Vodovađa: The Roman aqueduct and its traces

Vodovađa is connected to an ancient water supply system that links Cavtat and Epidaurum to the history of the region. The Roman aqueduct and the traces preserved along its route give the place a tangible connection to the past. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the archaeological remains near Vodovađa and the other attractions in the wider destination of Općina Konavle.

The Roman aqueduct near Vodovađa

The Roman aqueduct associated with Vodovađa was built at the beginning of the 1st century. Its remains are considered important material heritage from the Roman period in the region. It was part of Epidaurum’s ancient water supply system, which connected Vodovađa with Cavtat. The route passes through the wider Konavle region via Zastolje, Ljuta, Lovorno, Pridvorje, Mihanići, Gabrile, Uskoplje, and Zvekovica. This sequence of places shows that the water system is not associated with just one place, but follows a regional route.

Remains of pottery and ancient roof tiles have been preserved along the aqueduct route. Together with the remains of the structure, these materials offer a tangible insight into the archaeological history of the water system. Anyone interested in ancient infrastructure will find a historical focal point here, linked to the connection between Vodovađa and Cavtat.

Općina Konavle: landscape and regional setting

In the wider destination of Općina Konavle, a fertile valley stretches for up to 35 kilometres in length and up to 12 kilometres in width. On the mountain side, the landscape is bounded by the slopes of 1,234-metre-high Snježnica and by Bjelotina. On the seaward side, steep cliffs extend from Cavtat harbour through Molunat to the Prevlaka peninsula and Cape Oštro.

The historic sites in the wider destination also reflect different periods. Fort Sokol is an important fortress from the time of the Republic of Ragusa and was built on the site of an earlier Illyrian and Roman fortification. From Fort Sokol and the churchyard of Our Lady of Sokol, there are views across all of Konavle. Močići is home to a Mithraeum, a sanctuary dedicated to the ancient god Mithras; his cult was widespread in the region from the 2nd to the 4th century.

The Museum of the Konavle Region in Čilipi houses around 500 ethnographic objects, including traditional costumes, embroidery, other textile work, jewellery, weapons, musical instruments, and everyday items. In Pridvorje stands the Franciscan monastery with the Church of St Blaise. It was built from 1423 to 1429 in the style of the early Dubrovnik Renaissance, served as a pilgrimage site, and housed an important collection of sacred art. The museum, monastery, fortress, and Mithraeum thus offer a range of cultural points of interest within Općina Konavle.

Hiking trails and activities in Općina Konavle

Several regional hiking routes are described. The Cavtat–Močići–Čilipi trail is eight kilometres long and passes through the coastal landscape of Konavle. Side paths lead to swimming spots by the cliffs. The Konavoske stijene educational trail begins in Popovići, runs above the cliffs, and is about four kilometres long.

The Ronald Brown Trail begins in Gornji Obod and continues to the summit of Stražišće at an elevation of 791 metres. From there, the panoramic view extends across Cavtat, Konavle, Župa, and Dubrovnik. Various endemic plant species and protected animal species are found along the trail. Check local trail conditions before setting out. If you are considering another activity, Kojan Koral in Popovići organises half-day horseback rides above the Konavle cliffs, with views of the Adriatic Sea.

When choosing your hotel destination, it helps to distinguish Vodovađa’s connection to the aqueduct from the other excursion destinations in the wider area of Općina Konavle. This lets you consider the local traces of the ancient water system and the region’s cultural or hiking destinations as separate priorities when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Drvenik, Gruda, Palje Brdo, Molunat, Pločice, Zastolje, Vitaljina, Uskoplje

For the wider travel overview: Općina Konavle.