About Metkovic
THE CITY OF METKOVIC
Located in the valley of the Neretva river, open towards the sea, Metkovic offers great possibilities for enjoying your vacation. Traditionally turned towards agriculture because of the rich river delta known for its plantations of tangerines and other fruit and vegetables, it is a natural phenomenon and you can also enjoy boat rides (Neretva photo safari) and in traditional specialties (eel and frog).
Where hills merge with a fertile valley, where a green river and mystical swamps combine with clear blue sea, that is where you find Metkovic. Here you will feel the call of the wild, get to enjoy in juicy fruit, especially the tangerines and meet your welcoming hosts to have a good time!
History
The remains of the city of Narona, today’s Vid are 4km southwest of Metkovic, where the Archeological musem Narona is built, as the first “in situ” museum in Croatia. Built on the locality of an antique temple dedicated to the 1st Roman emperor Augustus, it shows a unique collection of antique statues made sometime in the 1st century B.C.
The Archeological museum Narona is a unique and unavoidable destination for all lovers of culture, art, history and archeology.
Tradition
Of interesting events to note are the city features. During May there is the traditional folklore event "Na Neretvu misečina pala", or "Moonlight falls on Neretva", while July is rerserved for traditional mullet fishing and the "Cipolijada", a contest of jumping into the Neretva. There’s also the Roman Night in Narona, which will transport you back in time to Roman times, where gladiator fights and slave markets were prominent.
A part of the Day of the Neretva Principality in August is getting to know traditional crafts and village games, watch exciting contests and costume plays. The traditional Neretva ship marathon, "Maraton lađa", where around 30 crews from the Neretva valley and abroad compete, is held on the 2nd Saturday in August.
Culture
Metkovic has a traditionally rich cultural life. The amateur theatrical society has been active since 1875 and another important cultural society in the town is KUD Metkovic which for decades organises the International Review of Folklore „Moonshine Falls on the Neretva“. One of the oldest Metkovic cultural societies is the Town Brass Band founded in 1886.
Nature
The best example of a rich and diverse bird population of the Neretva delta can be observed in the ornithological collection in Metkovic. Founded by famous Croatian ornithologist Dragutin Rucner. Unfortunately, the dalmatian pelican, griffon duck and marbled teal are gone, but even today we can see bitterns and ferruginous ducks nesting in the Neretva delta. The delta is an important resting place for millions of migratory birds but also a popular destination for many nature lovers. Today, the ornithological collection is part of the Natural History Museum in Metkovic.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND FREE TIME
NERETVA PHOTO SAFARI
Metkovic offers visitors a host of interesting cultural, natural, gastronomic and tourist facilities of exceptional value, both in the town and in the wider area.
While enjoying the landscape of the region, tourists can sample the delights of many specialities including fish and frogs, as well as the fruit and vegetables which grow here in abundance.
Cruising in an ancient Neretva boat through the meandering rivulets and channels of the Neretva valley, one can enjoy the clear waters of the Neretva delta, and can pass by floating islets with many fauna and flora.
A trip to the backwaters and canals of the River Neretva is a true feast for your eyes and mind. All aboard the boat, the traditional Neretva boat, and enjoy the steady hand of our leaders who will take you through a tangle of mysterious canals covered with reeds and rushes...
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The wealth of wildlife in this area is preserved to a large extent. The ornithological collection consists of 340 different items. The collection is organized according to the animal’s biotopes. The items also contain a certain lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus) which is among the most endangered falcons in the whole of Europe which speaks for itself about the quality and diversity of the collection.
The Neretva delta is an important resting place for millions of migratory birds but also a popular destination for many nature lovers. Today, the ornithological collection is part of the Natural History Museum in Metkovic.
CAVE IN PREDOLAC
Cave in Predolac is the most important speleological site of the Neretva valley and its greatest values are the richness and diversity of aquatic fauna.
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM NARONA
Archaeological research conducted at the “Plećašove štale” site in 1995 and 1996 led to a sensational discovery of the remains of a Roman temple – the Augusteum – and 17 marble statues, both outsized and in natural height.
These foundings inspired the idea of presenting unique archaeological site integrally, including both architectural remains and other specimens of the ample archaeological materials. Archaeological museum Narona is the first in situ (on site) museum in Croatia.