Three natural assets were protected within the scope of the Nature Park in the past. In 1957, the National Institute for Cultural Monuments and Natural Rarities issued three separate Decisions on the protection of the gorges in the Prača river canyon, the Banj Stijene cave and the Govještice cave. In the past, Banj Stijena was considered a valuable speleological object from Govještica, so that this cave was also explored in the Austro-Hungarian period. It wasn’t until 2010 that more serious research into Govještica began, and by “conquering” the lake at the entrance to this cave, it became clear what kind of natural object it was. Research until 2013 established that this is the largest known cave system on the soil of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a total length of 9682 meters. With this information and the perceived value and need for the protection of this area, the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Srpska on the declaration of the “Prača” Nature Park was adopted on April 1, 2021.

Different forms of endogenous and exogenous relief are widespread in the Nature Park, and karst relief with its forms is dominant. Of the surface forms, the most common forms are sinkholes, which are especially pronounced in the extreme northwestern, western, and southwestern parts. The most dominant relief unit of this area is the gorge-canyon valley of the river Prača, in some places over 400 meters deep. In the thick deposits of limestone, there are endogenous forms of relief that give the greatest value to this area. The most significant forms are caves, and there are also several pits.
This area is characterized by a moderate continental climate, which at higher altitudes changes to sub-mountainous. Winters are often very harsh, while summers are moderately warm and occasionally cool. The average annual temperature is around 8 °C.
Even if the name of the Nature Park is derived from the river Prača, this area is characterized by a poorly developed surface river network. The reason for this is the limestone substrate and its porosity. The Prača river itself is 62.6 km long and has a catchment area of 1109 km2 and is a left tributary of the Drina. In the examined area belonging to the Republika Srpska, the research determined the presence of 714 taxa, which is an exceptional number in a relatively small area. A significant number of endemic and relict species are present. Many endemic species are also relicts. According to the regulation on the red list of protected species of RS, 71 or 10.22% of taxa are found in this area. Of the forest vegetation, the mosaic-distributed cherry, sedum and beech forests stand out. Nature Park “Prača” is distinguished by the diversity of animal life, primarily due to the diversity of geographical forms in a small area. The presence of 11 species of mammals (brown bear, gray wolf, red fox, roe deer, wild boar, etc.) was determined. This area is suitable for birds to live in, research has identified 85 species.

This area has always been suitable for human life. Life from the Middle Ages is particularly noteworthy, from whence the remains of the town of Borč and several stećak necropolises date. The town of Borač was the center of events of that period in the eastern part of medieval Bosnia. There are several stećak necropolises from this period, and the most representative ones have been transferred to the National Museum in Sarajevo. What makes this area special is the rest of the Austro-Hungarian railroad Sarajevo-Višegrad, along the Prača River itself, with its many tunnels. The hydroelectric power plant from 1950 (one of the oldest in Bosnia and Herzegovina) is also worth mentioning, which is in operation and represents an exceptional monument of construction of that period.

The tourist potential is huge and unique. It is characterized by diversity. There are many types of tourism that could be realized, namely: eco-tourism, scientific-educational tourism, sports-recreational tourism, health tourism, historical-cultural tourism, adventure tourism, etc. Special interesting tourist objects can be divided into types of social and natural origin. Potential tourist objects of social origin are: the medieval town of Borač, necropolises of the stećaks (Varošište, Lađevine, etc.), remains of the Austro-Rugan railway as a potential ideal path for cycling, etc.
Representatives of tourist facilities of natural origin are: numerous caves, the most important of which are Govještica, Banj stijena and Golubovići cave, then viewpoints (Banj stijena, Karačići, Bošnjakinja), steep canyon cliffs suitable for the development of adventure tourism and a variety of bird fauna (85 species) for development of birdwatching tourism. We can say that the most important object of this nature park is the Govještica cave, which is the longest cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina with an almost explored ten kilometer channel. According to the beauty of its jewelry, it ranks at the very top of European caves, according to some researchers even the most beautiful cave in Europe. If it managed to “develop” itself as a tourist destination, it would certainly be one of the most famous landmarks in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Prača” Nature Park has good traffic connections and is not traffic isolated. The road that connects Mesići with Renovica runs along the canyon. Not far from the park is the main road that connects the municipalities of Višegrad, Goražde, Rogatica and Sokolac and continues to Sarajevo. Of the internationally important traffic facilities, the proximity of the airport “Butmir” Sarajevo (air distance about 45 km from the park) is important.

Šumsko gazdinstvo „Sjemeć“ Rogatica
-Telephone: 058/415-024
-Email: sjemec@sumers.org
Tourist organisation Rogatica
-Telephone: 058/420-581
-Email: turizamrg@yahoo.com