Radimlja is situated in Vidovo polje, approximately three kilometers west of Stolac, along the main road connecting Stolac and Čapljina. This necropolis features 133 tombstones, or stećci, although an estimated 20 were damaged during road construction.
Renowned for its intricate decorations, Radimlja boasts 63 decorated monuments showcasing a wide variety of ornamental motifs. A prominent emblem of the necropolis is a male figure depicted with an exaggerated uplifted right hand while the left rests on his hip, often interpreted as a warrior. Accompanying this figure are motifs of weaponry like bows, arrows, swords, and shields, as well as depictions of a full moon, which some theories suggest may symbolize the afterlife or even Saint Vitus, supported by regional toponymy linking the name Vidoštica to nearby locations.
The stećci at Radimlja also feature a range of figurative representations, including scenes of round dances with varying participants, as well as depictions of animals such as deer, dogs, and horses. Of particular interest are scenes illustrating dogs herding a group of roe deer toward a waiting hunter, showcasing the rich symbolism embedded within these carvings.
The necropolis contains five epitaphs in Bosnian Cyrillic, which may hint at its original name, “Batonoge.” These inscriptions, while short, provide essential information about the deceased and their affiliations, mentioning members of the Vlach katun of Miloradović Hrabren. Notable figures include Duke Stipan, who passed away in 1470, and Duke Petar, leader of the Vlach katun, mentioned in records from 1477. The presence of these historical references allows the necropolis to be dated to the 15th century.
Today, Radimlja is celebrated as the most beautiful and famous necropolis of stećci, inspiring verses from prominent Bosnian-Herzegovinian poet Mehmedalija Mak Dizdar. Its cultural significance has been recognized through its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
https://steccihorizoneu.com/wp3-team-conducts-condition-assessments-in-croatia-and-bosnia-herzegovina-split-hr-cista-velika-hr-radimlja-bih-and-ravanjska-vrata-bih-september-2024/
https://steccihorizoneu.com/the-heritage-malta-digital-acquisition-mission-update/