Necropolises of Medieval Tombstones Near Nevesinje: Miljevačko Groblje and Dubine

Miljevačko Groblje Necropolis, Žiljevo

The village of Žiljevo is located about 4 km southeast of Nevesinje as the crow flies. Adjacent to and within the modern Orthodox cemetery (Miljevačko Groblje), there is a necropolis containing a total of 47 medieval tombstones (18 slabs, 28 chests, and 1 gabled roof), distributed across two groups.

The monuments vary in craftsmanship and are poorly preserved. The majority are oriented in a NW–SE direction.

Seven specimens are decorated, featuring the following ornamental motifs: a sun, a plain ribbon and a ribbon of oblique parallel lines, a winding vine with trefoils, arcades, a shield with a sword, a depiction of a spade, and a depiction of a man with a sword.

Approximately 400 meters south of Miljevačko Groblje, at the Grabi site, lies a necropolis containing ten medieval tombstones (one slab and nine chests). The monuments are moderately carved and preserved. They are aligned in a NW–SE direction and bear no decorations.

Dubine Necropolis, Biograd–Buklići, Nevesinje

Located about 500 meters northwest of the modern Orthodox church at the Dubine site, near the hamlet of Buklići, is a necropolis containing 68 medieval tombstones (67 chests and one gabled roof).

The monuments are finely carved, though they are now partially damaged and sunken into the ground. They are oriented in a NW–SE direction (once again, Bešlagić got the orientation wrong) and arranged in rows. Seven specimens are decorated—specifically six chests and one gabled roof. Their decorative motifs include a twisted ribbon, a cross, and a watermill.