Galičak

Galičak is a small hill in the municipality of Ploče, in southern Dalmatia, rising above the mouth of the Neretva River right next to the village of Komin. Despite its modest height, the site carries considerable historical and religious weight for the local community.

Where is Galičak located?

The hill sits in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, close to the settlements of Pržinovac and Blace, near the Neretva delta. It borders Komin, a village now located a few kilometres inland from the coast. Galičak itself rises only a few metres above sea level, but its position at the river mouth gives visitors views over the delta and the surrounding hills.

What is the history behind the hill?

Galičak, together with the neighbouring hill of Kozjak, is where the original settlement of Komin once stood, right at the point where the Neretva flows into the sea. About 400 years ago, a malaria epidemic forced residents to abandon the site: they moved roughly 6 kilometres upstream and founded the Komin that exists today. The old settlement site on Galičak remained an important reference point in the village's identity ever since.

What can you see on the hill?

At the site known as Ušće pod Galičakom (literally "the mouth below Galičak"), a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross stands today. It was built in 2001 during the tenure of parish priest Petar Perleta and measures roughly 10 by 5 metres. Right next to the chapel, on the hill itself, stands a memorial cross. It was erected to fulfil a vow made by the people of Komin back in 1901 — making it far older than the chapel and a testament to a long-standing religious tradition tied to this spot.

How do you get there, and when is the best time to visit?

Galičak lies along the route connecting Ploče and Komin, a short distance from the main coastal road. The hill also appears as a waypoint on local hiking trails, making it a natural short excursion for anyone exploring the Neretva delta. Given the Mediterranean, coastal climate of southern Dalmatia, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a walk up, as temperatures are milder than in the height of summer. The area combines well with other attractions of the Neretva delta, including Komin itself and the cultivated farmland along the river valley.

Frequently asked questions

What is Galičak? It is a small hill at the mouth of the Neretva River in the municipality of Ploče, known for the history of the original Komin settlement and for its chapel and memorial cross.

How do you reach Galičak? The hill lies on the road between Ploče and Komin, near the settlements of Pržinovac and Blace, and is accessible via local walking trails.

What is there to see on site? The Holy Cross chapel built in 2001 and a memorial cross erected in 1901 to fulfil a vow made by the residents of Komin.

Why is Galičak significant to Komin's history? Because, together with the neighbouring hill of Kozjak, it was the site of the original Komin settlement before residents moved upstream following a malaria epidemic.