Municipality of Runovići: Vrljika, Cultural Heritage and Craftsmanship

• Within the municipality, the Vrljika River is also called Vrljika Matica. The Vrljika is protected under the Natura 2000 programme as site HR2000933.
• The Brvina Bridge over the Vrljika is registered as an individual cultural property under reference number Z-7066.
• The Greblje-Grebnik archaeological site in Slivno has reference number Z-4627.
• The parish church of Gospe od Karmela in Runović dates from 1869; the bell tower of the Gospe od Zdravlja chapel dates from 1894.
• The parish feast of Gospe od Karmela is held annually on 16 July. The 24th Ganga Fest took place in Slivno on 22 August 2026.

The Brvina Bridge links a specific point in the cultural landscape with the river: it crosses the Vrljika and is associated with both the Municipality of Runovići and the settlement of Runović. The Brvina Bridge is registered as an individual cultural property under reference number Z-7066.

The Greblje-Grebnik archaeological site is located in Slivno. Also in Slivno, the Church of the Holy Trinity houses a large 18th-century painting by Filippo Naldi depicting the Virgin Mary and saints. Archaeological heritage and a specific sacred work of art thus stand side by side in the same place.

Runović also offers several different points of interest for those interested in culture. The parish church of Gospe od Karmela includes its cemetery; both are part of the municipality’s tangible cultural heritage. The heritage also includes the parish house complex, with the Gospe od Zdravlja chapel and the surrounding buildings. A late medieval cemetery with stećci adds to these historic landmarks. The dates of the church and the bell tower represent two distinct periods in the area’s architectural history.

The Nogalo family’s blacksmithing tradition has been part of its family history for more than two and a half centuries. According to family tradition, the family built a stone house in Slivno in 1774. Ante and Nediljko Nogalo continue to forge in the traditional way, making or repairing agricultural tools, stoneworking tools and construction tools. This describes both a family connection passed down through history and a craft practice that continues to this day.

The cultural calendar includes a variety of events. The parish feast of Gospe od Karmela on 16 July commemorates the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The recurring Ganga Fest celebrates ganga singing, gusle playing and regional traditional culture. Its 24th edition took place in Slivno on 22 August 2026. As these dates relate to different festivals, they help distinguish religious observance from a regional cultural festival.

The Vrljika flows through the Municipality of Runovići; old mills have been preserved along the river and other waterways in the karst field. Together with its Natura 2000 designation, this paints a picture of a river that is both a protected area and a point of reference for the region’s built heritage.

A Camino Imota route described by Visit Imota runs on the third day from Zelena katedrala via Kamenmost, Zmijavci and Runovići to Vinjani and Imotski; it ends at the Church of Sv. Frane. In this description, Runovići lies on the section between Zmijavci and Vinjani. The route description dates from the early 2020s. If you plan to walk the route, check its current course and markings beforehand.

Vinarija Jerković is listed at the address Runovići bb, 21261 Runović. If you are considering a visit, check opening hours and visiting arrangements directly in advance. When choosing your accommodation, you can use the places and topics described here as a starting point and consider whether cultural heritage, the river landscape or the route is especially important for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Podgora, Municipality of Šestanovac, Municipality of Lovreć, Gradac, Solta, Municipality of Primorski Dolac.

When is the parish feast of Gospe od Karmela held?

The parish feast is held annually on 16 July to commemorate the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What cultural heritage sites are there in Slivno?

Slivno is home to the Greblje-Grebnik archaeological site and the Church of the Holy Trinity, which houses an 18th-century painting by Filippo Naldi.

What is the route of the described Camino Imota route through Runovići?

On the third day, the described route runs from Zelena katedrala via Kamenmost and Zmijavci to Runovići, then continues to Vinjani and Imotski, ending at the Church of Sv. Frane. Check the current route and markings before setting out.

See the wider travel guide: Split-Dalmatia.