Municipality of Runovići: Vrljika and Cultural Heritage

The Municipality of Runovići is a destination where waterways, traces of stone-built heritage and a continuing craft tradition offer different ways to explore the area’s history. The Vrljika shapes an important part of the landscape: within the municipality, the river is also called the Matica, and it is protected under the Natura 2000 programme as site code HR2000933. Old mills have been preserved along the Vrljika and other waterways in the municipality’s karst field. The landscape can therefore be seen both as a protected natural area and as a place bearing traces of earlier use.

River Landscapes and Archaeological Traces

The Brvina Bridge over the Vrljika also tells of the relationship between the waterway and cultural heritage. It is registered as an individual cultural asset in the Municipality of Runovići and the settlement of Runović under the designation Z-7066. The archaeological site of Greblje-Grebnik offers a different kind of evidence: it is located in Slivno, in the Municipality of Runovići, and is registered as an individual cultural asset under Z-4627. Together, the bridge and the site offer two specific points of interest for travellers interested in the area’s architectural and archaeological traces.

Churches, Feast Days and Cultural Heritage

The parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Runović dates from 1869 and, together with its cemetery, forms part of the municipality’s tangible cultural heritage. The feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on 16 July, commemorating the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The chapel of Our Lady of Health in Runović also has a specific construction date: its bell tower dates from 1894. The cultural heritage also includes the complex of the parish house, this chapel and the surrounding buildings.

In Slivno, the Church of the Holy Trinity preserves a large 18th-century painting by Filippo Naldi depicting the Virgin Mary and saints. A late-medieval cemetery with stećci adds an archaeological and funerary trace to the municipality’s tangible cultural heritage. The different periods and forms—from churches and chapels to the cemetery and bridge—give culturally minded visitors several specific themes to consider when planning a trip.

Craft and Regional Culture

The Nogalo family’s blacksmithing tradition has been part of its family history for more than two and a half centuries. According to family tradition, the family built a stone house in Slivno in 1774. The brothers Ante and Nediljko Nogalo still practise traditional blacksmithing there, making or repairing tools for agriculture, stoneworking and construction. Alongside the historic buildings, a continuing craft tradition is therefore also a focus.

The 24th edition of the Ganga Fest took place in Slivno on 22 August 2026. The traditional event featured Ganga singing, gusle playing and regional traditional culture. This edition has already taken place.

Camino-Imota and Choosing a Travel Focus

The Camino-Imota route described by Visit Imota places Runovići within a longer section of the route. On the third day, the route runs from the Zelena katedrala via Kamenmost, Zmijavci and Runovići to Vinjani and Imotski, ending at the Church of St. Francis. The description dates from the early 2020s. Before setting out on a hike, check the current route and markings.

For your trip planning, you can choose between different focuses: churches, archaeological evidence and crafts shape a cultural itinerary, while the Camino-Imota description offers a reference point for a hiking trip. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of these focuses you would like your days to revolve around.

Places to Discover Further

Also discover Slivno and Runović.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Prgomet, Municipality of Lećevica, Municipality of Postira, Municipality of Šestanovac, Trogir, Municipality of Marina.

For the broader travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.