Nevesinje Hides Archaeological Treasures: From the Stećci of Kalufi to the Ancient Hillfort

Nevesinje and its surrounding area conceal exceptionally valuable traces of the past. Among them, a special place is held by the Kalufi necropolis of stećci in the village of Krekovi and the remains of a prehistoric hillfort on Svinjac Hill, in the village of Bratač.

These sites were the reason for a gathering of representatives of several associations and organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of promoting, researching and protecting the country's cultural and historical heritage, reports See Srpska.

Members of the “GangoROhodci” hiking group visited the Nevesinje area on 28 October 2026, responding to an invitation from Semir Osmanagić to join an initiative aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of these valuable archaeological sites.

The first stop was the Kalufi necropolis in Krekovi, near Nevesinje, considered the largest known necropolis of stećci (medieval tombstones) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This unique site bears witness to the rich medieval history of Herzegovina, while also highlighting the need for further research, documentation and preservation of monuments that represent an invaluable part of the region's cultural heritage.

From Medieval Stećci to a Prehistoric Hillfort

After visiting the Kalufi necropolis, the participants headed towards Svinjac Hill, in the village of Bratač, where the remains of a prehistoric hillfort are located.

The site was brought to their attention by Radoš Buha of the Nevesinje Tourist Organisation, who also welcomed the group and served as their guide on this occasion.

The climb to the top of the hill gave visitors an opportunity not only to learn about the area's archaeological heritage but also to enjoy the natural beauty of the Nevesinje region.

At the hillfort itself, representatives of the participating associations and foundations spoke about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the need to bring valuable, yet often insufficiently researched, sites closer to the wider public.

Working Together to Preserve Cultural Heritage

In addition to the “GangoROhodci” hiking group, the visit was attended by representatives of the “Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun” Foundation, the SARA Association from Mostar, the “Guardians of Heritage – Bassania” Foundation, and the “Zelena brda” Speleological Society from Trebinje, with the cooperation of the Nevesinje Tourist Organisation and the Nevesinje Civil Protection Service.

Members of the “GangoROhodci” group emphasised that initiatives of this kind are important in several ways. In addition to promoting cultural and historical sites, they provide an opportunity to connect people from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina who share an interest in history, nature and archaeology.

They expressed special gratitude to Semir Osmanagić for initiating and organising the gathering, as well as to Radoš Buha for his hospitality and for introducing the participants to Nevesinje's heritage.

This visit once again highlighted the wealth of cultural and historical sites in the Nevesinje area. With appropriate protection, research and promotion, these locations could become an even more recognisable part of Herzegovina's tourism offering.