Simple Guide to Visiting Blagaj Tekke (Dervish House) in Bosnia
The town of Blagaj in Bosnia is synonymous with the blending of man-made and natural wonders, and it is difficult to focus on one without the other.
Blagaj is home to the Blagaj Tekke (Tekija), also known as the Dervish House. This beautiful 16th century monastery sits in an even more beautiful location directly next to a huge cave containing the bubbling source of the Buna River.
The Dervish settlers that built the Blagaj Tekke felt that its idyllic surroundings were the perfect place to call home and now it the perfect place to escape to after the hustle and bustle of Mostar.
History
This impressive site was built in the 16th century by a group of Dervish believers that followed the Sufi Islamic religion. You may recognise the Dervish from their mystical and enchanting whirling dances that they perform.
The monastery has been in use for hundreds of years as a quiet place of reflection in the heart of nature.
The Dervish House is built at the foot of an imposing cliff and directly next to a large cave containing the source of the river Buna. Because of this, the monastery is treated to crystal clear water and an abundance of local fish.
Blagaj Tekke is made up of a couple different buildings such as the guest house (musafirhana) and the tomb (türbe) all of which can be visited on your trip.
How to get there
Public transport in Bosnia is always going to be a hit or a miss and relying on buses that never come may put a dampener on your travel plans.
Hiring a car can also be a little tricky so if you are coming from Mostar or the surrounding area then your best bet is to get a taxi. The price will be very reasonable, and the trip will take less than 20 minutes one way.
Alternatively, you will also find plenty of guided tours that will take you from Mostar to Blagaj Tekke and many other local sites for a decent price.
You can visit the grounds freely however if you want to get closer then you will have to pay a small fee at the entrance gate.
If you then plan to enter the Tekke please be respectful and cover your shoulders and legs if they are bare – you will find spare covers at the entrance which are plentiful and free to use.
Tip
Once you arrive at Blagaj Tekke and are feeling a bit hungry, you are in luck as there are plenty of restaurants by directly at the monastery. However if you feel like these are too touristy then there are plenty more in the town of Blagaj that will give you a more traditional experience. We went to Restoran Velika Ada on our visit and had an amazing, traditional lunch here in a gorgeous location.
Nearby attractions
Mostar
At only a 20-minute drive from Blagaj Tekke, most people will include a trip to the historic city of Mostar whilst in the area.
Mostar is famous around the world for its well-preserved old town that contains twisting alleys filled with hundreds of shops and stalls selling a wide variety of goods.
However, the city is probably most famous for the iconic Stari Most, otherwise known as the Old Bridge.
Throughout the country’s long and mixed history, the Stari Most has always been a symbol of unification between peoples and of connecting different cultures.
If you time your visit wisely you may catch the annual bridge jumping competition which looks incredible!
Kravica (Kravice) Waterfall
It would be a shame to come all the way to Bosnia and not see one of its most stunning spots.
The Kravica Waterfall measures 25 metres high and arcs around a natural pool which is the perfect place for a swim.
The entrance fee is around 10 Marks however you can stay for as long as you like and there’s plenty to do including going on a boat tour!
At only a one-hour drive from Blagaj Tekke, this is a must do when you are in the area.
Počitelj
Exactly halfway between Kravica Waterfall and Blagaj Tekke is the picturesque, medieval town of Počitelj.
This once thriving town is now one of the most well-preserved historical sites in the region and is well worth a visit.
While you walk through the tight and winding cobbled streets, you’ll really feel a sense of what living here would have been like all those years ago.
We recommend taking the short walk up through the town towards Počitelj Kula (tower). Once you reach the top you’ll be welcomed by stunning views over the town and across to the mountains and rivers that surround it.
Tours
We included Blagaj Tekke as part of a larger cross-country trip that we booked with Funky Tours, so if that is your plan then we highly recommend them.
Alternatively, you can combine it with a few other local places as part of a great day trip from Mostar – check out one of these awesome tours:
Accommodation
Due to Blagaj Tekke’s popularity and its proximity to Mostar, there are often many accommodation options to choose from:
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