Trebinje is one of those cities that is making you smile every step of the way. It is taking your breath with every single look. Old town, old bridges, wonderful reflections by the river… This places has some old spirit. One day is enough for a visit to Trebinje and it will be love on first sight. And so guide through Trebinje begins.
ABOUT TREBINJE
Trebinje is a city placed on the river Trebišnjica beneath mountain Leotar in the south part of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has around 30 000 inhabitants. The most probable version is that the name comes from romanian and byzantine names Tribunia/Travunia. That was a part of both empires which was under the administration of the Serbs. The word Tribun means commander. The oldest settlers were Illyrians, after who came Greeks, and then Romans. Slavs arrived in the 6th century.
IMPORTANT INFO
Language: Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian
Currency je convertible mark, but everyone is accepting euros/croatian kuna and serbian dinar. All over the town, on markets, supermarkets, coffee shops… Only large chains of markets or stores are not accepting the other currencies.
Time zone: UTC +1 (CET)
Prices: around 5e are 2 coffees and a coca cola. Trebinje is along with Banja Luka the most expensive city in Bosnia.
HOW TO GET TO TREBINJE?
You can easily travel to Trebinje from Nikšić and Herceg Novi (Montenegro), Bileća (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Dubrovnik (Croatia). Roads are well connected, and the trip should not be longer than 1 or 2 hours from each. The only thing that can be a problem is traffic and waiting on the border. You can also ask in these cities whether there is an organized trip to Trebinje, or vice versa. You can also go by local busses, but the best waz to travel is by car.
- From Belgrade, Dubrovnik, Trebinje, Herceg Novi, Sarajevo, Mostar, there are organized tours to each other.
- For more info go to the site of Tourism organization of Trebinje
TREBINJE SIGHTSEEING
On arrival to Trebinje, ve firstly visited Hercegovačka Gračanica, orthodox church which you will find on the hill Crkvina. The hill is only 2.6km away from the old town so you can even walk. The idea to build this church came from Jovan Dučić, famous Serbia poet. He wanted that church looks the same as the one on Kosovo. He also wanted to be buried in there. So during 2000 his bones body was moved from USA to this church. He chose the best view over Trebinje so the viewpoint is called Ducics view. Besides that there is a lovely cafe over there where you can really rest while enjoying the view.
Also, do not miss Monastery Tvrdoš which is famous by the fact that St. Vasilije Ostroski here became a monk. Because of this he is also called Vasilije Ostroski and Tvrdoski (meaning from Ostorg and Tvrdos). Two more famous monasteries are Duži and Zavala.
TREBINJE GUIDE: BRIDGES ON TREBISNJICA
When you get to the city centre walk by the river. You will see some amazing reflection and two beautiful bridges. One is Stone Bridge. He is right in the city centre and dates from 1953. Around this bridge you can shoot some incredible scapes.
Second bridge is Arslanagića/Perovića bridge also known as Hajder-beg bridge. He was built in 1574 as a foundation of Mehmed Paša Sokolović. It got its name by Ime je dobio prema Aga who later conquer the bridge. The bridge was originally built to serve the purpose of being a trade connection between Herceg Novi and Dubrovnik, as well as Bosnia and Adria. Because of the building of hydroelectric plant, bridge needed to be submerged 1965. So it was again rebuilt in 172.
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TREBINJE GUIDE: WHAT NOT TO MISS
Right by the Stone bridge there is Old city Kastel, which was built beneath the deepest spot in river Trebišnjica. That place is called Ban-vir, and the spot was named by the old legend that there one man drowned
Museum Herzegovina built in 1952 as an idea of former mentioned famous Jovan Dučić. Museum opens at 8am and closes at 8pm on the working days. On Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 2pm to 8 pm. For more info go here.
Furthermore, in the old town you will see Liberty Square on which it is placed a monument to the Liberators. Furthermore, statue of Jovan Dučić, City park and monument to Petar II Petrović Njegoš. Moreover, monument to Patriarch Serbian Pavle, monument to defenders of Trebinje. Not to forget,, monument to monument to lost fighters an victims of fascism, as well as Cathedral temple of Transformation of the Lord.
Also, by the river there are a lot of vacation spots, and most famous are Studenac i Lastva.
FUN FACTS
Moreover, people refer to Trebinje as a city of Sun, Platan Trees and Wines
- Sun
To me very interesting moment is that sun is shining here in average for 260 days. That makes it one of the sunnies on the Balkan peninsula. Also a fun fact that is was cloudy and raining while I was there, but it was a really bad weather across the Balkans.
- Platan Trees
In the centre of the city on 660m of the bus station you can visit Summer Garden Platan Trees. So there you will see a 120 years old platan trees. It is works from 8am till midnight every day during summer.
- Wines
While we are talking about wines, there is around 20 wine cellars in this town. One that is famous is from monastery Tvrdos.
A DAY IN TREBINJE: IMPRESSIONS
In conclusion, it is a little town but full of impressions. Every corner is part of the history. The city is really worth visiting and enjoying. One day or a couple of hours are enough for a visit. Also, you can stay in Trebinje while visiting other cities nearby. Check what are agencies in your city offering, do you have an organized trip to Trebinje or cities close to it. If in your city there are no organized tours, check other cities in Balkan. It is the easiest way to get to Trebinje from Serbia, Montenegro or Croatia.
If you need help with travel planning go to tips&tricks.
Also check my last post about how to visit several cities in just a few days.
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