Welcome to the Ćiro Trail, a cycling route that takes you through the heart of Herzegovina, following the historic narrow-gauge railway that once connected Mostar and Dubrovnik. This scenic journey from the town of Čapljina to the municipality of Ravno reveals landscapes and heritage that will stay in your heart forever.
A Historic Route Filled with Stories
Built in the late 19th century under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the narrow-gauge railway was a vital artery linking Adriatic ports with the interior of Europe. Affectionately known as Ćiro, the train wound its way through mountains and valleys, bringing life and development to remote regions of Herzegovina. Today, this historic path has been transformed into a cycling trail offering spectacular views, tunnels, and bridges that tell the tale of a bygone era.
A Cycling Journey Through Nature and History
The Ćiro cycling trail is more than just a ride through Herzegovina’s natural beauty—it’s a journey through the region’s rich history. The route offers various detours to fascinating destinations worth exploring.
In Čapljina, a turn leads toward Stolac, a town with impressive historical heritage, including the ancient city of Daorson, the stećak necropolis of Radimlja, and the old Vidoški fortress. The Boljuni necropolis, located three kilometers west of Stolac in Vidovo Polje, features unique medieval tombstones. These destinations offer a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural legacy.
In the heart of Čapljina, the former railway station was once a hub of transportation, demolished in 1998, though four plane trees remain as witnesses to the past. The last Ćiro train passed through this town on November 6, 1966, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of the locals.
As you leave Čapljina, the route passes by the fortified Mogorjelo estate from the time of Octavian Augustus. This Roman archaeological monument was discovered during the construction of the Metković–Mostar railway (1884–1885) and built on the foundations of a late antique villa rustica.
Heading south, the trail crosses the Trebižat River and enters Gabela, a place steeped in history. According to Mexican historian Roberto Salinas, Gabela may be the site of ancient Troy. The name originates from the Italian word gabella, meaning customs duty, as this was once the border between the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. Gabela is also known for its railway station, built for the Gabela–Zelenika railway, which held military importance and operated until May 31, 1976.
From Gabela, the route heads southeast, crossing the Neretva River via the historic Tresana railway bridge and reaching Dračevo. Here, the trail divides into a paved route toward Svitava and Hutovo, and a gravel path following the old railway line through tunnels and across elevated embankments. The paved route passes through Sjekose, where remnants of a Roman villa were found, and Svitava, home to the ruins of another Roman villa, Dvorišta. This section also includes the Queen of Peace Sanctuary in Hrasno.
The gravel route from Dračevo skirts the Hutovo Blato Nature Park, Europe’s largest ornithological reserve, rich with lakes and the Krupa River. This segment includes ten tunnels and the famous Stanger Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Due to a steep gradient of 18‰, trains on this stretch required two locomotives.
The cistern in Hrasno, once used to supply water, is a unique structure in the region and the largest of its kind in applied hydrotechnics in Southeast Europe. Cycling this trail offers an unforgettable experience of history and nature through the stunning landscapes of southern Herzegovina.
Why Choose the Navigation Pack?
Navigation Pack for Ćiro Trail provides detailed maps, GPS track data, safety tips, and recommendations for stops and attractions. With this pack, your cycling adventure will be seamless and enriched with information to enhance your journey.
Join the many who have already discovered the charm of Ćiro and embark on a journey that bridges history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
