Nestled at the foot of Mount Žaba, the Old Town of Hutovo stands as one of the most significant cultural and historical landmarks in the wider Neum area. Although there are no precise historical records regarding its origin, archaeological findings indicate the presence of a prehistoric settlement at this very site. The central structure of that early settlement was a watchtower, strategically built to oversee an important trade route that had connected the hinterland with the Adriatic coast for centuries.

The first written mention of Hutovo comes from the year 1525, recorded by the Franciscan friar Siksto in his travel diary describing his journey through the village en route from Slano to Zavala. One theory suggests that the name “Hutovo” derives from the Latin word huti, meaning falcon, while another tradition holds that the town was named after a nobleman named Huti, who lived here during the Roman Empire.

Locally, the town is also known as “Hadžibeg’s fortress,” named after Hadži Mehmed-beg Rizvanbegović, who in 1802 became the first and only captain of the Hutovo captaincy — the last established captaincy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, active until 1832. He converted the former customs tower, once used for collecting tolls from passing caravans, into a fortified stronghold.

At its peak, the Old Town of Hutovo boasted as many as nine defensive towers. Today, only one remains standing — a solemn yet powerful witness to the region’s turbulent past and enduring strategic importance.