In 1962, on the slopes of Biokovo, just above Upper Podgora, a memorial Galebova krila (eng. Seagull Wings) was erected in memory of the Partisan navy founded in Podgora 20 years prior. The broken wing symbolizes the navy members killed in the battle for freedom, and the upturned wing symbolizes a climb to victory.
Near the monument, there is a prehistoric site Three Tumuli, or four tombs of noblemen, which served as watchtowers (tumuli). The first three have been partially preserved, while the fourth one has been completely dug up, and the remains of the grave can be clearly seen.
In Upper Podgora, there are also the ruins of the Roščić Tower. The towers were part of a defence system constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries for the purpose of defence against the Turks, and in the 1962 earthquake, the last remaining one, the Roščić Tower, was seriously damaged.
The Sacral Architecture
This small town is proud of its long Christian tradition, as evidenced by the large number of churches and chapels - as many as 20. Visit at least one, but know that each one tells its own story.
The Baroque Church of St. Tekla was built in 1626, and it’s characterized by a beautiful position - surrounded by nature, on the Cape of St. Tekla. In the church courtyard, you can see the remains of a cemetery from the period of Turkish raids.
There is also the church of St. Roko with cemetery, both from the 17th century, and in that cemetery, they buried people who died of plague, according to local tradition. The church was heavily damaged in the 1962 earthquake, but the bell tower went missing before that, during the First World War, when it was used by the enemy army instead of cannon balls.
In the church of All Saints, there is an altar with relics of St. Vincent, the patron saint of the municipality. The first Sunday after the Assumption of Mary (August 15th), a ceremonial mass is held in the church to honour the saint, and a large fair is organized in the town, which attracts a large number of visitors, even from the neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Ijak Chapel/ Lighthouse is one of the most interesting buildings in Podgora, and is located on the Cape Ijak. It is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, of course, to St. Nicolas, the patron saint of sailors. It used to be a perfectly functional lighthouse as well. Even the oldest villagers don't know when it was built, and it is sometimes mentioned as one of the oldest preserved Mediterranean lighthouses.
The Chapel of Sacred Heart of Jesus is the most interesting historical site in this area. Along with a specific blend of styles - the Venetian baroque with local influences – it is one of the best-preserved sacral buildings. As part of a former complex, there is also a portal of the Mrkušić family summer house that once stood beside the chapel, and there is also a perfectly preserved coat of arms of the Mrkušić family in which, according to the Heraldic tradition, Dalmatia, where this noble family resided, is symbolically merged with that of their native Bosnia.
It is also worth mentioning the Church of St. Liberan, the Church of St. George, the Church of St. Cross, the Church of Our Lady of Carmel, and the Church of the Assumption of Mary.
