Konjic

Konjic is a town between Sarajevo and Mostar on the Neretva river in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

History
The early history of Konjic dates back 4 millennia, with remains of various settlements dating back 2000 years ago found along the Neretva river. Its existence was first recorded by the Republic of Ragusa in 1382. The city was later incorporated in the Ottoman Empire, which left it Islamic architecture and its Ottoman bridge. During Austro-Hungarian occupation, Konjic adopted a European architectural style which forms a blend with Ottoman architecture as seen in many cities and towns around Herzegovina.

After the First World War, which was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in nearby Sarajevo, Konjic became part of Yugoslavia. During the Cold War, the city was selected by president Josip Broz Tito for his military command centre, therefore known as Tito's Bunker, which is today its best known tourist attraction. The bunker opened in May 2011 for the first edition of the Bijenale, a bi-annual contemporary art exhibition in the bunker.

Orientation
Konjic developed near the eastern end of Jablanica Lake, along the Neretva river. Its location in the Neretva valley forced it to remain a thin strip of residential and industrial areas along the river shores. Those visiting Herzegovina from Bosnia must pass through Konjic, either by rail or road, giving the city a strategic role.

By train
The most comfortable way to reach Konjic is by train, which stop at the station. The journey from Sarajevo is recommendable, because the train meanders itself over the mountain pass between Herzegovina and Bosnia, and only cuts off the highest peak with a railway tunnel, rewarding travelers with many amazing views. The last stop in Herzegovina is.

Konjic can also be reached with a direct connection from Croatia, starting in Ploce and passing through Mostar and Jablanica. Most of the trajectory follows the Neretva river canyon, which by itself makes the journey more than worthwhile particularly if the weather is good.

As a general issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, trains run infrequent, and if they do, the rolling stock is outdated. Expect overheated carriages in summer (bring lots of water) and near zero temperatures in winter.

By bus
A bus journey from Sarajevo to Konjic takes travelers over the at an elevation of 955 m, and costs ca. 8 KM for a one way ticket. The journey takes 80 - 90 minutes.

Get around
Konjic is small enough to explore by foot. Beware of traffic near the M-115 where some drivers are occasionally seen driving down the mountain pass rather recklessly. Instead of crossing the Neretva over the Novi Most, consider Stari Most to the south.

See
Konjic's museum & art gallery opened in 2011. It has a small ethnographic collection, and paintings by local artists. The Mulić Record Museum holds a nationally-important collection of wooden furniture. The Ottoman bridge (built 1682, restored 2007-2010) in the centre of the town.



Do
Go rafting on the Neretva!

Go next

 * Sarajevo — National capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the border between European and oriental culture
 * Jablanica — Pearl on the Neretva, and home to the Stecci
 * Mostar — Famous for its Ottoman bridge, and cultural diversity