BRATAČ – AN OPEN-AIR CLASSROOM OF HISTORY

The village of Bratač, located near Nevesinje in eastern Herzegovina, has been recognized as one of the 14 most beautiful villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the Sustainable Tourism Development Project supported by USAID. Rich in historical monuments, Bratač is often described as a true open-air classroom for lovers of history, archaeology, and heritage.

Spread across 17 archaeological sites, the village is home to around 230 medieval stećci (tombstones) decorated with diverse motifs that tell stories of life, faith, and art from centuries past.

For students of history, archaeology, and related fields, Bratač serves as a unique learning ground, where ancient civilizations and cultural layers can be explored firsthand.

The Nevesinje plateau reveals an extraordinary wealth of historical heritage—from ancient Roman remains and a medieval bridge to the oldest traditional games known as the Nevesinje Olympics, which have been held since the 19th century.

Just 15 kilometers east of Nevesinje, near Bratač, lies the Ovčiji Brod Bridge, built during the Ottoman period over the Zalomka River. This elegant stone structure has been declared a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolizing the area’s deep connection between nature, history, and tradition.

Bratač stands as a living reminder that history is not only preserved in books and museums—but also under open skies, carved in stone, and passed down through generations.