On the hill of Grad in Nakovanj stood an ancient Illyrian fortification with ramparts and walls. The nearby Spila Nakovana cave was home to an Illyrian fertility sanctuary. Thus, two historical themes sit side by side: the fortification on Grad hill and the religious use of the nearby Spila Nakovana cave.
Illyrian Traces and Archaeological Finds
Finds from Spila near Gornja Nakovana add everyday and ritual aspects to the picture of the area. Fine Hellenistic pottery was used for storing and drinking wine; other finds are associated with ritual feasts and votive offerings. The finds also include part of a bone zodiac circle, which is associated with an astrologer’s table and dated to around 100 BC.
Within the wider destination of Orebić, the archaeological site of Špilja Spila Nakovana in Nakovanj is a protected cultural asset. Spila Nakovana cave was used as an Illyrian sanctuary in the 3rd to 4th centuries BC. This period differs from the dating of the zodiac circle to around 100 BC. For a historical overview, it is therefore worth considering the fortification, the use of the cave as a sanctuary, and the finds as distinct aspects.
On Foot Through the Abandoned Stone Village
A hiking trail towards the summit of Sv. Ilija passes through Nakovanj. The abandoned stone village setting gives the hike a peaceful, cultural and historical character. The trail thus complements the archaeological themes with a walk through the historic village. If you plan to take this route, check the trail conditions in advance, as they can change.
Cultural Highlights in the Wider Destination of Orebić
The wider destination of Orebić also includes the protected cultural and historical complex “Povijesni prostor Nakovana”, which encompasses Gornja and Donja Nakovana. The Pomorski muzej Orebić preserves the memory of captains and sailors and has archaeological, maritime, and historical book collections. A Franciscan monastery was built on Mount Sv. Ilija in the 15th century, at an elevation of 150 metres. It houses the Votive Museum, with a painting of the Virgin Mary that is said to have washed ashore in Orebić in the 15th century. The captains’ cemetery, with the Mimbelli family mausoleum, is located behind the Franciscan church.
Orebić lies between Mount Sv. Ilija on one side and the Pelješac Channel on the other. When planning a hike, the specific location details are useful: a trail towards the summit passes through Nakovanj; the steepest hiking trail to Sv. Ilija, Ruskovići (04), starts in Orebić. Pay attention to the specific route information when choosing.
The wider destination of Orebić also offers wine tours to wineries and wine cellars. Check specific providers and dates in advance.
Find Accommodation to Suit Your Interests
Then search for accommodation in your preferred location. If you are hiking, include current trail conditions in your plans; if you are taking a wine tour, check the specific dates.
Discover more destinations: Oskorušno, Kuciste, Orebic, Donja Banda, Kuna Pelješka, Loviste, Podobuce, Trstenik
Back to the wider travel overview: Orebić.
