Počitelj: Visitor Guide

Počitelj looks like someone stopped time in the Ottoman era. Stone houses climb a steep hillside beneath a medieval tower, with pomegranate trees growing between the ruins. It sits above the Neretva river, 20 minutes south of Mostar on the road to the coast.

What to see

The village is small — you can see everything in 30–60 minutes. Climb the Sahat-kula (clock tower) for views over the Neretva valley. The Šišman Ibrahim-Paša Mosque (16th century) is being restored but its minaret and courtyard are visible. The stone houses are a mix of inhabited and ruined — the village was badly damaged in the 1990s war and is slowly being rebuilt.

The fortress tower

The medieval tower at the top of the village is the main draw. A short, steep climb on stone paths. The views from the top cover the Neretva river bend, the village below, and the mountains beyond. Free access.

Tips

There’s a small café at the village entrance and a few souvenir stalls selling pomegranate products (juice, wine, dried fruit) — Počitelj is known for its pomegranate trees. Wear proper shoes — the stone paths are steep and uneven. No facilities beyond the café.

Getting there

Počitelj is on the M17 highway between Mostar and the Croatian border. No public transport. We stop here on Dubrovnik-to-Mostar and Split-to-Mostar transfers — it adds about 20 minutes to the journey. Easily combined with Kravica Waterfalls (15 minutes away).