Apparition Hill rises above Podbrdo, a hamlet of the village of Bijakovići, about two kilometres from St. James Church. On this rocky slope six young people from the village said they saw Our Lady for the first time in June 1981.
Today pilgrims climb the hill at every hour of the day and night, many of them barefoot, praying the Rosary from one bronze relief to the next. At the top there is no building, only stones, a statue and silence.
On the afternoon of 24 June 1981, the feast of St. John the Baptist, a group of young people saw on the hillside a young woman holding a child. The next day, 25 June, six of them returned, went up to her, prayed and spoke with her for the first time. That is why 25 June is kept as the anniversary.
On the third day Our Lady gave her first call to peace through Marija Pavlović. A large wooden cross on the hill marks the place of that message.
The six visionaries are Vicka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Marija Pavlović, Ivan Dragićević, Ivanka Ivanković and Jakov Čolo.
A steep path of worn stone leads from the last houses of Podbrdo. The bronze reliefs of the joyful and sorrowful mysteries invite you to stop and pray a decade at each one.
Part of the way up, a large wooden cross marks the spot where the call to peace was first given.
The white statue at the place of the first apparitions was modelled on the one in front of the parish church. Pilgrims sit on the surrounding rocks to pray in silence.
A second path, lined with the glorious mysteries, leads down to the Blue Cross at the foot of the hill.
Our guides live in Medjugorje and know these places and their stories by heart. Join a private orientation tour, or let us plan your whole pilgrimage.
A local guide shares the story of the apparitions from the very beginning, what Our Lady teaches in her messages, and walks you through the main sites of the village.
Most popularOur most popular pilgrimage: open your heart in faith and gratitude at the shrines and churches of Medjugorje and the surrounding area.
Pray on the steps to Križevac, climb the stone path of Apparition Hill and live the daily prayer of St. James parish.
