Olovo brings together riverside scenery, thermal water and history. The Stupčanica and Bioštica meet here to form the Krivaja; at the same time, the Gospe Olovske sanctuary and several designated heritage sites shape the municipality. If you are interested in nature, relaxation or cultural heritage, Olovo offers a range of options for your stay.
By the River: Aquaterm and Zeleni Vir
The Krivaja runs for 35 kilometres through the municipality of Olovo. In the town centre, the Aquaterm spa and recreation centre is located right next to the confluence of the Bioštica and Stupčanica. This brings a centrally located recreation hub and the riverside landscape together at a distinctive geographical point.
At Aquaterm, thermal water is used for drinking, inhalation and bathing. The treatment programme includes an initial medical examination; depending on the diagnosis and state of health, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound therapy, kinesiotherapy and massages are prescribed. On average, five treatments take place per day. Services and programme details may change; check them before making plans.
Another option for an outing is Zeleni Vir on the Bioštica, two kilometres from the town centre. The recreation area has developed walking paths, sports facilities, and areas for relaxation and leisure. You can therefore choose between the central Aquaterm and an area with riverside walking and leisure facilities, without having to commit to a particular length of stay.
The Krivaja also offers opportunities for activities on and by the water: rafting trips can be organised, and there is potential for sport fishing and fly fishing. These are possibilities, not a fixed tour service. If you are planning a specific trip or fishing spot, check with providers in advance about availability, dates and local conditions.
Olovo’s History and the Sanctuary
Olovo was first mentioned in written documents in 1382 under the name Plumbum. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was a mining and trading centre with profitable customs revenues. In the second half of the 14th century, during the time of Tvrtko I Kotromanić, the Monastery of Svete Gospe was built in Olovo.
The Gospe Olovske sanctuary attracts Catholic worshippers from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and from Croatia. Traditional times to visit include 1 May, the Assumption of Mary, the Nativity of Mary and the last week of October, when Fra Lujo Zloušić, the church restorer, is commemorated. Specific annual programmes may vary. Ivo Andrić’s story “Čudo u Olovu” offers a literary reference to Olovo’s healing spring.
Heritage Sites in the Municipality
The historic Crkva Majke Božje church in Olovo, together with its movable property, is designated a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Other named sites lie beyond the town centre: the historic “Rimski most” bridge over the Orlja River near Klinčići, and the “Mramorje” necropolis in Lavšići, with old nišan gravestones. Their locations and names help distinguish these different monuments.
The natural and historic area of Bakići Donji is also designated a national monument. Its features include necropolises, stećci, nišan gravestones, an obelisk and the remains of the Church of Sv. Rok. In Drecelj, medieval necropolises with stećci and old Muslim nišan gravestones are the focus of another designated site. Mramor in Musići near Olovo is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards.”
Route Through the Southeast and Getting Your Bearings
The description published on 16 June 2020 refers to a 42.5-kilometre cycling route that begins and ends in Olovo. It passes through the southeastern part of the municipality and highlights sights designated as national monuments. These include the “Mramorje” necropolis, with 46 stećci. One section of the route follows a gravel road to Miljevići and the national monument “Stara drvena džamija i harem.” Route conditions and markings may change; check the latest information before setting out.
As an additional geographical reference point, Olovo is located directly on the M18 highway, built in 1958. For your stay, you can choose your focus depending on whether you are most interested in thermal water, river activities, or the history and heritage sites of the municipality.
Discover more destinations: Donji Lučani, Strica, Zbilje, Visoko, Vranduk, Tešanj, Doboj, Zenica.
For the wider travel overview: Zenica-Doboj Canton.
