Zidine can be viewed from several cultural and historical perspectives: a Stećak necropolis is located at the archaeological site, and Zidine near Kopači is designated as a settlement from the Roman period. A memorial adds a more recent layer of remembrance. When planning your trip, it is also important to consider the scale: Zidine itself should be distinguished from other historical topics in the municipality of Novo Goražde and the wider Goražde region.

Cultural History in Zidine

A Stećak necropolis is located at the Zidine archaeological site. In addition, Zidine near Kopači is designated as a settlement from the Roman period. These are two distinct historical points of reference: the first identifies a necropolis, while the second assigns the settlement to a particular period. Those interested in local history can consider these aspects separately rather than combining them into a single attraction.

A memorial was erected at the local Zidine cemetery in Kopači on 10 June 2017. It commemorates 126 Bosniaks who were killed in 1941. The monument bears the names of 36 victims and is modelled on a Stećak. Its design thus connects a local place of remembrance with a motif that also appears in the name of the necropolis; the memorial and the necropolis remain distinct historical points of reference.

The Surduk site adds another dimension to the archaeological picture. Remains of a presumed Roman villa rustica were identified at Surduk in the hamlet of Zidine. A historical description records the remains of three villas in Kopači, including one in the Surduk field in the hamlet of Zidine. The classification as a villa rustica remains tentative. Historical accounts also report that a burial mound at Surduk–Zidine was removed during road construction, during which around 24 graves were discovered. A large burial mound measuring about 40 metres in diameter is said to have stood there; this description of an earlier state is based on witness testimony.

Other Historical Connections

In the narrower sense, Novo Goražde comprises six settlements: Sopotnica, Zidine, Slatina, Kopači, Mašići and Gradac. Zidine’s local history sits alongside other topics from the municipality and the region that focus on different historical themes.

The Church of St George in Donja Sopotnica was built in 1446. Another cultural and historical thread leads to the Goražde printing house: it was the first printing house in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, remained in operation until 1523 and printed three books. These details have a different chronological and thematic emphasis from the archaeological sites in Zidine.

Within the municipality of Novo Goražde, Samobor is designated as a state-protected national monument; it was first mentioned in writing in 1397. Samobor stands on a cliff on Mount Gostun near Ustiprača, overlooking the Janjina gorge. The remains can only be accessed from the south, from the Čajniče side. Check the current access conditions before visiting.

Regional Topics for Trip Planning

In the wider Goražde area, the International Friendship Festival takes place every year in the first week of August. The programme includes music, workshops and sporting activities. If the festival is relevant to your trip planning, check the event dates in advance.

In the broader region, rafting, inflatable boat trips and kayaking are available on the Drina. Swimming, fishing, camping and day trips are also mentioned there. These activities may be seasonal. This information describes regional offerings, not activities directly in Zidine.

For cycling tours, the wider area of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton of Goražde has 92 kilometres of developed cycle routes. They pass through natural landscapes and by important cultural and historical sites. As route conditions can change, check their current status before setting out. Together with the cultural topics, these offer different approaches to trip planning: local history in Zidine and broader nature and activity options in the surrounding region.

Discover more destinations: Podrašnica, Dračevo, Ljubina, Popovi, Tjentište, Ograde, Ugljevik, Opetci

For the broader travel overview: Republika Srpska.