Kopošići, a village near Ilijaš in central Bosnia, is home to a significant necropolis of stećci, medieval tombstones notable for their cultural importance. Situated on a hill near the historic town of Dubrovnik, the necropolis features eight prominent stećci at its center and approximately 30 additional monuments descending the slope. Among the notable burials is the great Bosnian prince Batić Mirković, whose monumental stećak, weighing over nine tons, bears a valuable epitaph rich in historical information.

The inscription reveals that Batić was interred by his wife, Vukava, on his estate and served as a prince under Bosnian King Tvrtko II Kotromanić, who ruled during the early 15th century. Local tradition holds that Vukava’s monument lies to the right of Batić’s, and possibly that of his father, Prince Mirko Radojević, a noteworthy figure in his own right.

The necropolis dates back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Artistically, Batić’s stećak is remarkable, measuring over two meters long with intricate ribbon designs that embody both monumentality and harmony. Esteemed art historian Đoko Mazalić considers it one of the most beautiful examples of stećci.

However, the stones in Kopošići now face deterioration, with cracks threatening their integrity. Urgent conservation efforts are necessary to preserve these significant historical monuments and ensure their survival for future generations.

https://steccihorizoneu.com/stecci-biodeteriogens-assessment-koposici/
https://steccihorizoneu.com/reviving-history-my-stecci-story/
https://steccihorizoneu.com/wp3-team-conducts-condition-assessment-of-stecci-sites-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-july-2024/