Necropolis of Poljice: The Galactic Kiss of Stone Sleepers
Where asphalt civilization ends and Mount Visočica begins to breathe deeply, lies the Necropolis of Poljice. At 1,500 meters above sea level, at the foot of the sharp peaks of Vita and Subar, 49 medieval stećak tombstones have defied thunder and snow for centuries. This is not just an archaeological site under UNESCO protection; it is a portal to a time when people carved eternity into cold limestone.
Photography Paradise: Hunting for the Milky Way
Why do photographers choose Poljice? The answer lies in the darkness. While other mountains are “polluted” by city lights, Visočica offers a sky marked with the darkest shades on the Light Pollution Map.
Astrophotography: The core of the Milky Way is positioned directly above the southern peaks in summer, making the tombstones a perfect “foreground”. The symbolism of the reliefs on the stone (stars and crescents) in the frame with real celestial bodies creates an unreal composition.
Dramatic Light: Due to the high altitude, the air is crystal clear. The “blue hour” lasts longer here, and the mists that often roll in from the Rakitnica canyon give the tombstones the spirit of ghosts of the past.
Flora and Fauna: A Life in Silence
Although at 1,500 meters, Poljice is a botanical treasure trove:
Plant life: The plateau is home to endemic Bosnian lilies, saffrons that break through the snow in spring, and a dense carpet of thyme whose scent spreads with every step.
Animal kingdom: If you are quiet during night shooting, you can hear the barking of roe deer or see the silhouettes of chamois on the surrounding cliffs. A golden eagle regularly cruises above the necropolis, using the thermal currents of the mountain amphitheater.
Tips for “night birds”
Cold: Even if it is +30°C in Sarajevo, the temperature in Poljice drops close to zero at night. Bring a winter jacket and a thermos.
Equipment: A sturdy tripod is a must (winds are permanent residents here). Use the red light on your lamp to preserve your eye’s sensitivity to darkness.
Ethics: Stećci are fragile. Take pictures of them, admire them, but never step on them. May they remain untouched for generations to come.
How to get there: The path to the heart of the mountain
Access to this location is surprisingly simple, which makes it a favorite base for night shooting:
Route: From Sarajevo, head over Bjelašnica (Babin do), heading towards the village of Tušila.
Arrival: From the mountain lodge “Vrela” an asphalt road leads uphill. After a few minutes of climbing, the road emerges onto a spacious plateau. The necropolis is located immediately to the right of the road, merged with the meadow and surrounded by the mountain amphitheater
