DUČIĆ’S CITY BATHED IN SPRING SUNSHINE

Dučić deeply loved Trebinje, and chose Crkvina Hill as his final resting place, from where the entire city can be seen at a glance. For 26 years now, he has stood there in eternal vigil at one of the most beautiful Orthodox monasteries—the Herzegovinian Gračanica. By Milena Koprivica

TREBINJE, APRIL 10 /SRNA/ – Sun, wine, plane trees, the Trebišnjica River, Jovan Dučić, and welcoming hosts are just some of the symbols of Trebinje, a city many consider one of the most beautiful Serb towns. These days, the city is bathed in spring sunshine, while the Trebišnjica flows gently, bringing freshness and vibrancy to this Herzegovinian gem. It is impossible to visit without noticing the monument to Trebinje’s most famous native, the great Serbian poet Jovan Dučić, who left much more than verses and poetry to his beloved city - above all, a rich cultural legacy. To this day, the city faithfully and proudly preserves his memory and the cultural values he entrusted to future generations. His monument stands at the entrance to the city park, another oasis of peace and relaxation, a gathering place for passersby who pause in the well-kept and clean surroundings to take a break from daily routines. Walking through the park leads to the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a monumental structure blending several architectural styles, whose construction began in 1888 and lasted until 1908. Dučić deeply loved Trebinje and chose Crkvina Hill as his final resting place. From there, the entire city lies spread out below, and for 26 years he has stood eternal guard in one of the most beautiful Orthodox monasteries - the Herzegovinian Gračanica. The Trebišnjica, with its clear and cool waters, reflects Mount Leotar, which rises proudly above the city like its guardian. Beneath the centuries-old plane trees in the city center, smiling locals and tourists from around the world rest and enjoy their morning coffee. Nearby, the lively murmur of the Trebinje market can be heard, where visitors can find local honey, cheese, wine, as well as prosciutto and olive oil - authentic Herzegovinian products. Both locals and visitors stop by, leave satisfied, and return again, as taste and quality sometimes come at no price. The path then leads to the Old Town, another symbol of Trebinje, bearing witness to its rich, centuries-old history and culture. There, one can find the famous Anđelka’s Gate, a reminder of the main character from the well-known series Wounded Eagle, as well as the Osman Pasha Mosque. Trebinje is also a city of bridges - symbols of connection - such as Arslanagić Bridge, Ivo Andrić Bridge, and the Stone Bridge. Bridges connect not only riverbanks and cities, but also people and times.