VISIT STJEPAN'S FORTRESS IN LJUBUŠKI (HERZEGOVINA) WITH ME!

Hello dear readers and fellow bloggers! Today I'm taking you to a historical fortress overlooking Ljubuški city in Herzegovina. Located on a strategic position, at a high of almost 400 m (396 to be precise), this magnificent fortress offers truly breath-taking views. 

The fortress is assumed to have belonged to Herzeg/ Grand Duke Stjepan Kosaca (alternative spelling Styepan Kosacha /Stjepan Kosača) and was built in 15th century. From what I have managed to find online, it is believed that  built this fortress after solving a dispute with his sons. Although it is possible that the Grand Duke built it on remains of another older fortress or just adapted a much older fortress, its construction is commonly attributed  to him and dated to 15th century. What is certain is that the fortress indeed belonged to him at some time, as there are historical records proving just that. 

The Grand Duke was one of the most powerful people of his time and there are many folk tales about him. This is not the only well preserved fortress of his, either! In fact, I  have taken you to another fifteenth century palace of his. Back in 2022, I took you to Stjepan Kosaca fortress in Blagaj, known as Stjepangrad (Stjepan's town). Below is a link if you want to (re)visit that one! I've also added a link to a separate post I did about top fortresses and national parks, so if this topic interests you, check that one as well.

VISIT BLAGAJ FORTESS WITH ME! 2021


Now, a few words about our visit. It was quite recently actually, about a week and a half  ago. We drove to the fortress and explored it. After that, we explored Ljubuški town some more. There will be another separate post about Ljubuški town. In this post, I'll just focus on the fortress because I don't want the amount of photographs to be overwhelming. I try to keep photographs in my posts to a reasonable amount to allow for easier scrolling. That's sometimes one of the hardest thing to do when it comes to putting a post together. Deciding which photos to include. Fellow bloggers, do you feel the same? Anyhow, I think I selected a reasonable amount. Scroll down to see and read more. 



THE PARAGLIDING LANDING SITE 

Right next to the Stjepan Kosača  fortress, there's a lovely landing site for paragliders. That's where we stopped first to take photographs. I mean, can you blame us? The views are amazing. We must have spent at least half an hour just admiring the view. It's gorgeous. This place is directly at the border with Croatia, so everything you see behind the Ljubiški town and its fields is basically Croatia. You can also see Croatian Vrgorac town in vicinity. The panorama from the paragliding landing site is absolutely mesmerizing. You'll be able to see so many Bosnian/Herzegovian and Croatian hills and mountains. I simply couldn't take my eyes from the panorama. 

I was also quite impressed with the paragliding landing site. For those of you who don't know, this is exactly how a paragliding landing site should look like. I haven't tried paragliding myself, but I know the importance of a good take of and landing site. It makes setting of and landing much safer. I imagine paragliding here is an unforgettable experience. I'm really happy to see they did such a great job with this site. Moreover, it's a fabulous spot to take photos. The fake grass is comfortable and soft. 

A FREE TOWER VIEWER 
What else? Well, there is a free tourist telescope aka tower viewer. These kind of tourists binoculars/ tower viewers are usually operated by coin. That's why they are also called coin (operated) binoculars/telescopes. My husband and I ran across a few in our time that weren't any good and ate our coins. But this one works perfectly- and the best thing is that it is free! So, enjoy it all you want. Funny story coming up. As soon as I look through it, I observed a dummy/mannequin someone left in front of their pool and showed it to my husband. He thought it so funny that I immediately spotted it. Why did they put a dummy next to the pool? Who knows? It was all dressed up with a hat and sunglasses. Maybe it's someone practical joke, maybe they just love dummies/mannequins. Anyhow, it's their backyard to do with as they please. 



MY PREVIOUS POSTS ABOUT LJUBUŠKI

 AMAZING CITIES TO VISIT IN HERZEGOVINA 


Ljubuški started its life as an ancient settlement. Prior to our (our meaning Slav tribes) arrival, both Ilyrians and Romans had their settlements in the area. The old part of Ljubuški is a medieval town. Ljubuški is a town that has so many things to offer, from amazing restaurants, stunning historical locations to utterly beautiful riverside. This name of the city is really interesting. 

Allegedly Ljubuški was named after the mistress of Herceg (also known as Herzog/ Grand Duke/King) Stjepan Kosacha. There are a lot of amazing places to visit in vicinity of Ljubuški as well, such as ČEVELJUŠA and KRAVICA waterfall so keep those in mind as well. 




STRIPED DRESS: STYLED HERE, BW SNEAKERS: HERE, STRAW HAT: HERE, STRIPED CARDI: HERE









AFTER ADMIRING THE VIEWS FROM THE PARAGRAPH LANDING SITE, WE MADE OUR WAY TO THE FORTRESS....AND WERE EVEN MORE AMAZED BY THE PANORAMA!


THE FORTRESS IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! 
As we approached the fortress, I became more and more excited. Once we got inside, I was blown away. You know how much I love history. The fortress is in an excellent state. The views are absolutely breath-taking. If the views from the hills are amazing, they are even more impressive from the fortress. There were some workers there, it seems that the fortress is undergoing some reconstruction. It is good to know that this beautiful historical fortress is being taken care of. 


DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME, KIDS!

Taking advantage of the fact that there were no security guards, I claimed the placed that would normally be out of reach. I don't recommend it, though. I had a lot of training in my life to prepare me for this. Anyhow, there's absolutely no need to walk the unfenced walls as there are many pathways and guiding towers you can use to enjoy the view. I did it before I cannot help it! 



OTHER MEDIEVAL FORTRESSES WORTH VISITING IN BOSNIA &  HERZEGOVINA AND CROATIA

Before we wrap this post up, I will link up some of my old travel posts featuring fortresses. First of all, I would recommend Stolac fortress in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's only a short drive away. There is also a number of lovely fortresses I visited in Croatia (and blogged about) so if that is your cup of tea, visit the posts bellow. 

 STOLAC FORTRESS (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA) 
1. VISIT STOLAC FORTRESS WITH ME (2019)
2.VISIT STOLAC CITY WITH ME (2019)
3. MEDIEVAL FAIR AT STOLAC FORTRESS (2018)

KLIS FORTRESS (CROATIA)
1. HISTORICAL FORTRESS KLIS NEAR SPLIT

FORTICA FORTRESS (CROATIA)
1. CLIMB FORTIZA FORTRESS WITH ME

KAMERLENGO FORTRESS (CROATIA) 
1. VISIT KAMERLENGO IN TROGIR WITH ME

STON FORTRESS WALLS (CROATIA)
1. SIGHT TO SEE- FORTRESS WALLS IN STON




Thank you for visiting. Have a lovely day!

Comments

  1. Maria Lilevskaya23 August 2023 at 09:33

    Какая удивительная крепость с богатой интересной историей. И какие красивые виды открываются с крепостных стен😍 А ещё мне понравилось голубое платье. Оно такое летнее и милое💙

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maria Lilevskaya23 August 2023 at 09:33

    Какая удивительная крепость с богатой интересной историей. И какие красивые виды открываются с крепостных стен😍 А ещё мне понравилось голубое платье. Оно такое летнее и милое💙

    ReplyDelete
  3. camdandusler23 August 2023 at 10:48

    So wonderful placea, thanks for your sharing...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sheila23 August 2023 at 11:22

    OMG, I'm terrified for you being on that wall, Ivana! I'm glad you are comfortable with it - I don't think I would walk out on there! I loved your pictures - wow, what amazing views! How interesting to see a proper paraglider take-off/landing site - we have a lot of them here, but they usually take-off and land from the beach-side cliffs.

    Lovely outfit, and I giggled at a few of the photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split24 August 2023 at 11:35

      There's no need to walk as you can see everything just fine the regular way. It's just my crazy need to climb everywhere. :)
      Yes, it's wonderful to see such a professional take off and land site. It really adds to the safety of the whole paragliding experience. Plus, it makes it easier for them.

      Delete
  5. Marisa Cavaleiro23 August 2023 at 13:21

    Hello, Ivana,
    One thing's for sure, you don't suffer from vertigo! My God, what a danger, I'm glad you're warning us not to do this. The landscape is really beautiful and the views are breathtaking! Changing the subject, I also have this problem with choosing photos, because I like them all, and choosing around 10 for each post is a difficult task! As for your look, it's perfect for a summer's day!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split24 August 2023 at 11:57

      I experienced vertigo a couple of times, but I don't suffer from it. I'm not sure what caused the vertigo attacks I had in the past, but I remember that I once had to seek medical help. I went to ER and got my medications for it. I think my vertigo was caused by a migraine.

      Delete
  6. ellie23 August 2023 at 14:20

    WOW! Such a cool photo in that first shot. You are so daring. And yes, you do have some true adventures! Such a fantastic look at the landscape there..and a beautiful outfit for the occasion too. Glad you were in those sneakers💗

    ReplyDelete
  7. Caitlin'nMegan23 August 2023 at 14:22

    Thanks so much for giving us the history of this fortress. It definitely looks amazing! Wonderful photos too! Such cool shots and more. All the best to finding your inspiration along the way.

    ReplyDelete
  8. J.P. Alexander23 August 2023 at 19:52

    Bellos paisajes estas muy guapa. Te mando un beso.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Maren von FARBWUNDER24 August 2023 at 03:31

    What a beautiful fortress, amazing view over the landscape (well, you could definetely see the enemies from far in older times...:-D! and your pics are stunning! Wow, that one on the wall, how brave you are! I'm sure I won't try this at home :-)))

    ReplyDelete
  10. Polyester Princess24 August 2023 at 10:37

    Stunning view and fabulous photos from the paragliding site, and thank you for sharing your visit to that amazing fortress with us! I do know the problem of selecting photos, which I have solved by making my trademark collages. But still it's always hard to decide which photos to include! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split24 August 2023 at 12:24

      I know. I make collages too but have the same dilemma. Collages do help!

      Delete
  11. Polyester Princess24 August 2023 at 10:39

    P.S. How I wish I didn't suffer from vertigo, though! I even got vertigo from just looking at that photo of you on the walls! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split24 August 2023 at 12:25

      It looks worse on the photos than it really is. The pathway was more than wide enough for a safe walk. Still, it is best to keep to the actual walls.

      Delete
  12. LoveT.24 August 2023 at 13:22

    Your Pics are always so kreativ and interesting. The Landscape are beautiful

    ReplyDelete

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All your comments mean a lot to me, even the criticism. Naravno da mi puno znači što ste uzeli vrijeme da nešto napišete, pa makar to bila i kritika. Per me le vostre parole sono sempre preziose anche quando si tratta di critiche.

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