SCROLLABOUT MEDJUGORJE
Medjugorje is a town located in Herzegovina, 25 kilometers away from Mostar, near the border with Croatia. Medjugorje, along with the villages of Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina, and Šurmanci, forms a Roman Catholic parish where around 5,000 residents live today. Known as the town of the Virgin Mary’s visions, Medjugorje represents one of the most important Marian shrines in the world.
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HISTORY OF MEDJUGORJE
In the area of Medjugorje, remnants of a late antique basilica have been found, and Medjugorje as a town is first mentioned in historical documents in 1599. Medjugorje shared the fate of Bosnian-Herzegovinian towns and ended up under the centuries-long rule of the former Ottoman Empire. In 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and in 1882, a railway line was built between Mostar and the Adriatic coast of Dalmatia, with a station in the hamlet of Šurmanci, through which the village gained access to the railway network. The current parish was established in 1892 and is dedicated to St. James, the patron saint of pilgrims. Like the rest of Herzegovina, this region has been marked by constant migration of citizens throughout history, especially during the first and second Yugoslavia. In 1981, Medjugorje became known as the town of alleged apparitions and messages from the Virgin Mary. The news of the apparition of the Virgin Mary resonated worldwide, and from 1981 to the present day, Medjugorje has been visited by 30 million pilgrims.
What To See And Do In MEĐUGORJE
Religious Tourism
Medjugorje is one of the most famous holy places in the world. It all began in 1981 when a group of children in the village reportedly saw the Virgin Mary on a nearby hill. According to the children’s testimony, the Virgin Mary did not speak during their first encounter, but soon after, she appeared again and introduced herself as the “Queen of Peace,” and all subsequent messages to the people were dedicated to peace in the world, faith, fasting, and prayer. Every year, thousands and thousands of believers come to Medjugorje in hope of a holy apparition, and many messages from the Virgin Mary have been preserved and translated into the most widely spoken languages in the world.
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International Youth Festival
Every year, from July 31 to August 6, one of the largest and most renowned festivals in the city, the Youth Festival, takes place in Medjugorje. Over 50,000 young people and more than 500 priests from all over the world come to Medjugorje to seek spiritual peace together through prayer, testimonies, music, worship, and dance. The festival was founded by the late Father Slavko Barbarić, a priest, visionary, and tireless advocate for world peace.
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN MEDJUGORJE
Medjugorje is a town known for its creative combinations of traditional and modern cuisine, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy original recipes and delicious Lenten bread. The cuisine of Medjugorje keeps up with global gastronomic trends, and dishes are always served in accordance with the season. On the menus of restaurants in Medjugorje, you will find the most deliciously prepared meat, pasta, pizza, as well as wines renowned for their quality!
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WHERE TO STAY IN MEDJUGORJE
There are rumors that in Medjugorje there are as many accommodation options as there are in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so finding a place to stay should not be a concern for you. You can choose from simple pilgrim homes, hotels in Medjugorje, or even stay in the home of a local villager! If you decide on the last option, you will surely experience the way of life in Medjugorje as well as some of the most delicious local specialties of the area.
