Medjugorje Must Do's

Medjugorje Must Do's

Many of the Medjugorje Must Do's center on the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1981. This is a famous pilgrimage spot and enjoys mild weather all year round, which makes it a great location to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many thousands of people visit this spot every year.

1. Attend Mass at St. James

You should not miss a mass at the St. James Church. The first church was built in 1897 on a quake prone area, and after WWI a larger church was completed in 1936. It was not until 1969 that the interior of the church was finished. After the Virgin Mary appeared, funds became available to renovate the church. Today there is a gazebo and house of Prayer. There is also a hall specifically for pilgrims and 20 different outdoor confessionals.

2. Apparition Hill

The spot where the Virgin Mary first appeared is today known as Apparition Hill. You can follow a steep path to the exact spot of the apparitions. There are also many bronze reliefs that depict the mysteries of the Rosary. Along the path there is a large cross where the Virgin Mary gave the first call for peace. A statue of the Queen of Peace was erected where the apparitions occurred. This statue was erected for the 10th anniversary of the events.

3. Climb Cross Mountain

Cross Mountain is the main mountain above the town. There is a large cross at the top which has Roman relics in the crossbar. There is a custom to celebrate Mass at the cross on the following Sunday after the Feast of the Nativity. Along the climb to the tomb, there are 14 Stations of the Cross. To display their devotion, many pilgrims make the climb to the top barefoot.

4. See the Kravice Waterfalls

A great half day trip to the Kravice waterfalls is fantastic. These waterfalls are some of the largest in the country and very impressive. It takes about 5 hours to reach and is a popular swimming spot. The best time to see the falls is in the spring when the winter snow has melted and the falls are at their fullest. There is a camping area, picnic area and cafe. Make sure you get directions from a local as they can be very difficult to find.

5. See Birds during the Winter

One of the best places to go for birding is Hutovo Blato (see: http://www.Holidays.ba ). This is where most of the birds go during the winter in Europe. You can see more than 200 different types of birds during the winter months. This is a great side trip into the country.

Source: world66.com