"A Unusual Feeling" Top 5 Page for this destination Medugorje by american_tourister

Medugorje Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 26 photos

Time and Place

I took a side trip here after completing a job in Mostar. I was escorted by Enis Hodzic who also worked for us. He drove and I played tourist and cameraman.

What I noticed most was the feelings and evidence of nationalism and religious difference. Even though we were in BiH the place was festooned with Croatian flags. These were not so much to signify the nationality of the residents but rather the religion. They are mostly Catholic and this is why they consider themselves Croats rather than Bosnians.

The entire time I was here I had unsual feelings. This is not Muslim Bosnia or Catholic Croatia, it is a mixed community and is still fractured. I did not like the way it made me feel.

My theory rings true here that there are still underlying elements that will bubble to the surface again next year, next decade, next century. Maybe not in our lfietimes again, but it will happen so long as the people focus on their differences rather than their similarities.

Biggest Catholic Church in BiH

Catholic Church

This is the main church (cathedral) in town. It is relatively new as most of it was rebuilt after the war.

Medjugorje was relatively untouched compared to most other towns in BiH .

Why they come

Tough Going

They come as pilgrims. This is after all a major Catholic shrine.

When Enis and I got to this point I told him I was ready to go back. He asked if I was going to climb to the top. It was 105 degrees fahrenheit that day and I declined. Besides that I am a Protestant and climbing up there does me no good in St. Peter's book!

Pros and Cons

Pros:An interesting side trip
Cons:For religious reasons only
In a nutshell:If you are a practicing Catholic you should go.

Last visit to Medugorje: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Jan 12, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (4)

Mines are everywhere in this country Favorites (1)

Even though this part of the country was spared the brunt of the fighting, farmers still till up a mine every now and... more travel advice

Get you authentic stuff here! - Medugorje

Catholic Souvenirs Tourist Traps (1)

Just like the Vatican it does not miss a trick. It saddens me to see that religion boils down to crass consumerism like... more travel advice

Lots of places to choose from Restaurants (1)

Like any toursit spot, this one has a buttload of places to choose from to eat at. You can get just about anything you... more travel advice

Start Here folks, O2 bottles rented here! - Medugorje

The Pilgrimage Things to Do (1)

Most visitors to this place are Catholic pilgrims making a visit to the place where some children say they saw the... more travel advice

Comments (7)

Reply
- Report abuse
triplehelix Feb 26, 2012 at 4:09 PM

i thought about stopping over on my way to dubrovnik from mostar but i'm not religiously inclined... i just like to say the name "Medjugorje" lol
Reply
- Report abuse
elae Nov 13, 2009 at 2:45 AM

How can he say that its a muslim country? Bosnia was Catholic long before the muslims came and conquered it in 1463.Queen Katarina left the Kingdom of Bosnia to Roman Catholic Church when she died, because Turks kidnapped her two children !
Reply
- Report abuse
american_tourister Jun 20, 2007 at 12:16 AM

To craic: It is the correct one. It is the one where all the shrines are.
Reply
- Report abuse
craic Jun 19, 2007 at 9:52 AM

apparently your page is in the wrong Medugorje - there are 7 in B&H
Reply
- Report abuse
MargieOh Jan 31, 2006 at 1:39 PM

Please note that your information is incorrect. The Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared to 6 children here in 1981. She still appears to 3 of them daily, almost 25 years since the first apparition.
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Dec 9, 2004 at 2:56 PM

James, very interesting to be presented this view of the nuances of everyday life in BiH! Definitely still a complicated place to live and deal with by all concerned. Be careful with your chin though!
Reply
- Report abuse
maple_air Nov 15, 2004 at 8:53 AM

it may be x-files to you, but for the pilgrims its called Faith;-))