Velika and Mala Crljivica - Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
Cista Velika, Croatia
25.09.2025
The Stećci Graveyards - Medieval Tombstones in Cista Velika, Croatia
The Stećci graveyards in Cista Velika, Croatia are a unique and fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the picturesque Dalmatian countryside, these graveyards are home to hundreds of medieval tombstones known as Stećci. These tombstones are intricately carved and hold great historical and cultural significance.
The Stećci are believed to have originated in the 12th century and were used as a form of burial for the local nobility and wealthy citizens. They are characterized by their unique decorations and inscriptions, which provide valuable insights into the culture and beliefs of the people from that time period.
Visitors to the Stećci graveyards can explore the different styles and designs of the tombstones, which range from simple crosses to more elaborate sculptures. Some of the most impressive Stećci are those that depict scenes from everyday life, such as hunting, farming, and social gatherings.
One of the most notable features of the Stećci graveyards is the variety of languages used in the inscriptions. Alongside the local Croatian language, there are also inscriptions in Latin, Cyrillic, and even Glagolitic script. This reflects the diverse cultural influences in the region during that time.
The Stećci graveyards also hold great historical significance, as they provide evidence of the political and social changes that occurred in the region during the Middle Ages. The tombstones were often used as a way for families to show their wealth and power, and some even bear the coats of arms of prominent families.
Today, the Stećci graveyards are not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important cultural heritage site. They serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse history of the Dalmatian region and provide valuable insights into the lives of its people.
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This serial property combines 28 sites, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, western Serbia, western Montenegro and central and southern Croatia, representing these cemeteries and regionally distinctive medieval tombstones, or stećci. The cemeteries, which date from the 12th to 16th centuries CE, are laid out in rows, as was the common custom in Europe from the Middle Ages. The stećci are mostly carved from limestone. They feature a wide range of decorative motifs and inscriptions that represent iconographic continuities within medieval Europe as well as locally distinctive traditions.
