PREODAC – A VILLAGE WITH OVER 360 SPRINGS THAT EVEN AMAZED NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

At the meeting point of the municipalities of Bosansko Grahovo, Glamoč, and Drvar, nestled at the foot of Mount Šator, lies the village of Preodac — once a thriving municipal center, now home to only around ten residents. Despite its decline in population, the village remains rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage.

PHOTO: Putovanje za pet

In the 1980s, National Geographic named Preodac one of the most beautiful villages in Europe.

One of the main reasons for this recognition is the astonishing number of natural springs in the area — over 360 — placing it among the villages with the most water sources in all of Europe.

By the end of the 20th century, Preodac had a church, post office, police station, and a population of around 4,000.

Today, nature has taken over once more. The landscape is dotted with pastures, hills, scattered houses, flocks of sheep, and beehives, creating a peaceful setting far removed from the modern world.

Above the village rise the remains of Momčilo’s Tower, located on a hilltop with a panoramic view stretching far into the distance.

Although never explored archaeologically, local legends connect the tower to the time of King Tvrtko and one of his noblemen. It is believed that the structure served a strategic purpose, defending the region from the advancing Ottoman Empire.

The entrance to the fortress is currently blocked, but its stone walls still stand as silent witnesses to its past.

Shrouded in mystery, the tower is linked to tales of the Black Queen, the sound of galloping horses at night, and even buried treasure hidden within.

A marked trail leads to the tower — a 2.7-kilometer hike (one way) that begins near the village church. The path is gentle, with only 120 meters of elevation gain.

Another forgotten place, where stories and landscapes leave a lasting impression.