Hercegovačka Gračanica

Hercegovacka Gracanica - the most important information

Hercegovacka Gracanica is only 2 and a half km away from the center of Trebinje, so you can easily reach it on foot. The church of this Orthodox monastery is a faithful copy of Gracanica from Kosovo and Metohija, the endowment of King Milutin from the 14th century. Hercegovacka Gracanica was created as a fulfillment of the wish of the famous Serbian poet Jovan Ducic, who wrote in his will that he wanted to be buried on one of the hills surrounding Trebinje, in a church similar to the one in Kosovo. Stay with us and in the continuation of the text, learn more about the history and construction of this Serbian monastery.

History and characteristics of Hercegovacka Gracanica
Hercegovacka Gracanica was built in 2000, on the hill Crkvina, from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the whole of Trebinje and its magical river Trebisnjica. The remains of the great Jovan Dučić were transferred from the United States of America 47 years after his death and buried in the crypt of the monastery church. This fulfilled Dučić's last wish to rest in his hometown forever. The church of this monastery was built in the Byzantine style and painted with the dry painting technique (the so-called "secco" technique). It is five-domed, built on 15 pillars of square cross-section and 1 with a circular base, which is leaning on a stone brought from Gracanica, Kosovo. This stone has a special symbolism of the "stone from the hearth", which transmits the spirit of the "old home" to the "new home".

What you can see here
When you enter the church, on its right side you will be able to notice Dučić's grave with an inscription written according to his wishes ("Jovan Dučić - poet"). In addition to the church, within the complex, there is also a bell tower, the bishop's court, an amphitheater, a souvenir shop, as well as the summer restaurant Dučić's View. Over time, Herzegovinian Gracanica has become a favorite place for marriages, so many celebrities decided to say a fateful yes at this very place.

How to get to Hercegovacka Gracanica?
Hercegovacka Gracanica is 2 and a half km away from the center of Trebinje, so you can choose whether to use transport or walk to it, and see more city sights along the way.

On foot: you will arrive in half an hour via Preobraženska Street.
Car or Taxi service: you will arrive much faster, in just 7 minutes. You can call Alo taxi (turn 1526) and enjoy a quality ride to your destination.