Ograde: Nature and Culture in the Surrounding Area

Ograde and Ubla belong to the same local community, Zubci, whose seat is in Grab. Around Ograde, the landscape ranges from the Orjen Massif to Vjetrenica Cave. There are also religious buildings, historic sites and opportunities for activities by the river.

Ograde, Zubci and Getting Your Bearings

A specific landmark in Grab is the cemetery by the Church of Sveta Petka in the Zubci field. It is enclosed by a stone wall and lies right beside the road. If you drive from Trebinje through Tuli to Grab, you will find it 1,000 metres before Grab, on the left. Families from Ograde also use the cemetery today.

Landscape and Nature in the Surrounding Area

The Orjen Massif is part of the Mediterranean biogeographical region and covers around 18,156 hectares. Its landscape features include caves, forests, grassland, mountain pastures and meadows. The massif is used for hiking and mountaineering. The caves are not open to the public.

Vjetrenica is a protected natural monument and a tourist destination. Its features include extensive passages and chambers, speleothems, lakes, several waterfalls and several permanent streams. The explored underground passages extend for about 6,700 metres. The wider area around Ograde thus offers a variety of landscapes: the habitats of the Orjen Massif and the underground formations of Vjetrenica.

Excursion Areas and Activities

Ubla is an excursion area for enjoying nature and taking trips; it also offers opportunities for winter sports. The event “Iz ustanka nicaše sloboda” is traditionally held in Ubla. It serves to preserve folk traditions and customs.

Swimming and fishing are suitable activities on the Sušica River. There are swimming spots and a campsite by the river. In the wider area, Strač Fortress offers views of Zupci, Petrovo Polje, the Trebinje Forest and Trebinje. The activities described range from enjoying nature and water to taking in views of the surrounding landscape.

Religious History and Historic Sites

The Monastery of Svetog Đorđa on Bravenik was built in the first half of the 13th century. Today it remains an active brotherhood with monastic and liturgical life. The Church of Svetog Đorđa on Bravenik serves as the parish church for the entire Zubci plateau.

Kaluđerska Cave is also associated with a local tradition: it tells of monks who fled to the eastern mountains after a monastery was destroyed. Strač Fortress is considered one of the largest Austro-Hungarian fortifications in the Balkans. At Vučija Bridge, historical associations meet a specific construction date: it stands on the site of a former Roman road from Dubrovnik to Montenegro and is considered a 13th-century structure.

The Ćiro Trail follows the former route of a narrow-gauge railway through landscapes dotted with old railway stations, tunnels and stone bridges. Its history as a railway line sets it apart from the religious and military buildings in the surrounding area.

Regional Food

Herzeg House offers regional products such as cheese, Pršut, honey and wine. In Trebinje, the Green Market is also a place to find regional food and a tourist attraction.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Modriča, Laminci Sređani, Mrkonjić Grad, Sarajevo, Staro Rudo, Dračevo, Slatina, Rudo Polje

For the higher-level travel overview: Republika Srpska.