Borak Necropolis
A medieval burial ground of 212 stećaks—distinctive South Slavic tombstones—arranged across a hilltop landscape in eastern Bosnia.
At a glance
The Borak necropolis is a national monument preserving one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most intact assemblies of stećaks. These carved stone markers span centuries and reflect the burial customs and artistic traditions of medieval and early modern South Slavic communities.
History
The necropolis accumulated over generations as a family and community burial ground. Little scholarly documentation exists on its earliest use, but the surviving stećaks indicate sustained funerary practice across several centuries. The site’s preservation reflects broader efforts to protect Bosnia’s stećak heritage as a cultural monument.
What you see
Two hundred twelve visible stećaks form the necropolis, their orientation revealing burial patterns: the majority run east–west, while fewer stand north–south. The stones themselves carry the carved motifs and inscriptions typical of the stećak tradition—geometric patterns, religious symbols, and commemorative texts marking graves across the elevated terrain.
Cultural significance
Stećaks represent a unique chapter in European medieval funerary art, distinct from Western European and Byzantine traditions. The Borak necropolis demonstrates the scale and organization of South Slavic burial practices. In 2016, stećaks were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage—recognition of their importance to Bosnian identity and regional heritage.
Key facts
- Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Municipality: Rogatica
- Elevation: 140 meters
- Stećaks recorded: 212
- Coordinates: 43.83794°N, 18.88445°E
- Status: National monument
Practical information & getting there
The necropolis sits on Borak hill beside Burati village, adjacent to the Sokolac–Rogatica main road. Its roadside location makes it accessible to those traveling through eastern Bosnia. For current visiting conditions and any guidance, consult local tourism information in Rogatica.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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