PILGRIMAGE TRAVEL: A GROWING OPPORTUNITY FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

Pilgrimage travel represents a significant opportunity for the growth of tourism in Republika Srpska, attracting visitors from more than 90 countries during the religious travel season, according to the Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska.

Sanela Šimun, Public Relations Associate at the Tourist Organization, emphasized the growing importance of religious tourism, which has become one of the leading global tourism trends in recent years — and Republika Srpska is no exception.

"Our country is home to numerous medieval monasteries that reflect the rich history and culture of this region," Šimun said.

Religious sites, especially those dating back to the medieval period, serve as living monuments of the people's history, tradition, and spiritual heritage.

“Although Republika Srpska does not have a large number of preserved medieval monuments, its churches, monasteries, mosques, and other religious buildings represent highly valuable cultural and historical treasures,” she added.

Among the most visited religious landmarks in the Krajina region are the Gomionica, Moštanica, and St. Elijah monasteries, as well as Klisina, and the pilgrimage sites of Liplje and Stuplje.

In the southern region of Herzegovina, visitors can explore some of the most famous monasteries, including Tvrdoš — perched on cliffs above the fertile Trebinje valley and, according to legend, founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.

Other notable monasteries in the area include Dobrićevo, Duži, Petropavlov, and the Hercegovačka Gračanica, built in accordance with the final wishes of celebrated Serbian poet Jovan Dučić.

Also located in the Herzegovina region are the monasteries of Žitomislić, Prebilovci, and Zavala, each offering unique spiritual and historical experiences.

In the eastern region of Podrinje, the landscape is adorned with monasteries such as Papraća, Lovnica, Sase, Tavna, and Dobrun — all set against the backdrop of colorful mountain scenery, the dramatic Rzav River gorge, and the medieval town of Dobrun, home to a sacred cave once used for vows to God.

According to Šimun, Republika Srpska recorded 343,984 tourist arrivals and 821,763 overnight stays in the first eight months of this year — marking a 5% increase in arrivals and a 2.4% rise in overnight stays compared to the same period last year.

Religious tourism, deeply rooted in culture and spirituality, continues to drive the visibility and appeal of Republika Srpska as a unique destination for both pilgrims and cultural travelers worldwide.