Called the «City of Stone» by the Nobel prize winner Ivo Andrić, Počitelj is a splendid Ottoman city dating back to the Middle Ages. It is situated on the left side of the Neretva River, about 30 km from Mostar. Here, King Tvrtko built a fortress in 1383, later conquered by the Turks in 1471, as can be seen by the many Ottoman monuments still existing: the Hadži Alija Mosque (16th century), the Madrasa (or Islamic School), Sinan-Ibrahimpaša (17th century), the hammam (17th century), and the public kitchen («im-aret»), the inn («han») and the Clock Tower (17th century), situated on top of the hill on which the town soars. Počitelj is a real, open-air museum and a much cherished place by numerous artists who, in this magical scenery, fi nd inspiration for their works of art.Walking through the streets of Počitelj is an experience not to be missed.h e town can be reached by coaches (Mostar Bus Company) that arrive at Čapljina from Mostar, departing from the “Lira” stop. The bus service runs from Monday to Saturday.

Žitomislići, about 20 km from Mostar, is a little village situated on the left side of the Neretva River, along the road that connects Mostar to Ploče. Here is the most important Herzegovina Orthodox Monastery. It was constructed at the end of the 16th century on the foundations of an ancient church, commissioned by the nobleman Hrabren Miloradovic. One of its most interesting features is the door of the Imperial Altar with the iconographic representation of the “Annunciation”. Around the church, there are other buildings: an old overnight dwelling, dated 1767, a more recent hostel dated 1967 and a 19th century school. The monastery was totally restored in 2005, when it was proclaimed a Bosnia Herzegovina National Monument.Mostar Bus Company daily trips (apart from Saturdays and Sundays), with stop at Vrh Avenije, connect Mostar to Žitomislići.

Tourist Information Centre (TIC); Rade Bitange 5 -88000 Mostar (old city); tel: + 387 (0)36 580 275; www.hercegovina.ba; open from May to October.