Traditional architecture in the old part of Metković

The earliest mention of the name of the settlement Metković dates back to the 15th century, and this settlement was probably located on the slope of Predolca, gradually descending and expanding into the valley only from the 19th century, and today it is known as Krnjesavac . The location of the settlement on the slope near the river led to the formation of a compact settlement of the type characteristic of the coastal belt, in which residential and commercial buildings were densely arranged along simple paths, following the slope of the hill, while the staircases, i.e., the stairs, were placed radially. Simple, stone single-storey or two-storey, rarely three-storey houses are characteristic for their green shutters on the windows and courtyards enclosed by a high wall, known as avlija, and most of these buildings date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, although there are also rare examples probably from the 18th century. The fenced courtyard provided space for work and relaxation, but often also a small garden. This part of the city is particularly interesting during religious events, for example during the processions for Corpus Christi and on Good Friday when the Metkovo žudije, i.e. the guardians of Christ's tomb, walk through the narrow, semi-dark streets and staircases with a crowd of believers. In addition to Krnjesavac, there are also interesting examples of traditional architecture in parts of the city in the valley, such as the very center of the city on the left and right banks of the Neretva River, such as Jerkovac, Klada, Crni and Hercegovački put. Examples of traditional architecture in the aforementioned parts of the city were created only at the very end of the 19th to the middle of the 20th century, so the simple design of the exterior in the style of traditional architecture with only minimal stylistic decorations or the use of concrete, a new building material at the time, is visible.