Konavle
10 sites you must visit
Konavle rocks, impressive cliffs and a hidden beach
Between the two coastal towns, Cavtat and Molunat, over a length of about 20 kilometers stretch the Konavle rocks. These, in many places, steep and inaccessible cliffs are a natural attraction in the Croatian Adriatic that is definitely worth a visit. The view from the top of the rocks, to the open sea all the way to Italy and Otranto and to the green landscapes of Konavle, is a unique experience. Despite the inaccessibility, the locals found a way, built attractive accesses to the sea and arranged bathing areas at the foot of huge rocks that are up to 200 meters high. The most impressive beach is Pasjača below the village of Popovići.
Why visit this place?
The power and beauty of nature leaves visitors breathless. Before swimming in the crystal blue sea from this place, a photo should definitely be sent to friends. On top of the rocks from Cavtat to Radovčići stretches a marked hiking and biking trail ideal for recreation.
Ljuta, the source of life and the power of nature
In the protected natural landscape of Ljuta there is a spring and the upper course of the river and a restored complex of old mills. Given that Konavle was the granary of the Republic of Dubrovnik, this system of mills on the river Ljuta was of great economic importance. There used to be 20 mills for flour, oil and a column for finishing cloth from which Konavle costumes were made. Today, however, it is an exceptional natural and historical site restored primarily for the purpose of rural tourism.
Why visit this place?
With a pleasant short walk along the river, visitors can refresh themselves with cold spring water and see the mills where their work is presented. The untouched nature, shade and clear water of the river Ljuta make this unique place one of the top 10 places in Konavle.
Barbara, a medieval necropolis of stećak tombstones listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
At a time when the fertile Konavle valley was flooded, and cattle breeding was a more important economic branch than farming and viticulture, the centers of life in the area of Konavle were in the hills of Konavle. Impressive tombstones and stećak tombstones also date from that medieval period. These large decorated blocks of stone were placed on graves in the period from the 12th to the 15th century, and most of them are in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A necropolis of stećak tombstones near the church of St. Barbara in Dubravka has 104 stećak tombstones, and since 2016 it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Why visit this place?
This unique and untouched historical site, located on the edge of Konavle along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, takes visitors back to the foggy medieval times. The period when these areas were ruled by local lords whose importance and influence can be measured by the size of the tombstone.
Čilipi's long tradition of folklore performances
The best way to get to know and experience the folklore and cultural heritage of Konavle is to visit the center of Čilipi. In the amphitheater area bordered by the church and the Konavle County Museum, folklore performances are held every Sunday, from Easter to the end of October, for more than 40 years after the mass at 11:15 am. A folklore group accompanied by a tamburitza ensemble or a traditional lyricist performs original Konavle dances and songs and revives wedding customs. The whole morning Sunday program starts at 9 am, when you can buy traditional souvenirs, see the museum exhibition and taste local liqueurs while a klapa vocal group sings Dalmatian songs.
Why visit this place?
It is a unique combination of tradition, song and dance that presents the customs of Konavle to visitors. Throughout the program, the beats of folk music and the sight of dancers in folk costumes entice them to dance. At the end of the program, folk dancers invite all visitors to join them, dance and take photos with them.
Sokol-grad, revived after more than 3 centuries of oblivion
Sokol Fortress or Sokol grad in the in Dunave, due to its location in a hilly pass to the hinterland, has historically been an extremely important fortress for the defense of Konavle. Its shape is adapted to the natural rock on which it was built, and the color of the stone blends with the environment. The fortress has existed on this rock since prehistoric times. From Sokol grad, below which is the cemetery church of Our Lady of Sokol, there is an enchanting view of beautiful Konavle. The Republic of Dubrovnik, given its strategic importance, expanded and rebuilt the fortress on several occasions. The fort had a cistern, an ammunition building, a wine and food warehouse, an apartment for the kastelan who ran Sokol grad, watchtowers, a building for soldiers and a space for sheltering women and children from nearby villages in case of war.
Why visit this place?
Climbing to the top of this fortress still evokes a feeling of awe and admiration for the former art of building and the way of defense. With more effort and investment, the Sokol Fortress has been completely restored after more than 350 years and returned to the state from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic, and is open to visitors.
The complex of the monastery of St. Vlaho in Pridvorje
An unavoidable locality in Konavle is the Franciscan monastery of St. Vlaho (St. Blaise) in Pridvorje, which was built in the 15th century, and which represents the spiritual and cultural center of Konavle. It is an interesting story about the construction of the monastery, its role, repeated restoration after natural and war tragedies. It is also worth visiting the archeological collection located on the ground floor of the building. Every visitor will be impressed by the magnificent plane tree at the entrance to the monastery. This tree, originally from Asia Minor, was planted by a local young man in 1802, after returning from a long voyage, according to the monastery chronicle and the trends of Dubrovnik sailors at the time.
Why visit this place?
After visiting the monastery, visiting the archeological collection and learning about the history of Konavle, the centuries-old plane tree is an ideal place to "recharge your batteries", take a break in its shade and enjoy the chirping of birds.
Sniježnica, the highest peak of Konavle, higher than the depths of the Adriatic
At a height of 1234 meters, Sniježnica is the highest mountain in Konavle. At its highest peak, St. Ilija (St. Elijah) also has a chapel of the same name. South of Sniježnica, only 60 nautical miles from the coast of Konavle is the deepest point of the Adriatic Sea. It is 1233 m and if Sniježnica could dive into the Adriatic, it would be a reef only one meter high. Today, Sniježnica is visited by mountaineers and nature lovers who depart from the village of Kuna, from 700 meters above sea level, to the top along the old Austro-Hungarian trail. You can also go to Sniježnica by a longer route, on a footpath from Mihanići towards Kuna Konavoska and further to the top.
Why visit this place?
Conquering the highest peak of Konavle is a challenge that fills you with a strong sense of satisfaction. The goal of this climb is not to get to the top as soon as possible, but to enjoy every step. The panoramic view from the top of Sniježnica towards the hilly Bosnian-Herzegovinian hinterland, i.e over the Konavle valley and the blue open sea all the way to Italy leaves you breathless. Climbing "on the roof" of Konavle is an experience that will not be easily forgotten.
The monumental stone mounds of the 'Konavle Pyramid' are older than 2200 years
In Konavle there are more than 100 large stone mounds that were built in prehistoric Illyrian times before the arrival of the Romans in this area in the 2nd century BC. These large piles of freely thrown stone were the tombs of Illyrian dignitaries. They are of different sizes and are located everywhere in Konavle, and mostly near the villages of Čilipi, Mikulići and Pločice. They were built mainly on the hills and near the settlements of that time. Their diameter is up to 50 m and their height is about 10 m, although due to the height on which they are built, they look even bigger. The biggest is Strina near the airport in Čilipi. Gomila near St. Đurđa in the village of Mikulići is adapted for visitors and you should definitely see it.
Why visit this place?
Different cultures of burial, the cult of the dead and related ritual places arouse people's curiosity and a certain respect. Like all holy places it radiates a special energy.
Rector's Palace, the center of Konavle during the time of the powerful Dubrovnik Republic
The newly renovated Rector's Palace in Pridvorje is one of the few public buildings built during the Dubrovnik Republic, which included Konavle for almost four centuries. From the 15th century, a prince was elected in the Palace, elected by the Republic for a term of one year. In addition to the rooms intended for the life of the prince and the crew of the court, there was also a courtroom, archive and prison. From here, the prince ruled Konavle with a firm hand and controlled the collection of taxes and the implementation of Dubrovnik laws. It was burned in the Montenegrin-Russian devastation of Konavle during the wars with Napoleon in the early 19th century.
Why visit this place?
Visiting the historical center of Konavle means getting acquainted with the story of the coexistence of Konavle and the Republic of Dubrovnik and, at least for a short time, feeling like a prince. The panorama of Konavle from the watchtower of this fort is an additional reason to head to the Rector's Palace.
The altar of the Roman god Mithras hides an interesting legend
Mitrej in Močići is unique in Croatia and dates from the 3rd century during the Roman rule over Konavle. The stone relief depicts the god Mithra killing a bull, which with accompanying motifs symbolizes the birth of new life. Carved into the natural rock of the cave above the well. Mithraism was spread from Persia by Roman soldiers as it was believed that Mithras was a god who gave people courage and virtue, and at the same time was an invincible god of warriors. Legend has it that St. Ilar (St. Hilarion) also lived in this cave for a time, and he showed himself by his miracles. After saving the city of Epidarum, today's Cavtat, from the storm, the locals asked him to save them from a dragon that lived in a nearby cave and devoured cattle, young girls, shepherds and children. Saint Ilar finds him asleep, pulls him out of the cave, divides the sea and pulls him to the opposite shore to Mlini where they make a bonfire and burn him. They say a white trail can still be seen at the bottom of the sea today. As a sign of gratitude in Mlini, they built the church of St. Ilar, and the whole people of Epidaurus and the surrounding area then converted to Christianity.
Why visit this place?
The only untouched monument to the Roman god Mithras in Croatia is located in solitude in the shade of an oak forest. The symbolic depictions of the relief of this hidden sanctuary are reminiscent of the ancient mystical cult and rituals that took place here.