The most famous pilgrimage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in a valley between two mountains – Križevac and Podbrdo. It became famous due to the apparitions in the 1990s, which attracted attention not only from locals but also from people worldwide.
The history of Medjugorje, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is connected to the events of 1981 when the Virgin Mary appeared to two girls, and later to a total of six children. She introduced herself as the Queen of Peace and urged them to pray and repent. The children began to meet her regularly and pass on her messages.
However, the apparitions were not fully accepted in the area. The country was under communist rule, and so the visionaries and their families were persecuted with harsh interrogations by the police and psychological examinations. Although the Catholic Church has not yet officially recognized the apparitions, it allowed the organization of pilgrimages.
St. James Church and Podbrdo Hill: the heart of Medjugorje
The two main centers of pilgrimage life in Medjugorje are two places: St. James Church in the center of the village and Podbrdo Hill, which leads to a rocky path with bronze rosary reliefs. At the top of Podbrdo, a white statue of the Virgin Mary, highly revered, welcomes pilgrims. St. James Church, located in the village, serves as a center for prayers and Eucharistic life. There are 25 confessionals, and there is an outdoor altar with plenty of seating for Mass. A white statue of Mary is also located here.
An important event: the international youth festival
At the end of July and the beginning of August, the International Youth Festival (also known as MladiFest) takes place in Medjugorje, bringing together young people and adults from all over the world. A rich program is prepared, translated into various world languages. However, pilgrimages to Medjugorje can be made throughout the year. Popular are the tour packages combined with an evening Mass. If you purchase souvenirs, you can also have them blessed by the priest at the end of the Mass.
Many healings on Križevac mountain
Another significant place is Križevac Mountain with a bronze statue of Christ, located about 2.5 km from the neighboring Podbrdo Hill. It is said that a miraculous liquid flows from the statue’s knee, which has healed many sick people at the site. This unexplained phenomenon is one of the reasons why Medjugorje attracts up to three million pilgrims annually. The town is located 930 km from Bratislava.
Medjugorje is now a place that attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, seeking spiritual enrichment and miracles. Despite controversies and the Church’s ambiguous stance, the undeniable influence of Medjugorje on people is evident. Pilgrims come not only for religious experience but also for peace and spiritual renewal. The local mountains, churches, statues, and sacraments offer a unique space for prayer, repentance, and personal transformation. Medjugorje remains a place of faith and hope that will continue to live in the hearts of pilgrims worldwide.