Livno is located in south-western Bosnia and Herzegovina with 32,450 inhabitants in the municipality (2003 census) and covering an area of 994 km². The most important town in the Herzegbosnian Canton, Livno is a cultural and economic centre. The town lies 730 m above sea level, spreading from the foot to the slopes of Mount Basajkovac from where the karst river Bistrica originates. Livno has a stable continental climate, with uniform air currents and the most recorded days of sun in the country. Summers are long and sunny, winters characterised by snowfall. The Livno field is one of the largest karst fields in this part of Europe.
The oldest document in which Livno is mentioned is the Charter of Prince Mutimir dating from September 28, 892. This date is today celebrated as Livno Day.
The earliest evidence of human settlement in the Livno region dates back to prehistoric times 2,000 years B.C. From then until the arrival of the Romans the area was settled by the Illyrian tribe of Dalmatians.
Livno is rich in natural and cultural and historical assets (the source of the Bistrica River - Duman, the Old Bridge on Duman, the Veis tower, the Firdus and Pirija Tower, traditional wool processing cottages, mills, waterfalls, the renowned Franciscan Museum and Gallery Gorica (permanent collection of paintings by Gabrijel Jurkic), the beautiful church at Gorica, churches in the greater Livno area, the monument to King Tomislav on the main square, the old City Council. building, administrative buildings from the Austro–Hungarian period, the Grammar School building, the Orthodox Church with a treasure of icons, many Illyrian ruins, tombstones and burial grounds, historical archaeological sites, rivers, lakes, mountains, caves.
Nature lovers will come into their own in the Livno region because it remains largely untouched despite the advancement of globalisation. An abundance of recreational sites by rivers and lakes, on mountains and in nearby forests have always attracted visitors who enjoy beauty, tranquillity and clean air. So many contradictions, and not just diversity, are hard to find. Visitors are usually astounded by these surroundings. A contemporary education system, communication with the world, a rich national and folkloric heritage, well-stocked libraries, traditional trades and handicrafts testify to the creativity and artistry of the Livno region.
Excellent hunting grounds and fish-farms, fine Livno cheese, prime prosciutto, delicious freshwater fish, traditional meals from game, renowned traditional Livno lamb and veal under the bell, domestic liqueurs, honey brandy, are highlights of the culinary specialties of this region. Medicinal herbs and wild fruit are abundant here, as well as various types of honey, home-made jams, and juices prepared from various organically grown fruits, great expanses covered in hazel-nut bushes, mushrooms, berries …… all of this can be enjoyed by tourists. Absorb the scents of the earth, the murmur of water, the sharpness of rocks and the expanse of starry sky, which have for centuries enchanted guests to this region with their tranquillity and mystery.
Words cannot fully describe the beauty of this region. Moments spent here feel like a part of eternity.
The local candour and hospitality have always invited guests to get to know this region and the treasures it has to offer.
Perhaps it is most appropriate for Livno to tell its story accompanied by notes of traditional music, traditional dances in exotic national costumes, the experience of mysterious light in the paintings of Gabrijel Jurkic, the tastes of fine Livno cheese, prosciutto, lamb and veal, honey brandy …..
Surrender to the unique scents, tastes and colours of the Livno region.