Stari Grad Blagaj

This medieval fortress with its crenellated ramparts (Stari Grad Blagaj) is also known as Stjepan-grad. It offers splendid views of Blagaj, the meandering Buna river and the Neretva valley. Partially restored, it stands on Hum hill, 310 m above sea level and 260 m above the tekké. Access is by road, 1.5 km from the main square, then on foot along a steep path (300 m) or an easier one (900 m). The hill was inhabited in Neolithic times and fortified by the Byzantines in the^5th century. Strengthened from the ^10th century onwards by the Serbian princes of the province of Hum, it was then occupied and enlarged by the rulers of Bosnia, notably by Grand Duke Stefan Vukčić (1404-1466). This Bosnian-Serb nobleman ruled over a large independent territory from 1435 to 1448 and took the title of Herceg, the origin of the term "Herzegovina". Occupied by the Ottomans from 1465, the fortress was garrisoned until 1835. Today, the site covers 2 hectares. The fortifications follow the relief without a regular geometric shape. To the east, the main entrance is defended by a first bastion overlooking the access road, followed by a second bastion and a fortified gate. The main wall of the eastern section was damaged by a gunpowder explosion in the late ^18th century. Excavations since 1965 have uncovered traces of a ^15th-century ducal palace, Byzantine buildings, Roman tiles and pottery attributed to the Illyrians.