Where is Medjugorje?
Medjugorje (Croatian Međugorje, meaning “between the hills”) is a small village in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Herzegovina, about 25 km from Mostar, in the municipality of Čitluk. The coast at Ploče is about an hour away by car.
The village grew up around St James parish church. Two hills frame it: Podbrdo (Apparition Hill) and Križevac (Cross Mountain). Millions of pilgrims come here every year from all over the world.
The story of the apparitions
On 24 June 1981 six young people saw a young woman standing in light on the side of Podbrdo, holding a child in her arms. They returned the next day, and the apparition spoke to them. This is why Medjugorje celebrates 25 June as the anniversary of the apparitions.
Our Lady introduced herself as the “Queen of Peace”. Her messages centre on peace, conversion, prayer (especially the rosary), fasting, confession and the Holy Mass.
The six visionaries: Vicka Ivanković-Mijatović, Mirjana Dragičević-Soldo, Marija Pavlović-Lunetti, Ivan Dragičević, Ivanka Ivanković-Elez and Jakov Čolo. Marija publishes a message on the 25th of every month.
What does the Church say?
In 2019 Pope Francis allowed dioceses and parishes to organise official pilgrimages to Medjugorje.
In September 2024 the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in its note “The Queen of Peace”, gave a nihil obstat to the spiritual experience connected with Medjugorje: it recognised the fruits of the shrine (conversions, confessions, vocations) and encouraged pilgrimages. It made no declaration on the supernatural character of the apparitions, which is not a condition for a pilgrimage of faith.
The most important places
St James Church: the heart of the parish, with the outdoor altar behind it seating thousands. The evening prayer programme takes place here, and confessions are heard in many languages.
Podbrdo – Apparition Hill: a stony path leads up to the place of the apparitions and the white statue of the Queen of Peace, past bronze reliefs of the mysteries of the rosary. About 20–30 minutes on foot.
Križevac – Cross Mountain: the Stations of the Cross lead up the 520-metre hill above the village; at the top stands the large concrete cross raised in 1933 for the 1900th anniversary of the Redemption. About 1–1.5 hours up; good shoes are a must.
The statue of the Risen Christ in the park behind the church, the Blue Cross at the foot of Podbrdo and the perpetual adoration chapel are also much loved by pilgrims.
The evening prayer programme
Every day the parish holds an evening prayer programme: the rosary, an international Holy Mass, then a blessing and prayer for the sick. Several evenings a week there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or veneration of the Cross. The start time depends on the season (earlier in winter); it is announced on site and on the parish website.
Masses are celebrated in many languages throughout the day, English included; see today's Mass times on this site. Our radio carries the church's evening programme live.
How to get there
Many groups arrive by coach through Croatia, on the A1 motorway towards Ploče and over the Bijača border crossing. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the EU, so passports or ID cards are checked at the border.
The nearest airports are Mostar, Split and Dubrovnik. The currency is the convertible mark (BAM), but euros are accepted in many places. Mobile networks work as elsewhere in Europe, but EU roaming does not apply here, so it is worth switching off mobile data.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes with a good grip for the hills, a raincoat or windbreaker, a hat and sun cream in summer, and a small backpack with water.
A rosary, a prayer book, an examination of conscience for confession, your passport or ID card, your health insurance card, and a little cash in marks or euros.
Frequently asked questions
When did the apparitions in Medjugorje begin?
On 24 June 1981, when six young people first saw Our Lady on Podbrdo hill. The anniversary is celebrated on 25 June.
Does the Church recognise Medjugorje?
Official pilgrimages have been allowed since 2019, and in 2024 the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith gave a nihil obstat to the spiritual experience connected with Medjugorje. It made no decision on the supernatural character of the apparitions.
Can I go to confession in English in Medjugorje?
Yes. Confessions are heard in many languages at St James Church, usually including English; the confessionals show the language.
What currency is used?
The official currency is the convertible mark (BAM), but euros are accepted in most places.
Do I need a passport for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
EU citizens can enter with an ID card or a passport; other visitors need a passport and should check visa rules. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the EU, so there are border checks.
Medjugorje, live
Live radio from St James Church, the daily Gospel, the homily and the parish Mass times.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons, under the licences listed on the photo credits page.