Stećci, Medieval tombstone cemeteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia.
Stećci are medieval limestone tombstones found across Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia that were carved with detailed designs over many centuries. Each stone is decorated with scenes from daily life, warrior imagery, and geometric patterns that tell stories of the people who were buried there.
These tombstones began appearing in the 12th century and were created through the 16th century, marking a long tradition of burial practices in the region. The Ottoman occupation of the area brought this burial custom to an end, changing the way people were memorialized.
The carved symbols on these stones show rosettes, spirals, vine leaves, and crescents that reflect medieval artistic traditions. These designs tell stories about the lives, work, and beliefs of the people buried in these places.
You can explore these necropolis sites on your own to see the detailed carvings up close on each stone. Most of these burial grounds are outdoors in natural settings, so wearing sturdy shoes and bringing protection from the weather will make your visit more comfortable.
Many of these stones include inscriptions with names and sometimes symbols showing the jobs or social rank of the buried person. Through these personal details, visitors can today understand what daily life and work were like for people in medieval times.
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