Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the stunning landscapes of Herzegovina on a 45-kilometer long trail that takes you from charming Mostar to the magnificent Peace Cemetery and the free wild horses of Bili. In addition, this bike path takes you on a tour of the Stastak Necropolis in Gornji Polog. This trail provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural treasures of the region, allowing you to connect with nature and history in an incredible way.
Peace Cemetery:
Groblje Mira, located on the Bila plateau between Mostar and Široki Brijeg, is a deeply emotional and historically significant memorial complex dedicated to the victims of totalitarian regimes from the Second World War and the post-war period in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This impressive memorial complex is located in a natural amphitheater with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys, including Prenj, Velež, Čabulja and Čvrsnica, while from the Jastrebinka hill you can even see the Adriatic Sea.
Groblje Mira includes the monumental monument PIETA - The Lamentation of Christ, the work of the famous sculptor Ilija Skočibušić. This monument symbolizes suffering, pain, forgiveness and reconciliation and serves as a powerful reminder of tragic events and suffering. Within the complex are white stone crosses, placed for each victim, with inscriptions that include first name, last name, father's name, year of birth and year of death. These crosses provide the names and stories of those who lost their lives in troubled times, and their number and arrangement reflect the severity and depth of the losses.
The Peace Cemetery, declared a national monument in August 2020, serves as a place of quiet meditation and tribute. The environment in which it is located, rich in natural beauty and historical significance, contributes to its character as a sanctuary that connects the past with the present and preserves the dignity of truth. Here, visitors can find peace and reflection, while at the same time feeling a strong connection to the history and cultural heritage of the region.
Wild horses on Bila:
Wild horses in Bili represent a unique aspect of the natural heritage of this region. Located on the plateau above Mostar, these horses are the result of an initiative from the 1990s when several people released nine horses into the karst landscape. Today there are about 200 of them, and they have perfectly adapted to harsh conditions, surviving in a dry and rocky environment.
During the winter, horses retreat to protected areas and hide from storms. With the help of local enthusiasts who care for them, the horses receive water, hay, salt and veterinary care when necessary. Visitors can follow these horses in their natural environment and learn about their way of life. These experiences provide an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of wild horses.
Stećak Necropolis in Gornji Polog:
The stećak necropolis in Gornji Polog, located on the 30th kilometer of this bicycle path from Mostar, is an important archaeological site. It is located under the hill of Obale and stretches in a southeast-northwest direction. It contains 75 stećaks arranged in three groups, including 28 slabs, 22 chests, one chest with a base, three gables, one gabled with a base, and 20 stećaks whose shapes are partially indeterminate.
Motifs on stećci include borders, rosettes, heraldic symbols and anthropomorphic representations, and stylized depictions of chariots with swords are also known. In 2020, the necropolis was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting its cultural and historical value.