Međugorje · History

Međugorje

One of Europe's biggest Catholic pilgrimage sites. Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, St. James Church and practical tips for visiting.

Time needed: Half a day for the main sites. Pilgrims often stay several days
Best time: Busiest in summer, on the 24 and 25 June anniversary and during the Youth Festival in early August
Region: Međugorje

Why visit Međugorje?

Međugorje (often spelled Medjugorje) is a small town in Herzegovina that has become one of the biggest Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe. On 24 June 1981, six local young people said the Virgin Mary appeared to them on a hill above the village, and visitors have come in large numbers ever since, from all over the world.

In September 2024, the Vatican approved devotion and pilgrimage to Međugorje. It did not rule on whether the apparitions themselves are supernatural.

Things to do

St. James Church: The twin-towered parish church at the center of town, with Masses in many languages every day.
Apparition Hill (Podbrdo): The site of the first reported apparitions, with a statue of Mary at the top. The rocky path takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Cross Mountain (Križevac): A steeper climb to a large concrete cross built in 1933, with the Stations of the Cross along the way. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours round trip.
The Risen Christ statue: A bronze statue behind the church, known for a liquid that seeps from its knee.

Getting there

28 km from Mostar, about 35 minutes by car. Buses run several times a day.

Practical info

Entry: Free
Busiest times: Summer, and the anniversary of the apparitions on 24 and 25 June. The Youth Festival in early August draws tens of thousands
Tips: Wear sturdy shoes for the hills, which are rocky and slippery. Climb early in summer to avoid the heat. Dress modestly in the church