Municipality of Kula Norinska: Neretva landscape and cultural heritage

Modro oko, Lake Desne and the Neretva

Modro oko and Lake Desne together form the protected landscape of Modro oko. The area is a partially flooded karst depression on the right bank of the Neretva. It is connected to the Neretva via the Desanka and Crna rivers. Mount Velika Rujnica, which reaches a height of 618 metres, lies in the background. This combination of a karst depression, river connections and a mountain gives the landscape several clearly distinct features.

The area is also notable from a nature conservation perspective: it contains endangered habitats and is important for bird migration and the overwintering of birds. For nature enthusiasts, two aspects of the bird year are therefore relevant, not just a single seasonal focus. If you want to plan your trip particularly around the landscape and birdlife, these themes may play a part in choosing your accommodation and travel dates.

Churches, stećci and historic sites

The parish church of Gospe od Karmela stands in Bagalovići. It was built in 1865 on the site of a chapel erected there around 1790. The Kula Norinska fortress and the church thus tell of different historic structures in the municipality: a site by the river and a church building with an older predecessor.

At Zanoga in Borovci, another perspective on history comes into view. Southeast of the cemetery and the church of Sv. Nikola are 44 undecorated stećci, grouped around a tumulus. In Borovci, Vratar on Mount Gradina is also listed in the cultural heritage register as an old town and a potential hillfort settlement. The word “potential” is important: its classification as a hillfort settlement remains a possibility.

In Desne, the church of Sv. Jure and the stećci are recorded together as a single cultural heritage site. The rural settlement complex of Kula Norinska is listed and protected at local level in the spatial planning documentation. This extends the view beyond individual buildings to the historic settlement structure.

Festivals and regional cuisine

The Feast of St. Jure in Desne is considered a centuries-old tradition and includes a Mass, a procession and a folk festival. At the Toćijada in Momići, the focus is on a competition to prepare toć. According to the organisers’ rules, toć is cooked using three types of meat and can be sampled by all visitors. Before travelling, check whether and when these events are taking place.

The Ribarska večer in Krvavac features folk dancing, folk music and an extensive food and wine offering; it is listed as taking place at the end of July. Here too, it is advisable to check whether it will take place in the year of your trip. Another type of event is the Maraton lađa: this amateur sporting tournament featuring traditional boats on the Neretva is held annually on the second Saturday in August. Check the exact date for your trip separately.

Which holiday apartment suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering which theme you want to shape your stay: the landscape of Modro oko and Lake Desne, the churches and historic sites, or a local festival. These different interests offer reasons to explore the municipality without needing to fit every place into a packed schedule. If an event is to determine your travel dates, plan around its confirmed date.

Explore the municipality’s localities

Explore the pages for Kula Norinska and Borovci as well to get your bearings.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Dubrovnik, Municipality of Župa Dubrovačka, Municipality of Pojezerje, Municipality of Lastovo, Municipality of Opuzen, Municipality of Dubrovačko Primorje.

Return to the regional travel overview: Dubrovnik-Neretva County.