Mogorjelo – Roman Villa Rustica

Mogorjelo is a unique archaeological monument from the Roman era, a well-preserved ancient Roman villa rustica.

One of the most significant monuments of the Roman era in Bosnia and Herzegovina is certainly Mogorjelo, another pearl of Neretva's long line of pearls of ancient cultural and natural heritage. Located 1 kilometer south of the town of Čapljina, Mogorjelo remains of the old Roman suburb of Villa Rustica from the 4th century represent ancient Roman agricultural production and estates, mills, bakeries, olive oil refinery and forges.

The ruins of the fortified Roman late antique villa on Mogorjelo hill in Čapljina are rightfully counted among the important monuments of the Roman era in Bosnia and Herzegovina (cultural-historical monument of zero category). The site was discovered during the construction of the Sarajevo - Metković (Dubrovnik) railway in 1885, and from 1899 to 1903 it was explored under the supervision of the Austrian archaeologist Karl Patsch.

The oldest finds are related to a villa rustica (agricultural property) that a veteran from southern Italy received as a reward for successful warfare in Dacia (today's Romania), where olive oil, wine, grain and willow canes were produced.

At the end of the 3rd century, the property was declared a state property, the so-called In the 4th century, warrior tribes appeared from the eastern steppes and constantly attacked the Roman Empire, and as Mogorjelo was the main supplier of food to the great Roman city of Narona, there was a need to fortify the place. This is how the fort (castrum) was created, which with its rectangular shape with three entrances and eleven defensive towers provided security to workers and soldiers.

The Western Goths with their ruler Alarich conquered and destroyed Mogorjelo in 401-403. A basilica was built on the ruins of the fort in the 5th century for the Christianization of the Illyrian tribes (Christianity was allowed in the Roman Empire). The last demolition was carried out by the Slavs in the 7th century. Thanks to protective measures from 1903 and the planting of Mediterranean vegetation, Mogorjelo has become a kind of picnic spot, not only for locals, but also for school excursions, guests from the Adriatic and numerous tourists.

Would you like to experience Mogorjelo Villa Rustica first hand, enjoy the stunning architecture, picturesque views of the Neretva River and learn all about its rich history? Contact our partners - ERO Travel Tour Agency.

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