Riverside town in Herzegovina with a charming old center, numerous churches, and local cuisine. Known for its summer festival and international guitar event.
Trebinje, the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sits in a valley surrounded by hills and the clear waters of the Trebišnjica River. This small city of around 30,000 people enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with over 260 sunny days per year. In Trebinje, you can explore the Ottoman-era Old Town, cross the 16th-century Arslanagić Bridge, visit the hilltop Hercegovačka Gračanica monastery, and sample wines from local vineyards.
Wandering Through Trebinje's Old Town
The Old Town of Trebinje dates back to the 18th century Ottoman period. As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll see well-preserved stone houses, many with climbing vines on their facades. The Old Town square is a central gathering place, lined with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a coffee or meal under the shade of plane trees. In the Old Town, you'll find the Museum of Herzegovina, which displays artifacts and exhibits about the region's history and culture.
Crossing the Arslanagić Bridge
The Arslanagić Bridge spans the Trebišnjica River and is an important landmark in Trebinje. Built in 1574, this stone bridge originally stood in a different location but was moved to its current spot to protect it from being submerged by a dam project. The bridge has five arches, and many visitors gather here to take photos, especially at sunset when the light reflects off the river.
Exploring Hercegovačka Gračanica
For a view of Trebinje and the surrounding landscape, climb to Hercegovačka Gračanica monastery. This Serbian Orthodox church, completed in 2000, sits on Crkvina Hill overlooking the city. The church is a replica of the Gračanica monastery in Kosovo and contains the remains of the poet Jovan Dučić, who was born in Trebinje. From the hilltop, you can see the river valley and the red-roofed houses of Trebinje below.
Tasting Local Wine and Cuisine
Trebinje is located in a region known for wine production, and you can sample local wines at several nearby wineries. Visit Vukoje Cellars, just outside the city, to taste their wines paired with local dishes. In town, try traditional Herzegovinian foods like cevapi (grilled meat rolls) or burek (savory pastry) at local restaurants. The Green Market in Freedom Square sells fresh produce and local products.
Venturing on Day Trips from Trebinje
From Trebinje, you can explore the surrounding area. Visit the Tvrdoš Monastery, about 4 km from the city, to see its wine production facilities and 4th-century Roman mosaics. You might enjoy Vjetrenica Cave, one of the largest cave systems in the Balkans, located about 50 km west of Trebinje. If you're interested in coastal cities, Dubrovnik in Croatia is just 30 km away, making for an easy day trip.
Reaching Trebinje and Finding Accommodation
You can reach Trebinje by bus from major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. The closest airport is in Dubrovnik, about 30 km away. In Trebinje, you can choose from small guesthouses in the Old Town or modern hotels near the city center. Hotel Platani, located on the main square, has rooms and a restaurant and bar that both locals and tourists visit.
