Metkovic town - Metkovic is town situated on the banks of the Neretva River in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County; it has population of approximately 15,000 inhabitants. According to archaeological finds on the hill, close to town, life in Metkovic started back in prehistoric times. The town was first mentioned 1422 in a document which is today archived in Dubrovnik.
In the past Metkovic was a settlement whose inhabitants were mostly farmers and fishermen’s who have their houses built on hill protecting them from regular floods.
Early 19th century, the arrival of the Austrian authorities, Metkovic became an administrative center of the valley, which starts its business, and parallel with him and cultural development. Town has got first post office and school, as well as the increase of trade with the Ottoman Empire, the city began to flourish. Excellent traffic connection was the reason why the hotel was built in 1890, which was one of the first hotels to be built in Dalmatia. The First World War interrupted the economical growth, commercial traffic was reduced and all social activities stopped.
Today Metkovic is main town in Neretva valley with a strong cultural and sport life. In addition to his traditionally agriculture, recently are discovered tourist potentials of town.
In the suburb is situated Vid, a village situated on ruins of ancient city Narona, where can be seen a number of historical monuments. Medugorje popular pilgrim shrine is situated 35 kilometers from Metkovic and a tourist resort Klek on Adriatic 20 kilometers. But what have not been used enough are the Neretva River and its tributary, rivulets and lakes. Need to be mentioned that complete Neretva delta is a natural phenomenon.
One of the city's landmarks is Church of St. Elijah, the most dominant feature of the town, situated on the hill. It was built between 1867 and 1874, and is a stone building with three naves in the type of a basilica in Romanesque and neo-Gothic style. There is also a lovely view from it of the whole Neretva valley.
The town has famous Ornithological Collection, one of the largest in Europe, worth to be visited. In August every year, in town is held a traditional vessel Marathon.
Neretva River delta from Metkovic to the mouth of the north and northeast is surrounded by Dinaric Alps, and from the south by Slivanja hills. On the west side Neretva River delta is open to the Adriatic Sea which has constant influence on delta area.
