When the team of the Foundation “Heritage Watchdogs – Bassania”, accompanied by guide Halil, set out toward the hillfort above Podgorani, we had been informed that along the dirt road leading to the site, on both sides, there was a necropolis of about twenty medieval tombstones (stećci) carved in the shape of chests.
On site, we observed that many tombstones had been displaced during road construction, leaving open graves and visible human bones in some areas. Because of their scattered positions, the original orientation of the stećci can no longer be determined.
Most of them are overgrown with thorny vegetation, making access difficult. The stones are well-carved and undecorated, except for one stećak that has a small carved depression for water.
“Unfortunately, the overall impression is disappointing — that our cultural heritage is being treated in such a way,” said Emir Medanhodžić, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation “Heritage Watchdogs – Bassania.”
“I kindly appeal to the residents of Podgorani to help clean and restore this necropolis. The Foundation will install signposts and an informational plaque.”
We thank our guide Halil for showing us this beautiful but damaged necropolis.
