Cultural
Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards
Inscribed 2016
Photo : Martin Brož (CC BY 3.0)
These medieval graveyards contain stećci, distinctive monumental tombstones that represent a unique funerary tradition of the Balkans. Dating from the 12th to 16th centuries, the stećci were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016 for their outstanding universal value as testimony to a specific medieval culture and burial practice. Located in Serbia, these graveyards showcase examples of these carved stone monuments that are also found across the broader region encompassing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Croatia. The stećci are characterized by their diverse shapes, ranging from simple slabs to elaborate sculptural forms, often decorated with bas-reliefs depicting geometric patterns, religious motifs, and scenes of daily life. The sites collectively provide important archaeological and artistic evidence of medieval Balkan society, reflecting the region's complex religious and cultural heritage during the medieval period.
Inscription
2016
