10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit in the Balkans

1. Palace of Diocletian, Split, Croatia

Although a small country, Croatia holds an impressive number of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its second-largest city, Split, owes its existence to one of them – the Palace of Diocletian, whose ruins still stand today. Constructed between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries, as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace became the foundation upon which Split was built. Medieval fortifications, churches from the 13th and 15th centuries, Gothic palaces from the 15th century, and several more buildings in diverse architectural styles are among the numerous remarkable features in this protected site.

Initially, the Palace’s surrounding area served as a home for the emperor’s servants and supporters, and over time, it grew into a thriving town. Today, the Palace of Diocletian remains the vibrant center of Split. The site is freely accessible and surrounded by bars, restaurants, shops, and museums, due to its location in the heart of the old city.

2. Old City of Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old City of Dubrovnik, one of the most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Balkans, is a remarkably well-preserved complex. This historic town is characterized by its terra-cotta rooftops, religious structures, cobbled streets, and massive, iconic city walls.

Located on the Dalmatian coast, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” rose to prominence as a major Mediterranean naval power starting in the 13th century. It continued to exist as an autonomous republic for a few centuries under the name Ragusa. It was the only city-state that possessed the same naval and commercial might as Venice. Today, it is a very popular tourist destination and cruise ship stopover, serving as a great starting point for day tours around the region.

3. The Old Bridge Area in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Probably one of the most picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Balkans is the Old Bridge (Stari Most), in the city of Mostar. This famous Ottoman bridge, built in the 16th century, crosses the Neretva River to link two areas of the city. The bridge was devastated during the Balkan War in the 1990s, but then successfully reconstructed afterwards.

The historic town of Mostar, situated in a deep valley of the Neretva River, evolved as an Ottoman frontier town during the 15th and 16th centuries and continued to develop during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. Known for its old Turkish houses and the Old Bridge, or Stari Most, from which the town derives its name, Mostar has a long-standing reputation for its architectural and cultural heritage.

With its pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean, and western European architectural elements, the Old Bridge district is a superb illustration of a diverse urban community. The Old Bridge and Old City of Mostar symbolize peace, global cooperation, and the coexistence of many cultural, ethnic, and religious groups.

4. Butrint, Albania

Among numerous UNESCO Heritage sites in the Balkans, there is also a significant archeological locality, Butrint, found in Albania. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint holds many extraordinary structures such as ancient Greek and Roman monuments, fortified walls, and an early-Christian baptistery. Once the site of a Greek colony, Burtrint flourished as a Roman town before becoming part of the Byzantine Empire. It was later under Venetian control for a period before being abandoned in the late Middle Ages. Today, the extensive collection of ruins offers a glimpse into the town’s diverse historical chapters.

5. Ohrid, North Macedonia

The list continues with the unique site in North Macedonia that is acknowledged for both its cultural and natural significance, something that just 27 other sites worldwide can claim. One of the oldest human settlements in Europe is the town of Ohrid, which is located on the lake’s shoreline. Its old center, featuring structures dating from the 7th to the 19th century, provides an excellent view of the region’s architectural and artistic evolution.

Ohrid is home to the oldest Slav monastery, St. Pantelejmon, and boasts over 800 Byzantine-style icons from the 11th to the 14th centuries. Additionally, three sites in the lake’s shallow waters reveal the presence of prehistoric pile dwellings, and the small Lin Peninsula holds the remains of an Early Christian church established in the mid-6th century.

6. Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, Bulgaria

Many of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are ancient religious structures, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo are a prime example. This site features a series of churches, monasteries, and chapels meticulously carved into the rock cliffs along the Rusenski Lom River.

The complex stands out from other historic Bulgarian buildings. Originating in the 1100s and constructed by hermit monks, the churches are particularly special for their 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, which are outstanding examples of Bulgarian medieval art and hold significant importance in the history of Christian art in Europe.

7. Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

One of the most visited sites in Bulgaria is certainly the Rila Monastery. It was established in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, a hermit later canonized by the Orthodox Church. His austere dwelling and tomb evolved into a sacred site and were eventually developed into a monastic complex that significantly influenced the spiritual and social landscape of medieval Bulgaria. This site is a notable example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), representing the resurgence of Slavic cultural identity after centuries of foreign rule.

Entering the stone walls, you will be greeted by notable religious art forms in addition to a variety of vivid architectural designs that are unlike anything you have ever seen. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the profound spirituality emanating from the site, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, is sure to leave a lasting impression.

8. Studenica Monastery, Serbia

Another interesting historical site can be found in Serbia. Namely, the biggest and the wealthiest of Orthodox monasteries in Serbia is the Studenica Monastery. The founder of the medieval Serb state Stevan Nemanja, established the monastery in the late 12th century. Its two main structures, the Church of the Virgin and the Church of the King, are constructed from white marble,. They house invaluable collections of Byzantine paintings dating from the 13th and 14th centuries.

9. Historic Center of Sighișoara, Romania

The next site is probably the one we heard the most of due to its connection with the legendary Dracula. Situated in the renowned Transylvania region, Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad III the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s story about Dracula. However, Sighișoara and Transylvania offer much more than just their vampiric legacy.

Sighişoara exemplifies a well-preserved, fortified medieval town that held significant strategic and commercial importance on the periphery of central Europe for many centuries. It was established by German artisans and traders known as the Saxons of Transylvania. Interestingly, this rich Saxon heritage is what led to Sighișoara being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

A remarkable fact is that there are more than 150 structures that are at least 300 years old. These include the House of Vlad Dracul (the father of Vlad III the Impaler), the Stag House, the Venetian House, and the City Hall of Sighișoara. Sighișoara is a small town, but it certainly boasts a number of impressive sights that can’t be missed.

10. Churches of Moldavia, Romania

Lastly, this list finished with another highly impressive Romanian sight – the Churches of Moldavia. These eight churches feature exterior walls adorned with frescoes; true masterpieces of Byzantine art. They are genuine and remarkably well-preserved. Also, these frescoes are not merely decorative but provide a systematic coverage of all facades, depicting complete cycles of religious themes. Their outstanding arrangement, graceful figures, and harmonious colors blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

In particular, the Church of the Holy Cross at Sucevița Monastery often stands out for its artistic significance. It is the only church that shows the depiction of the ladder of St John Climacus. It is also renowned for its well-preserved and extensive exterior and interior mural paintings from the 16th century. For enthusiasts of art, architecture, culture, and history, this Romanian UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the most captivating destinations you can explore in the Balkans.

Did you enjoy our guide? Are any important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Balkans missing from this list? Let us know in the comments which are you favorite!