5 things to visit in Medjugorje

The beautiful gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is synonymous with tranquility, peace, and prayers, captivates with its spiritual atmosphere and stunning nature. A small town, famous for the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Medjugorje attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, but it offers much more than just religious significance.

For tourists seeking spiritual experiences, cultural richness, a serene place for introspection, and untouched nature, Medjugorje is an invaluable destination to explore. Among many culturally and religiously significant locations, here are the top 5 you should visit while exploring Medjugorje.

1. Apparition Hill

A perfect place to start your journey in Medjugorje is by visiting the foot of Apparition Hill, the place where, according to testimonies, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to six local children in 1981. Here, you can pray, meditate, and experience the profound spirituality that envelops this sacred site. During the past 40 years, numerous symbols of faith have been set up along the trail that follows Apparition Hill, including the Blue Cross in remembrance of the third day of the Apparition when the Virgin Mary called for peace.

2. St. James’ Church

A visit to St. James Church is a must, as it is the focal point of Medjugorje where Masses and prayers are held. Here, you can feel the strength of faith that shapes this community and experience spiritual peace that cannot be described with words, but rather felt and lived. The church was consecrated in 1969 and is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is under the patronage of James the Great and is run by the Franciscan order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since the Marian apparition of Our Lady of Medjugorje in 1981, the parish has been visited by over 50,000,000 pilgrims.

3. Cross Mountain

Feel the spirit of devotion and penance as you climb Cross Mountain, the site of a large cross dedicated to Jesus Christ at 520 meters above sea level. This is a popular spot for pilgrims seeking to strengthen their faith and find inner peace, to express their devotion to Jesus and to honor his suffering on the cross. In March 15, 1934, the local parishioners constructed a concrete cross 8.56 m high, built in remembrance of the 1900 years since the death of Jesus, bearing the inscription: “To Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the human race, as a sign of their faith, love, and hope, in remembrance of the 1900 years since the death of Jesus.” After the apparition, the faithful started to pray the Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain. In the beginning, the stations were marked with simple wooden crosses, and in 1988, bronze reliefs (the work of Carmelo Puzzolo) were set up on the mountain.

4. Statue of the Queen of Peace

The marble statue of the Queen of Peace, which has become a symbol of the Shrine, was erected in 1987 at the square in front of the church. The work of Dino Felici from Italy has been a beloved pilgrimage site in Medjugorje, and it is located in front of Saint James’ Church, surrounded by an iron fence and adorned with roses at the statue’s foot. The statue gathers many believers and invites them for sincere prayers, coming deep from the depth of their being, calling for peace and selfless love.

5. Risen Christ Statue

The Risen Christ Savior Statue is a masterpiece from Slovenian artist Andrej Ajdić, which was placed in Medjugorje during Easter in 1998, south of the church, in front of a road that leads to the local cemetery. This place represents a unique site perfect for prayers with groups of believers or individuals, but it is also a place to pray the Stations of the Cross for all those who cannot climb Cross Mountain. The sculpture shows the resurrected Christ standing up and leaving an imprint where He lay, yet the statue depicts Him liberated from the cross He was crucified to.

Medjugorje is not just a place of pilgrimage but also a destination that offers a deep spiritual experience, rich cultural heritage, and stunning Herzegovinian nature. Whether you are believers or just travelers in search of peace and inner fulfillment, Medjugorje will surely enchant you with its magic and beauty, unique sense of peace, and deepest feeling of faith.