The rich and complex life of the Middle Ages also shaped the area of Šavnik, leaving a strong cultural imprint that contributed to the unique and anthropological development of its landscape. The territory of the Municipality of Šavnik is rich in sites where medieval burials marked by stećci can be found. These distinctive medieval tombstones represent a unique phenomenon in the way burial sites were commemorated. Within the municipality, a total of 112 stećci have been recorded, dating from different historical periods and located at various sites. Here, we highlight those that are more easily accessible to visitors.
The stećci in Gornja Bijela are located within a village cemetery, at the center of which are the remains of a church. An altar mensa is still visible, and the layout of the church can be clearly identified at ground level. Some of the stećci were reused as building material (spolia) in the construction of the church. Two to three rows of monolithic, dressed stone blocks are preserved, stacked one upon another, with three of them clearly identifiable as stećci.
The stećci in Pošćenje are also situated within the village cemetery and are scattered among more recent graves. At the entrance to the cemetery, visitors can see a displaced stećak in the form of an elongated stone chest, notable for its unusual decoration. At least six stećci are located around the church, while above the church’s foundation zone there are large tombstones with clearly visible carved decorative elements. Archaeological research indicates that 15 to 16 stećci are built into the lower sections of the church walls. This number is likely not final, as many tombstones were used as support material for other stone structures.