Široki Brijeg: History, Art and Festivals

Široki Brijeg brings together medieval heritage, Franciscan history, art, nature and recurring events. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can plan around the topics that interest you most: Borak represents a medieval fortification and historic routes, the museum and gallery are dedicated to art, and festivals and football offer further cultural and sporting interests.

Borak and its route connections

The medieval fortification known locally as Borak lies near several springs. Its walls are 1 to 6 metres high and 1 to 1.5 metres thick. Historically, Borak guarded the junction of two route networks: the routes between Mostar and Duvno, and those between Herzegovina and the mountains. Two perspectives work together to provide a historical context: the walls’ dimensions and the routes whose junction Borak was intended to guard.

Monastery, church and art

Bishop Fra Rafo Barišić laid the foundation stone for the Franciscan monastery on 23 July 1846. On 20 June 1905, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of a new church in the late Romanesque style. The two dates mark different building projects: 1846 relates to the monastery, while 1905 marks the foundation stone for a new church.

The Franciscan Museum and the Franciscan Gallery Široki Brijeg are located beside the monastery and the Church of the Assumption of Mary. The permanent exhibition mainly features works by Croatian painters and sculptors from the modern and contemporary art movements; it also includes works by avant-garde and naïve artists. The exhibition spaces host both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as various cultural events. In this way, art and architectural history come together in this area without telling the same story: the exhibition focuses on works of art, while the monastery and church have their own history.

Festivals and football

The Feast of the Assumption, known locally as Velika Gospa, is a recurring religious tradition: many worshippers gather at the church. The recurring Carlsberg Street Food Fest has a different focus. It brings together food, music, art and socialising, and offers street food specialities. Over the years, it has become an important part of the cultural and social life of Široki Brijeg.

The two festivals appeal to different travel interests: religious tradition is central to Velika Gospa, while the Street Food Fest brings together food, music, art and socialising. Football is another distinct point of interest: NK Široki Brijeg plays its matches at Pecara Stadium in Široki Brijeg.

Spring and natural monument

The Vrelo Lištice Borak spring offers another perspective on nature. It is protected as a geomorphological natural monument. This designated natural monument complements the town’s historical and cultural themes.

Discover more destinations: Ljubuški, Zvirići, Radišići, Grude

View the wider travel overview: West Herzegovina Canton.