A New Step in the Protection of Berane’s Cultural Heritage – Preparatory Works at Gradac Completed

At the archaeological site of Gradac, in the Budimlja settlement in the Municipality of Berane, preparatory works within the project “InclUSivE HERITAGE – Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Hinterlands” have been successfully completed. The project is implemented through the Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, with financial support from the European Union. The project lead is the Polimlje Museum from Berane, while the project partner is the Museum of Herzegovina from Trebinje.

During the previous period, thorough site cleaning and removal of vegetation were carried out, creating conditions for further archaeological research and conservation activities. Of particular importance is the completion of excavations in Sector II, where 28 metres of the fortification wall were explored. These works have enabled a better understanding of the layered history of Gradac and revealed new data of significance for the scientific and professional community.

Works at Gradac began in December 2025, and in the coming period, maintenance activities, conservation works on architectural remains, their consolidation and rehabilitation, as well as the tourist outfitting of the site through the installation of information boards and the construction of a panoramic platform are planned. Special attention will be paid to preserving the authenticity of the site and improving its presentation, with the aim of making Gradac a recognizable cultural tourism destination in Berane.

In parallel with these activities, the partner institution – the Museum of Herzegovina from Trebinje – is commencing works on the protection and valorisation of a cultural property of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the medieval fortress of Mičevac near Trebinje. Through this joint project, the preservation and promotion of significant sites on both sides of the border are supported, along with the strengthening of cultural ties and the development of sustainable cultural tourism in the cross-border area.

The project “InclUSivE HERITAGE – Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Hinterlands” aims to preserve and promote cultural heritage in rural areas, improve accessibility, and strengthen the tourism offer through sustainable management and valorisation of sites of particular importance.

The Polimlje Museum, in cooperation with the Museum of Herzegovina from Trebinje and expert teams, continues the implementation of the project, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Gradac as a valuable segment of cultural heritage and a site of special importance for the local community and the wider public.