Drijeva

Drijeva, historically known as Narenta, was a significant medieval customs and market town situated on the banks of the lower Neretva River. Today, the site is located within the village of Gabela, near the town of Čapljina in modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the exact year of its initial construction is not specified in available records, the settlement first appeared in written sources in 1186. It evolved from an area that once held the ancient city of Narona, becoming a vital commercial hub during the Middle Ages. The location served as a strategic point for trade, particularly noted in Latin and Venetian documents from outside Bosnia, reflecting its importance to regional commerce and diplomacy.

The site holds considerable historical significance due to its shifting political control and economic role. Originally held by the medieval Kingdom of Serbia, Drijeva passed to the Banate and later the Kingdom of Bosnia following the War of Hum between 1326 and 1329. By the second half of the 14th century, it became an early colony of the Republic of Ragusa, further cementing its status as a key trading post. The fortifications overlooking the river were central to these activities, facilitating the movement of goods and serving as a customs checkpoint for merchants traveling along the Neretva.

Currently, the Drijeva fort exists as a ruin, though its historical value has been formally recognized by state authorities. On November 6, 2002, the Commission to Preserve National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina designated the archaeological site at Gabela as a Category II cultural monument. This designation ensures the protection of the remaining structures and the surrounding area, acknowledging the site's contribution to the national heritage. Although no longer inhabited or used for military purposes, the ruins stand as a testament to the region's complex medieval history and its role as a bridge between different kingdoms and republics.