Medjugorje at a glance
Medjugorje, written Međugorje in the local spelling, is a pilgrimage place in Herzegovina. The parish names three places of prayer: St. James Church, Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) and Cross Mountain (Križevac). Pilgrims and other visitors come for services, for prayer and for the walks up the two hills.
Treat the whole area as a place of worship, whatever your own beliefs. This guide is independent. It is not run by the parish, the church or any tour operator, and it does not take a position on the claimed apparitions. Apparition Hill is simply the customary name of the place.
What the Vatican said in 2024
The position of the Church, in plain terms.
The note of 19 September 2024
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published the note "The Queen of Peace". It gives a positive pastoral judgment on the spiritual experience at Medjugorje.
What "nihil obstat" means
The note grants a "nihil obstat", which allows public veneration. It does not declare the claimed apparitions to be of supernatural origin, and it places no duty on anyone to believe in them. Both statements matter: the Church neither rejects the place nor confirms the apparitions.
Medjugorje tours and day trips
Guided trips to Medjugorje and Herzegovina, with live prices and availability.
The three places of prayer
Each place has its own character.
St. James Church
The church has two towers, and an outdoor altar stands beside it. The parish runs an information office. Check the parish's current schedule for services before you go.
Apparition Hill (Podbrdo)
Podbrdo is one of the two hills that pilgrims climb in prayer and silence. From it you can look out over Medjugorje.
Cross Mountain (Križevac)
Križevac, or Cross Mountain, is the second hill and a place of prayer in its own right. Pick a cool part of the day in summer and bring water.
Walking the hills
The paths on both hills are stony, so wear sturdy shoes. Pilgrims walk them slowly, often in silence, so step aside to let others pass and keep your voice low.
The parish publishes instructions for pilgrims. The main points:
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees at the church, on Podbrdo and on Križevac.
- Behavior: keep quiet and keep the places clean.
- Candles: do not light candles on the hills. Use the designated place west of the church.
- Photos: no photos during Mass and Eucharistic adoration.
- Groups: the parish asks groups to announce themselves and the number of participants at the information office.
Getting to Medjugorje
Bus from Mostar. The public operator runs line 48 between Mostar and Medjugorje. A single ticket costs 5.50 KM (about €2.80). Check the current timetable before you go.
By car or tour. A tour takes the planning off your hands, and some itineraries combine Medjugorje with other stops in Herzegovina. For flights, trains and long-distance buses see getting there.
Where to sleep. Not every guesthouse is within walking distance of all three places. Check the distance to the church or the hill you want before you book. Our page on where to stay compares areas.
When to go and what to bring
A few practical points for the hills.
Summer heat
The average daily high in nearby Mostar is 32.0 °C in July and 33.5 °C in August (1991 to 2020 normals). Climb early in the day and bring water.
Autumn rain
October and November are among the wettest months in Mostar, with 151 and 189 mm of rain on average. Stony paths need dry feet and good grip, so check the forecast before you go up.
Clothing and shoes
Pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and sturdy shoes. A light layer helps if you stay for an evening service.
The full monthly table is on our weather page.
More places in Herzegovina
Ideas for the rest of your trip.
Medjugorje: frequently asked questions
Has the Vatican approved the apparitions?
No. A note of 19 September 2024 gives a positive pastoral judgment and a "nihil obstat" for public veneration. It does not declare a supernatural origin, and nobody has to believe in the claimed apparitions.
What should I wear in Medjugorje?
Cover your shoulders and knees at the church, on Apparition Hill and on Križevac. Wear sturdy shoes for the hills.
Can I take photos or light a candle?
Do not take photos during Mass or Eucharistic adoration. Do not light candles on the hills, only at the designated place west of the church.
How do I get from Mostar to Medjugorje?
Take line 48 of the public bus operator. A single fare is 5.50 KM (about €2.80). Check the current timetable before you plan your day.
Do I need to register my group?
The parish asks groups to announce themselves and the number of participants at the information office. Ask the information office if you are unsure whether the request applies to you.