Janjina

Janjina is a historic inland settlement in central Pelješac, about 28 kilometres southeast of Orebić, tucked below Gradina hill and above a fertile field. Written sources mention it in 1222/1228, and after Pelješac became part of the Republic of Ragusa in 1333, Janjina developed into an administrative centre for the surrounding district. A captaincy was established in 1465; its legacy survives in the ruined Captain’s residence and houses associated with Dubrovnik families such as Getaldić and Pucić. The parish church of St Blaise, the cemetery church of St Stephen and the stone houses of Gornje Selo show that Janjina is more than a roadside stop. Although the village itself is inland, its municipal coastline includes Drače and Sreser on sheltered Mali Ston Bay, where pebble and sandy beaches provide the nearest swimming. The Pelješac Bridge has simplified road access from Ploče, with Janjina approximately 15 minutes west of the bridge exit. Its central position makes it a useful base between Ston, Trpanj and Orebić.

Janjina developed on the inland side of Pelješac below Gradina hill and above its field, while Drače functions as its port on Mali Ston Bay. The settlement first appears in a document dated 1222/1228 and became the centre of a Ragusan administrative district in 1334. The captaincy founded in 1465 brought judicial and administrative duties, leaving landmarks such as the Captain’s residence, the Getaldić house of 1506 and the Pucić house of 1614, now used by the municipality. Gornje Selo retains a semi-urban pattern of stone houses, while the parish church of St Blaise and cemetery church of St Stephen express Janjina’s long religious history. Today the village connects the agricultural and wine-growing interior with the coast at Drače and Sreser.