REMAINS OF BANJ VIR UNEARTHED IN TREBINJE'S OLD TOWN

Archaeologists from the Museum of Herzegovina, along with workers from the Public Institution "Ecology and Security" and firefighters from the volunteer fire brigades "Jasen-Mosko" and "Zupci," have been engaged for several days in excavating archaeological remains in the Old Town of Trebinje. Initial analyses suggest that they have discovered a structure built from cut stone, as well as well-preserved sections of cobblestone pavement.

PHOTO: Trebinjelive.info

Ivana Grujić, director of the Museum of Herzegovina, told TrebinjeLive.info that the discovered remains indicate a building constructed with high-quality craftsmanship, using cut stone. However, it is still too early to determine its original purpose. She noted that this structure appears in some very old photographs of this part of Trebinje.

According to Grujić, the team was surprised to find a well-preserved cobblestone pavement beneath the current layer of sediment.

This finding confirms that parts of Banj Vir, the former name of today's Old Town, were once paved, offering insight into the way of life in historic Trebinje.

"The cobblestone pavement we found extends several meters. Although it represents a small section of the archaeological site in the Old Town, our plan is to determine its full extent. However, we must acknowledge that in the second half of the 20th century, much of this cobblestone was either damaged or completely removed during the construction of municipal infrastructure," Grujić explained, as reported by TrebinjeLive.info.

She also emphasized that the project has the full support of the city and Mayor Mirko Ćurić, ensuring that the excavation is conducted properly to present the findings to the public.

"I hope that, by the end of the excavation, we will be able to at least partially conserve the architectural remains. This would be of immense significance for all of Trebinje. We could even install glass surfaces over some sections of the archaeological site, showcasing the remains of old Trebinje. Such displays of archaeological discoveries are common worldwide, so why not in our Trebinje?" Grujić added.

Many residents of Trebinje have been closely following the excavation process. Some recall stories passed down from their ancestors about even older remains lying beneath the current Old Town, testifying to the city's long and storied history.

One such observer is Miodrag Ćurić, who visits the site daily. Based on extensive literature he has studied, he firmly believes that the excavation will confirm what he has long suspected—that the Old Town is older than previously thought.

"These are the remains of Banj Vir, which appear in many historical records from the 18th century. What matters now is determining whether a church and an episcopal residence existed in the Old Town in earlier periods. Some sources suggest that members of the Stanisavljević lineage served God in Banj Vir for a hundred years," Ćurić stated.

Other residents of Trebinje eagerly await the excavation results, as the Old Town is steeped in stories, many rooted in legends passed down through generations.

Adding to the excitement is the news that a historic fountain, once located in what is now Travunija Square in the Old Town, will be restored. The square itself will also receive improved lighting.

Grujić made an important distinction between this fountain and the one donated to the city by renowned poet Jovan Dučić.

"These are two different fountains. Dučić's fountain was originally placed outside the Old Town walls, under a willow tree. Over time, it was moved into the Old Town before being returned to its original location. However, long before that, another fountain existed in Travunija Square, as evidenced by historical photographs held by the Museum of Herzegovina. Dučić’s idea was to replace that existing fountain with a grander one," Grujić clarified.

AESTHETICS MATTER

The aesthetics of Travunija Square and the Old Town as a whole are of great importance. It is crucial that private interests do not overshadow the public good. Consideration must be given to the placement of electrical cabinets and to the restoration of the town’s deteriorating facades.

Additionally, improvements should be made in the hospitality sector and other businesses operating in the Old Town. Without proper regulations, all these investments may ultimately lose their value.