Počitelj Fortress, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Today I had paid to do a Hercegovina tour for 40 Euros. The original company I tried to book with did not have enough people booked so I found another company that did a similar tour minus a Monastery.
The place that I most wanted to visit was Pocitelj (po-chi-telly) that I wasnt able to visit on my 2007 trip. There is a bus every two hours heading to a nearby town but it didnt seem too reliable waiting for a roadside bus and waiting another two hours if he doesnt stop
I stopped at a bakery before our 9am meeting. There was a young couple from Australia and another Canadian.
First stop was the Blagaj Tekke. I had come in 2007 and did not pay entrance at that time as the hostel that brought me told them I was Muslim and that I was on "ziyaarat" (pilgrimage)
Today it is much more touristy and they have a ticket office setup. Entrance was 5 Euros.
Their is a myth that a dragon was killed by the cave so the shrine was setup here.
The building is not a Mosque. There are two tombs of perhaps the people that brought Islam to the region. The rest are logdings and facilities for Dervish visitors and pilgrims
We stopped by the River Buna trails but I had jam and sugar on my camera snacking in the car on my bakery items.
Next stop was Pocitelj (po-chi-telly) where I had wanted to come in 2007. This was an Ottoman customs toll outpost for passing traders.
Rather then climbing from street level we drove to the top and were able to descend down. They also have built viewing platforms at one of the viewing spots.
It is a triangle design so you have to go to the two opposite viewing points. Halfway down the centre is the Mosque
As you continue to descend down is the Hammam (Turkish Baths) but are in disrepair and can not be visited
It is best to come by tour as the two hour interval bus is not reliable and you would have to climb up all the steps from street level and climb back down
Next stop was Kravice Waterfalls which I wasn't that interested to visit but all the tours will make a stop here. Entrance was 10 Euros
It was a waterfall curtain and was scenic. People were also going in for a swim though it was still cool weather
We also hiked about 30 mins to another waterfall that is not known by visitors and we had to ourselves
Our guide also told us of local customs. When visiting a home the host will offer tea. Later they will offer a second round of tea. Later a third round of tea will be offered but you are supposed to decline as that is a sign to leave.
When the house elder has had enough they will slam their hands on their knees and stand up to signal it is time for the guests to leave.
For young people if a girl likes a boy she will put salt in his tea to signify her intentions. People believe joining the EU will end a lot of the bureaucratic chaos to get things done.
See also Vlog - Best of BEST OF HERCEGOVINA Bosnia | Trebinje | Mostar | Blagaj | Pocitelj | Kravice | Mostar Travel (23 mins) - https://youtu.be/NBgTM7V-JJ8
2025-05-22