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Our Cultural Route from Italy to Bosnia-Herzegovina. #AbuelosMochilerosChronicles

 


Our Cultural Route from Italy to Bosnia-Herzegovina

A coastal journey crossing Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, to Bosnia-Herzegovina #abuelosmochileros_chronicles #abuelosmochileros_routes #abuelosmochileros_pilgrimages

This journey was more than a simple road trip; it was a profound tapestry of history, culture, and deep spiritual reflection across the heart of the Adriatic and Balkan regions. 

Here is the breakdown of the cultural landmarks featured on our journey, following the numbered route from the map:

Our adventure began in the quiet elegance of Sacile, Italy, often called the "Garden of the Serenissima." We paused to admire the Duomo di San Nicolò, the town’s principal church, with its stunning architecture reflecting the light of the Livenza River. 

1. Sacile, Italy The "Garden of the Serenissima" serves as our starting point, where the Livenza River flows through a town filled with elegant Venetian-style palaces.

 

From there, our bus tour carried us toward the border. We stopped in Trieste to witness the grandeur of the Adriatic before crossing into Slovenia and then Croatia. 

2. Trieste, Italy (Miramare Castle) This white-stone Habsburg castle sits directly on the Gulf of Trieste; it was built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and offers stunning views of the Adriatic.

 


3. Kozina, Slovenia A key transit point in the Karst region that connects the coastal routes to the interior, representing our journey through the lush green landscapes of Slovenia.

 


 

 The landscape shifted beautifully as we moved inland toward the Lika region, stopping for a restorative lunch in Gospić. Our southward journey continued through the rugged mountains until the Roman history of Split appeared on the horizon, serving as our final gateway before crossing into Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Krka River, Šibenik, Croatia

 
4. Split, Croatia (Diocletian's Palace) The heart of the city is built within a massive, incredibly well-preserved Roman palace complex that has remained a living part of the city for centuries. 

5. Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina A world-renowned site of pilgrimage known for the Apparition Hill and the Church of St. James, drawing millions seeking spiritual reflection.    

Arriving in Medjugorje, the atmosphere shifted to one of quiet devotion. Our experience began with a walking tour of the Church of St. James (Sveti Jakov) and its expansive plaza, the focal point for millions of pilgrims. After a moving evening Mass, we explored the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) under the stars, a peaceful and intimate time for prayer.

 

The following day was dedicated to physical and spiritual endurance:


 

  • Apparition Hill (Podbrdo): We climbed the rocky path to the site of the first reported apparitions, stopping at the bronze reliefs representing the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries.

 
  • Mount Križevac (Cross Mountain): We undertook the steep climb to the summit, following the Via Crucis stations. Reaching the Big White Cross, erected in 1933 to commemorate the 1,900th anniversary of the Crucifixion, provided a moment of immense clarity and panoramic views.


 

  • The Descent: We walked down toward the local cemetery, reflecting on the cycle of life and faith, before returning to the main plaza.


 

  • Cenacolo Community: A visit to the Cenacolo offered a powerful testament to healing and the "resurrection" of lives through faith and work.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje / Places dedicated to Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Video narrated in English. 

 


6. Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Stari Most) The iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge spans the Neretva River, symbolizing the union of different cultures and the resilience of the city.


As we began our return, we stopped in Mostar, a city that wears its history on its sleeves. We visited the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, where the minaret offers a breathtaking view of the river. 

We then crossed the legendary Stari Most (Old Bridge), a symbol of reconciliation, to visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, whose tall bell tower dominates the skyline. 

 


The sight of bullet holes remaining on the walls of older buildings served as a sobering reminder of the conflict that once gripped this beautiful land.

As we drove back to Sacile, we looked back on a journey that defied simple categorization. It was not just a tour, but a great historic, cultural, religious, and spiritual route. By walking these paths, from the ancient stones of Italy to the prayer-worn hills of Bosnia, we experienced a profound connection between the history of nations and the quiet strength of faith. #geosanctua_pilgrimages

 

Ref. @abuelosmochileros Travel Chronicles 2014. 

References 

 

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Location: Međugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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