Brotnice lies in the Konavle Hills at about 450 m above sea level, in a natural basin. The surrounding area contains prehistoric stone mounds and remnants of hilltop fortifications. Two perspectives therefore come together here: the landscape and traces of early settlement. About 400 m west of Brotnice stands the single-nave rural Church of St. Luke the Evangelist; its cemetery preserves a medieval stećak necropolis.

Church of St. Luke and the stećak necropolis

The church is first mentioned in the 15th century. About 30 stećci from the 14th and 15th centuries remain in the cemetery. Six feature reliefs with human, plant or symbolic motifs; two bear inscriptions. Their different features—dating, relief decoration and writing—offer several ways to explore the medieval heritage. As the necropolis is located in a cemetery, respectful conduct is important.

Voznik quarry and routes in the mountain area

Voznik quarry lies between Brotnice and the cemetery of St. Luke’s Church. Several partly worked and unfinished stećak pieces are visible there. The two sites offer different points of interest: the cemetery and its necropolis represent the tombstones, while Voznik is associated with partly worked and unfinished pieces. The physical condition of the quarry remnants may change. If you plan to visit Voznik specifically, check local conditions before your visit.

Allow about 30 minutes to walk from Mihanići to St. Luke’s Church along the former narrow-gauge railway route. Check the walking time and trail conditions locally. In spring, protected orchids bloom within the dry-stone enclosure. If you want to make the orchids the main focus of your visit, plan for spring.

In the western mountain area of the Municipality of Konavle, which includes Brotnice, part of the former narrow-gauge railway route is considered suitable for cycling or walking. Before using this section for a longer trip, check locally whether the route is continuous and open to the public.

The Municipality of Konavle as a regional setting

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Konavle, the fertile valley extends up to 35 km in length and up to 12 km in width. On the mountain side, the slopes of 1,234 m-high Snježnica and Bjelotina frame the landscape. Toward the sea, steep cliffs stretch from Cavtat harbour via Molunat to the Prevlaka peninsula and Cape Oštro.

Routes in the wider destination also vary in their course and length: the Cavtat–Močići–Čilipi walking trail runs for 8 km through the coastal landscape. The Konavoske stijene educational trail starts in Popovići and runs for about 4 km above the cliffs. Check trail conditions locally if you plan to take either route.

The cultural history of the Municipality of Konavle also extends beyond the Middle Ages. Fort Sokol is an important fortress from the time of the Republic of Ragusa, built on the site of earlier Illyrian and Roman fortifications. In Močići, the Mithraeum is a sanctuary dedicated to the ancient god Mithras; his cult was widespread in the region from the 2nd to the 4th century.

Discover more destinations: Drvenik, Molunat, Stravča, Močići, Dubravka, Uskoplje, Komaji, Popovići

Back to the wider travel overview: Municipality of Konavle.