the Stolačka Tarča medieval fair in May to see historical reenactments.
Along the Bregava River
The Bregava River runs through town with several waterfalls and historic bridges. Start at the Provalije waterfall in the town center, then cross the Ottoman-era Inat Ćuprija and Sara bridges. Look for the old water mills along the riverbanks - some still grind grain using traditional methods.
Local Wine and Food
The sunny climate and mineral-rich soil help local vineyards produce white Žilavka and red Blatina wines. Try grilled trout caught from the Bregava River and homemade fig cakes in local restaurants. In the čaršija (old bazaar), morning visitors can drink Bosnian coffee at outdoor tables.
