ČENGIĆA BARA – MEDIEVAL STEĆCI IN THE HIGHLANDS OF KALINOVIK

At an altitude of 1,370 metres, on a gentle elevation in the middle of a karst field, lies the Čengića Bara necropolis, a remarkable testimony to the medieval heritage of the Kalinovik area.

PHOTO: TO Kalinovik

The necropolis is located about 11 kilometres southwest of Kalinovik. Its stećci – distinctive medieval stone tombstones found across parts of the Balkans – are arranged in rows and predominantly oriented from west to east.

The monuments are made of limestone and are notable for their careful craftsmanship and relatively good state of preservation.

52 STEĆCI AND RICHLY DECORATED MOTIFS

The Čengića Bara necropolis contains 52 stećci, including 11 slabs, 35 chests and six gabled tombstones. A significant number of the chest-shaped monuments are tall and feature bases.

Nineteen stećci are decorated: one slab, 12 chests and all six gabled tombstones.

The most common decorative elements include twisted ribbons and friezes featuring curved trefoils. Other motifs include shields and swords, stylised vegetation, crosses enclosed within circular wreaths, birds and deer.

Particularly interesting are the scenes depicting deer hunting, as well as representations of dancing and medieval tournaments. These carved images offer a glimpse into the symbolism, customs and artistic traditions of the medieval communities that once inhabited this mountainous region.

THE NAME OF STOJAN OPODINOVIĆ PRESERVED IN STONE

One of the stećci at the necropolis is especially significant because it bears an inscription identifying the person buried there as Stojan Opodinović.

The inscription has preserved his name for centuries, adding a personal dimension to this remarkable medieval monument and providing an important connection between the archaeological site and the people who once lived in the area.

About 100 metres southeast of the necropolis is a quarry, or maјdan, which is believed to have been a source of stone for the monuments. Its proximity provides an additional insight into the production and craftsmanship of the stećci.

A CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE IN A MOUNTAINOUS LANDSCAPE

Čengića Bara represents a valuable combination of medieval cultural heritage and the natural landscape of the Kalinovik region.

Situated high above the surrounding karst fields, the necropolis offers visitors an opportunity to discover an authentic and lesser-known part of the region's history, while experiencing the distinctive mountain scenery of this part of the Republic of Srpska.