The Stećci in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stećci are medieval stone tombstones created between the 12th and 16th centuries. Most of them are located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although they can also be found in parts of neighboring countries. However, the most important Stećci sites are located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As many as 20 out of the 28 Stećci sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List are located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The remaining sites are located in Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia.
What Is Written on the Stećci?
Most Stećci contain customary inscriptions carved to preserve the memory of the deceased and of those who erected the monument. There are many such examples, including: “Here lies Božičko Banović, on his noble land.” (in Ban-dol, 30 km from Tuzla), “Here rests Radosav Grubač, now deceased.” (in Krtinje near Ljubomir), “Here lies Braja Radojević, on someone else's land. He lived well and died well. This was written by the scribe Dragoje.”, “Here lies Lady Beoka, daughter of Pribisav Kosača.”
The Message from the Stećak of Viganj Milošević
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen. Here rests Viganj Milošević. He served Ban Stjepan, King Tvrtko, King Dabiša, Queen Gruba, and King Ostoja. During that time, King Ostoja quarreled with the duke and with Bosnia, and went to Hungary. At that time, my end also came. And I lie here on my noble land beneath Kočerin, and I ask you, do not walk over me! I was as you are now, and you will be as I am now.
The Inscription from the Stećak of Ozren Kopijević
And here rests Ozren Kopijević, župan of Prince Pavle. This was written by the scribe Milosalić Barojević. Not seeking death, while serving my lord, I witnessed the fall of the Bosnian Kingdom and the Serbian rule. They stabbed me, cut me, and persecuted me, yet I did not perish then; I died on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, and my lord the duke protected me, buried me, and marked my grave.
