 TOWNS AND SIGHTSEEING |
| SARAJEVO |
Welcome to Sarajevo- the European Jerusalem
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and an Olympic City. The wonders of Sarajevo and its natural beauty will long remain in the memory of those who have visited it. The oriental architecture has been preserved in the district called Bašcaršija, which is today an international attraction. Sarajevo began its urban development half of the XVth century, when a large number of sacral, cultural, public and housekeeping buildings were built by the nobleman Isa-beg Ishakovic in this area and insured by his endowment founds. This town was named after this court-" saraj ovasi"(court in field).
It is the first mentioned under this name in 1477 in nobleman Ajasbeg's endowment fund in the Arabic language, and in the Bosnian language in the letter written by nobleman Firuz-beg in 1507.
 PREHISTORY |
More than 700 hundred years old tombstones
One of the most significant and largest Neolithic deposits in the Balkan's situated at Butmir in the Sarajevo field. Its original inhabitants lived here from 2400-2200 B.C. and they made their living by cattle-breeding, agriculture and hunting. During the archaeological explorations (1892-1895) 95 sod-houses were discovered with findings of stone tools and dishes, decorated with spiral motives, as well as figures (human and animal).
Remains from the Bronze Age were found at Zlatište, Debelo brdo and Souk bunar, whilst one of the largest deposits from the Metal Age, with ruins where the settlements were located is Gradac near Kotorac (mentioned by Konstantin Porfirogenet in the literary work " De administrando imperio"). The largest Illyrian wreck with findings of tools, dishes, arms, spears and other things is at Debelo brdo.
| ROMAN AGE |
You can walk through ages and learn so much of your own past in this country
This largest finding place of the Antic culture is near Sarajevo at Ilidža. This is a space of Municipal Park, located at the significant communication Via Argentaria -Narona, i.e. the communication that connected the Danube basin and the Drina river upper basin with the Adriatic seaside. According to the incomplete legacy "Aquae S …" found at the archaeological stone remains, it is assumed that it was named "Aquaurum Sulphurae or Sulphuratae" (sulfuric thermal spring). Beside stone materials and archaeological remains of the thermal spring facilities, and even heating systems, jewellery and money, particularly precious floor mosaics were also found here.
There are indications that there was also a temple consecrated to Apollo Taden at Ilidža. In addition, parts of a roman settlement were discovered at Debelo Brdo where a Roman refuge was located. On the area spreading from Marijin dvor to the mouth of Koševo brook there used to be a Roman agglomeration. At the locality near Vrbanja bridge remaining of two brickfields were discovered, along with roofing-tiles and the stamps "maximina" and "constantina".
| THE MIDDLE AGES |
Austerity and grace of the middle Ages are even carved in nature
According to the document signed by Bella IV, on April 20, 1244, Sarajevo's region belonged to the Verbena district, where Saint Peter's church (1239) was the residence of the diocese, and an alter fragment with the text "Apostoli Petri Verbos" (nensi) has been preserved.
The Church was probably at the locality near Brdo mosque. The settlement Vrhbosna itself was founded around 1270 but it is expressly mentioned in the written documents in 1379, when this region came under the authority of the mighty feudalist Pavle Radenovic, and later the landed proprietor family Pavlovic. The central fortification of Vrhbosna was the old town Hodidjed. There are indications that this old town was placed at the locality of present White gate (Bijela tabija). In the wider region around Sarajevo there are 212 localities with 5000 standing tomb-stones.
At the area of Brodac village large number of the facilities shall be built in the XV century by nobelman Isa-beg Ishakovic, while the Middle Ages market town (U) Tornik, named Atik city or Old city (Atik Varoš or Stara Varoš) in nobleman Isabeg's endowment fund, has been at the area around the mouth of Koševo brook.
| FORTRESS |
Hodidjed Fortress
At the time of Bosnian independence the old, previously mentioned town Hodidjed in the narrow region of Sarajevo, and it is first mentioned in 1434. This fortress was expanded during the Ottoman rule. However, after the devastation by prince Eugen Savojski (1697) the fortress was radically reconstructed (1729/1739). Three towers with gates (kapi-kule), (at Širokac, Ploca and Višegrad's one), as well as five gates (tabija) were built at the time. Particularly significant is the White gate (Bijela tabija), as well as the Yellow gate (Zuta tabija), finished in 1809.
OTTOMAN TIME
ISLAMIC SACRAL FACILITIES |
EMPEROR'S (CAREVA) MOSQUE
On the place of today's mosque there used to be a mosque with a hipped roof, built by Isa-beg Ishakovic in 1457, and given as a gift to the sultan Mehmed II El Fatih. Besides the mosque he also built the court (saraj) after which Sarajevo was named, and a bridge, resting places for the caravans (karavansaraj) - Kolobara han (hostelry), Turkish bath (hamam), mills, Moslem monastery (tekija) and large numbers of shops. Today's mosque with a dome above the prayer area and three small domes on the cloister, was built in 1566 by the order of sultan Sulejman Velicanstveni (Sulejman the Magnificent) and on the request of Sarajevo's inhabitants. Beside the square shaped prayer area the mosque has extensions on each side in order to receive a large number of believers (barracks and lodging were near).
The cloister that surrounds the mosque backyard was built at the time of sultan Abdulmedžid, and at the expense of Fadil-pasha Šerifovic. At that time the mosque was completely reconstructed, which is what the inscription (tarih) above the entrance is about. Near the mosque Osman šehdija was built a library in 1759 that had an octagonal base and was covered by a dome. This building was demolished and a building for the Managerial board of the Islamic Religious Community ( Ulema medzlis) was built in its place in 1912. The architect was Karl Paržik who successfully completed this complex by respecting the modulus and using the elements of the traditional method of construction. The minaret (munara) is octagonal and it is one of the most beautiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Instead of nobleman Isa beg's original Turkish bath, that was demolished at the end of XIX century, the architect Vancaš designed and constructed Isa-beg's new spa, which has been in difficult condition since after the war 1992/95.
GAZI HUSREV-BEG'S MOSQUE
Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque (1530/31) is the most significant Islamic building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is distinguished by its architectural values, varied base, multi dome system and courageously constructive solution, from all the other sub-dome mosques built in this country. The prayer area of Gazi Husrev'beg's mosque is covered by a dome (13 m span and 26m height), whilst small domes cover the side extensions. These extensions are called tetims and have separate entrances, and were used for giving shelter to the travelling dervish orders.
The alter (mihrab) is covered by a semi-dome. The architect was a Persian, Adžem Esir Ali, the main architect of the Ottoman Empire at that time.
In the construction of the mosque he applied the early Istanbul style that gives a recognizable mark to the whole achievement. Stone plastic and stalactite ornaments are an integral part of the universal values of the mosque. Arabesque was destroyed after the descent of the Eugen Savojski (1697). It was restored in 1762, but burned down in 1879, and was restored again in 1886. Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque including the fountain (šadrvan), Moslem primary school (mekteb), the room for ritual washing (abdesthana), domed burial sites (turbeti) Gazi Husrev-beg's and Murad-beg;s Tardic's harem, abode for the prayer caller (muvekithana), minaret 45 m high and tower clock, dominates the market-place and makes its central and largest complex. By its existence through the ages this complex affected the construction activities of the surrounding area, streets and wards (mahala). Extensive restoration works have been executed from 1995 to 1997 since the mosque was damaged during the war 1992/95.
FERHADIJA MOSQUE
Nobleman Ferhad-beg Vukovic- Desisalic, the Bosnian governor of the Sandžak province (sandžak beg), built this mosque in 1562. This mosque has one dome above the prayer area (namaz), and three small domes at the cloister. The lead roof tiles were removed from the mosque in 1917, so rain leakage and other damages occurred. The authentic arabesque and stone-mason's ornaments have been preserved. It was damaged during the war 1992/95.
OTHER MOSQUES IN SARAJEVO: MUSLIHUDIN CEKRCIJA'S MOSQUE, HAVADŽE DURAKA'S MOSQUE- BAŠCARŠIJSKA, ALI-PASHA'S MOSQUE, WHITE MOSQUE, SINAN'S MOSLEM MONASTERY (TEKIJA), SUPERIOR OF MOSLEM RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY (SEJH) MAGRIBIJA'S MOSQUE, VEKIL-HARC MOSQUE OR PILGRIM'S (HADŽIJSKA), KURŠUMLIJA MOSLEM SECONDARY SCHOOL (MEDRESA)
| CATHOLIC SACRAL BUILDINGS |
CATHEDRAL
The Catholic cathedral of the Vrhbosanska archbishop's diocese, consecrated to the Most Holy Heart of Jesus, was built and blessed in 1889, according to the design of Josip pl. Vancaš, in the new Gothic architecture style with new Romanesque elements. It is similar to the cathedral Notre Dame in Dijon. The cathedral has three naves and the middle one ends with a polygonal apse. The church rosette on the entrance façade above the profusely decorated portal, is enriched with precious stained-glass windows. The Viennese sculptor A. Hausmann made the statue of the Jesus' Heart that stands on the entrance façade.
According to the design of Alexander Maximilian Seitz, a relief of the Most Holy Trinity was formed by the Zagreb's sculptor Dragan Morak and carved by Ivan Novotny in the portal gable. The facades are made of two types of stone, yellow sandstone and reddish lime-stone. Stained-glass windows are made according to the design of Arch. Pl. Vancaš in Innsbruck and Vienna. The cathedral was originally decorated with paintings by Josip Volini and Ivan Betizz, as well as by Alexander Maximilian Seitz and his son Ludovic, who did the paintings in Strossmeier's Cathedral in Ðakovo 1875. Ludovic Seitz has painted eight cylindrical portraits with the bust of the church teachers that are the most precious painted part of this church.
The statues were modeled by Dragan Morak, and carved by Ivan Novotny. The portrait of the archbishop Stadler above his grave is the work of Marin Studin. During the reconstruction of the Cathedral in 1929, the painting work shop from Stuttgart painted another layer of ornamentation. This layer, as well as parts of the original paintings, was removed during the church reconstruction from 1987 to 1989, when the painter Ante Martinovic made copies of the large wall compositions in oil-painting technique in 1:1 and fixed them on the top of the damaged originals.
On the entrance side of the Cathedral there are two church-towers, one with a bell inside, and the other with smaller bells. The cathedral can receive 12000 people. The building was almost completely reconstructed after being damaged in the war 1992/95.
OTHER CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN SARAJEVO: FRANCISCAN'S MONASTERY AND SAINT ANTE PADOVANSKI'S CHURCH AT BISTRIK, CHURCH OF THE SAINT CIRILO I METODIJE WITH ROMAN-CATHOLIC SEMINARY, CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY, SAINT JOSIP'S CHURCH AT MARIJIN DVOR.
| ORTHODOX SACRAL BUILDINGS |
OLD ORTHODOX CHURCH
Saint Archangels Mihail and Gavril
The exact date it was founded has not been established, but there is written information from 1539 on the basis of which we can be certain that the Church existed at that time. There are indications that an Old-Christian basilica from the V century A.D. existed here. In the census from 1485 one hundred Christian's houses were mentioned in the area of Gornji Varoš (Upper city) on the basis of which it can be concluded that the Christian sacral building already existed there. The church architecture, as well as the method of construction of the iconostasis, has typological characteristics of the Orthodox Churches that have been built from the XII to XIV century in this area, and this points to the eventual possibility of the church's existence at that tome, but which should be further researched.
A legend is retained about the construction of the church, saying that Kraljevic Marko's brother built it. So far archeological explorations have not been performed in this area. Due to the repeated fires the Church has been frequently repaired and got today's appearance at that the beginning of the XVIII century. The interesting detail of the ground plan where the width is bigger than the length without emphasized apse and dome, spatially designed in two levels, makes the Church together with the inventory and iconostasis a particularly significant building of our inheritance. In order to gain height the Church is interred under the ground level, and in the interior of the church a separate floor was made for women only, separated by window lattices (mušepci) from the prayer area. The iconostasis was made of a stone partition and a wooden part , decorated and gold-plated, with series of icons from the XVI to XVIII century. There are several valuable icons made by the master Radulo in the XVII century, as well as a large number of icons made by Maksim Tujkovic in the XVIII century. There is also a collection of old icons, and a museum organized theoretically by Jeftan Despic, the church nuncio in 1889. In the museum, that is adapted from several Church warehouses (daira), there are icons, Pictures, books and manuscripts brass-worker's works and richly decorated suits for prayer. The baroque Church-tower is replaced by a smooth lined Church-tower at the first half of this century, according to the design of the architects A. Derok and D. Smiljanic. The building was damaged in the war 1992/95.
OTHER ORTHODOX CHURCHES IN SARAJEVO: CATHEDRAL AND EVANGELICAL CHURCH
| JEWISH SACRAL BUILDINGS |
ASCENAH'S SYNAGOGUE
It was built in 1902 according to the design of Karlo Paržik, in pseudo Moorish style, and it is located on the left bank of the river Miljacka. It was severely damaged in the war 1992/95.
OTHER JEWISH SACRAL BUILDINGS: JEWISH TEMPLES, OLD AND NEW JEWISH TEMPLE, NEW TEMPLE.
| HOSTELRIES (HANOVI) AND RESTING PLACES FOR THE CARAVANS (KARAVANSARAJI) |
They were used as accommodation for voyagers and goods. Resting places for caravans offered a three day stay for free.
In Sarajevo there were 50 hostelries in 1878, 45 of which were in the city territory. The first one that was built was Kolobara hostelry in 1462, and it could receive 400 people and 35 horses. After numerous fires, it was demolished in 1935. Then there was Gazi Husrev'beg's Tašlihan (stone house), next to the covered marker place (bezistan) of the same name. Tašlihan was built in the first half of the XVI century and was first mentioned in the documents in 1555. A semi-circular ceiling covered it. It was seriously damaged in the fire in 1697. After the fire in 1897it was not renovated, and was demolished in 41912. There are some ruins in the yard of the hotel "Evropa". Subsequently there were Morica hostelry, Skender-pasha's resting places for caravans (karavansaraj), pilgrim Bešir's, Pehlivanov's and Despica's hostelry, and many others.
Morica hostelry is particularly significant by its size (44.5/38.5). The Inner yard is enclosed by stables and warehouses (magaze) in ground floor, and on the next floor by two rows of rooms lined along the cobble pavement lobby. It was adapted into a catering establishment with various services in 1985.
| GAZI HUSREV BEG'S TURKISH BATH (HAMAM) |
TOWER-CLOCK
In Sarajevo there were seven public baths in the XVI century. Gazi Husrev-beg's Turkish bath was built in 1537-1539. The bath used to have a female and male section, where pools for the Sarajevo's tower clock was one of the highest but also the most beautiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built in the XVII century, and was reconstructed after the fire in 1697, as well as in 1762. After the Austro-Hungarian occupation by upper zones of the building were, added, and Sarajevo's traders brought the clock from London.
COVERED MARKET PLACE (BEZISTANS)
The first market place was built at the first half of the XVI century by nobleman Mehmed-beg, the son of Isa-beg Ishakovic, next to the Kolobara hostelry, and it domes were replaced with a roof during the descent of Eugen Savojski in 1697, and it was demolished in 1842. Gazi Husrev-beg's market place was built in the first half of the XVI century, and was first mentioned in documents in 1555. It is more than 105 m long and 19.5 m wide, with 52 shops, vaulted with a semi-circular ceiling. Dubrovnik's masters were involved in the construction. Today it is called "Dugi bezistan" in Sarajevo (Long market place) and it serves as a market place.
Grand Vizier Rustem-pasha built Brusa market place in 1551, and it was used for the sale of the silk that the founder himself manufactured Bursa. The market place has a rectangular basis (29.5/20.5), it is made of stone and covered with six domes and two smaller domes. It used to have numerous shops inside and was surrounded by shops from the outside. The building was severely damaged in the war 1992/95 and works on its adaptation into the Museum of the city of Sarajevo are currently being performed.
WAREHOUSES (DAIRE)
As protection against fires, massive stone warehouses were built since they mostly surrounded backyards they are named "daira" (daira is an Arabic word meaning circle). In Sarajevo there were several warehouses. The Dubrovnik warehouses in Halaci street, that were built by Dubrovnik's masters, after who they were named, are well known. The Sarajevo trader Hadži Ibrahim built them in 1776. They had nine storerooms. A catering facility has been there since 1965. They were heavily damaged in the war 1992/95.
GAZI HUSREV-BEG'S LIBRARY
This library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It holds a found of 50.000 books, manuscripts and archive documents, in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian.
The manuscripts in the Turkish language (several thousand) are particularly significant for the studying of political, social, cultural and economical events in Ottoman's era.
Works of art of a great and precious manufacture
| THE OLD TOWN HALL-NATIONAL LIBRARY |
When you go along the river with the first electrical tramway in Europe you will have on the way to the old Town Hall some well known bridges, like the Latin Bridge, and the Emperor's Bridge, arriving at a building which through its history has always been a symbol of authority and its treasury. It also became a stamp of the "culturocide" and a scar that is evidence that culture in this region is impossible to destroy. The burnt shell was constructed during the period of Austro-Hungarian rule, serving as the seat of the Land Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Like all mayor buildings throughout the world possessing their own "psychology", thus also this structure, made in the style of Maura mansions of Spain, should therefore through its architecture have reconcile both East and West and remain dominant in the landscape and surrounded by the specific and modest milieu of Bosnian architecture. With time the old Town Hall became one of the symbols of Sarajevo, and since the National and University Libraries were moved into it, it became principal scientific, educational, artistic and main cultural centre. Throughout several past decades it has been "a source of nourishment" for the city's youth who were in search for knowledge. At the same time it was a place where numerous precious cultural documents were stored.
| BRIDGES |
HISTORICAL BRIDGES IN SARAJEVO ARE:
KOZJA CUPRIJA (GOAT BRIDGE), ŠEHER CEHAJINA'S BRIDGE,WOODEN BRIDGE ON BENDBAŠA, THE OLD DRVENIJA BRIDGE, EMPEROR'S (CAREV) BRIDGE, HADŽI BEŠLIJA'S BRIDGE, HADŽI NUHANA BICAKCICA'S BRIDGE, CUMURIJA BRIDGE, DRVENIJA BRIDGE, COBANIJA BRIDGE, SKENDERIJA BRIDGE, CIRŠIHANA BRIDGE (VRBANJA), RUSTEM-PASHA HRVAT'S BRIDGE, BRIDGE AT PLANDIŠTE).
| RESIDENTAL BUILDINGS |
ALIJA ÐERZELEZ'S HOUSE
In Sagrdžije Street and it is probably the oldest house in Sarajevo.
SVRZO'S HOUSE
Svrzo's house is the example of the rich nobleman's house. It originates from the XVIII century. It is repaired and restored as an annex of the Museum of city of Sarajevo.
| AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN TIME PUBLIC BUILDING
THE GENERAL POST OFFICE
The plan for the Military telegraph and post, the most representative palace of Austro-Hungarian time was designed by architect Josip pl. Vancaš (1907-1909).
THE COUNTRY MUSEUM
The country government founded the Country museum in 1888 and in 1912 its collections were transferred to the new building, designed by Karlo Paržik.
BUILDING OF THE COUNTRY GOVERNMENT
(TODAY THE BUILDING OF THE BOSNIAN PRESIDENT)
It was built in accordance with the architect Josip pl. Vancaš design in 1884/85
THE NATIONAL THEATRE (SOCIAL CENTRE)
The building is built in new Renaissance style, according to the design by Karlo Paržik in 1897-99.
THE TOWNHALL
It was built at the end of last century at the end of Bašcaršija, on the interesting plot in the triangle form. The architect Alexander Wittek designed it in 1892 and he started the construction as well.
| SOUVENIRS- ARTS OF A CRAFTSMAN |
The 1001 nights spirit of every culture present in the country is reflected in the various styles of Bosnian craftsman.
There are many types and styles of handcrafts here in Bosnia and Herzegovina; from gold jewellery to oriental rugs to Turkish style coffee and tea sets, to beautifully carved wooden boxes or tables, to traditional dresses of the ancient highlanders of the Serb, Croatian and Bosnian people.
Colourful socks, jumpers, and hats - all made from pure wool - cab be found in the old quarters of any town. Few crafts are given the appreciation and significance as the craft of processing and shaping gold, an art that has developed in the Balkans throughout the centuries. The goldsmith's craft counts among the few crafts, which have survived the rapid changes in the development of human society. One of the places where this craft has been cherished and developed in Sarajevo. The famous work of Sarajevo goldsmiths makes the city even more attractive- in a way even exceptional. There are about 50 private goldsmith's shops in Sarajevo. The majority of those are placed in the Gazi Husrev-Beg Street, concentrated around the Slatko cose ( Sweet Corner), in the old part of town.
| TOURIST INFORMATIONS |
Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton
Cumurija 5 - 033 200 582 or 033 200 651
Tourist Information Centre
Zelenih Beretki 22 - 220 724 or 220 721
| Where to stay in SARAJEVO |
Hotel "Bosnia"*** Sarajevo
The hotel is situated in the centre of the city and equipped according to high European standards.
Hotel "Grand" *** Sarajevo
It is located close to the center of the city in peaceful and moderately populated area. The hotel has 8 suites, 56 double rooms and 52 single rooms.
Hotel " Italia" ***** Sarajevo
The hotel has 24 rooms and 4 suites, equipped with satellite TV, phone, mini bar, and charming bathrooms.
| RESTAURANTS |
Restaurant Jez - Zelenih Beretki 14
Restaurant Ristorante - Ciglane
Restaurant Dom Pisaca- Kranjceviceva 24
| CAFFES |
Caffe Imperijal - Marsala Tita 56
Caffe Micchele - Ferhadija 15
Caffe Atrijum - Ferhadija 14
| DISCOTHEQUES |
Discotheque Labirint - Danijela Ozme 7
Discotheque Central Café - Strosmajerova bb
Discotheque Zodijak - Fra Grge Martica 4
| BANJA LUKA |
We welcome you to the city of Banja Luka, the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mountains surround the city and rolling hills where the cold mountain river Vrbas flows from trough the center of town. The city is dotted with parks and tree lined avenues making it a very attractive, healthy, and interesting place to visit. Located on the new Balkan crossroads of the west and the orient, Banja Luka has grown to be an important regional center of business, education, arts and culture.
For centuries Banja Luka has seen visitors and conquerors. Even Roman legionaries wrote of the unusual beauty of Banja Luka and the banks of the Vrbas. Castellum, a roman fort later fortified by the Ottomans, is the center of Banja Luka and a popular place for children playing, artists drawing, old folk waking and talking, youth swimming and enjoying a drink at the café, and locals and foreigners alike dinning in the forts restaurant. The legend and charm of the town had turned many visitors into residents, which is why Banja Luka's population has grown tenfold in the past 50 years. We invite you to enjoy the city's rich history and culture, to taste its fine foods and wine, and to see the beauty of and energy of its young and old. We welcome you to Banja Luka!
| HISTORY |
The area of today's Banja Luka was populated centuries ago. The archeological findings testify of material culture, which dates from Paleolithic, Mousterian epoch (50000 years BC). In the new epoch, the region of today's Banja Luka was populated by the Illyrian tribe Mezeji, who were conquered in 9 BC by the Roman leader Germanicus. Romans stayed in the area for a rather long time and they even built a military fortification (castra) on the left bank of the river Vrbas, then the fortress (castellum) where today's well known Kastel fortress sits. During the VI and VII century the Slavs conquered these areas together with the whole peninsula of Balkans. The first written trace of the name of the city of Banja Luka is mentioned in the declaration dated 06 February 1494. and is composed of the generic noun "luka" representing a valley next to water and adjective of the noun "ban". This name was used for the whole plain where the town sits today. As the best-fortified town at that time Banja Luka soon became the biggest center of the principality. In 1528 Turks captured the town and the dark period of the Banja Luka's history started with it. Almost four centuries of the cruelest occupation and exploitation together with the most brutal terror of domestic population of Banja Luka, undeveloped territory until the end of 19th century, when Austrian-Hungarian occupation started too.
Many misfortunes such as the great fires (1688, 1724, 1869, 1877 and 1878) and floods (especially in 1730 and 1737) contributed to such circumstances. With the Austrian-Hungarian occupation of BL on 31 July 1878 the management of the town was recognized and BL became the center of the region. By the 1879 census BL had 9560 citizens and in 1885, 11375 citizens. A considerable change of the conditions contributed to the development of the fight for civil freedom, cultural development and economic progress at that time.
| CULTURE AND ART |
Culture and art have both lived the life of Banja Luka, so that is the turbulent history has left traces on them. However, it also had some positive influence. The interaction of religion, culture and various dominance gave a distinction to the cultural and artistic life of the city. Every part of the history tells its story and Banja Luka of today is the cultural centre of the republic of Srpska and the whole of the Western BiH. So was it in the last decades when the great variety of artists pilgrimaged Banja Luka every year and they gave their tribute to some of the numerous festivals of music, theatre, film and art colonies. Today Banja Luka is a host to many important international events. The Orthodox Church plays an influential role in the development of the culture, as a significant factor of the cultural life.
The activity of the great number of different music groups, ranging from the classical music to the modern electronic music is present in the city. There are many agencies whose aim is to contribute to the development of art and culture as well as the theatre companies, professional and amateur artists' associations, etc. You can read more about some of the leading factors of cultural life of Banja Luka on the following pages.
| NATURE AND GEO POSITION |
The area of Banja Luka, which covers 1239 sq. kilometers, has a population of 250,000 inhabitants. Banja Luka spreads over both banks of the Vrbas River, in the tectonic valley that spreads NorthEast-SouthWest. The city itself covers approximately 150 sq. kilometres. The average altitude is 164 m. The climate is continental moderate with average 143 rainy days in the year. Banja Luka also has 1821 sunny hours during the year, average annual temperature is 12°C. The lowest ever recorded temperature was 27.4° C, and the hottest was 41.1° C. Banja Luka is also well known by the nickname "the green town" as this town has over 2400 acres of green areas of which 1000 acres are located through the town. The zone of the Vrbas River on of the most beautiful mountain rivers, beatifies everything around. Before entering in Banja Luka the river is passing through one of the nature masterpieces, the Canyon of Vrbas. In the Vrbas River and other Banja Luka's rivers swimming and fishing is possible. There are many hunting areas near the town, so hunters and fishermen are on their field here.
| TOURIST INFORMATION |
| HOTELS |
Hotel Palas - Kralja Petra I. Karadjordjevica 60 - 051 218 723
Hotels Bosna - Kralja Petra I. Karadordevica 115 - 051 215 681
Hotel Firenca - Urosa Predica 1 - 051 311 290
| RESTAURANTS |
Restaurant Sirano - Karadjordjeva 64 - 051 303 111
Restaurant San Marino - Trive Amelice 8 - 051 348 396
Restaurant Jezero - Prijedorska bb, Trn - 051 785 535
| CAFES & BARS |
Café N° 1 - Stari Zanatski Centar - 051 212 704
Café Dionis - Bana Milosavljevica 3 - 051 309 843
Old Caffe - Marije Bursac 18 - 051 206 463
Café Formula - F.G.Lorke 1 - 051 349 259
Club Kajak - Save Kovacevica 44 - 051 300 616
Club Hanioti - Srpskih pilota 33 - 051 310 888
| MOSTAR |
Mostar, which is a political, financial and cultural centre of the Canton, is situated under the slopes of the mountain of Velez, Hum and Cabulja and in the valley of the Neretva River at the altitude of 60-80 m. For centuries, Mostar has been at the cross roads of various civilizations and every one of them have participated with part of its uniqueness. Mostar is a city of sun, greenery flowers distinguished with specific and very comfortable Mediterranean climate.
| HISTORY |
In the 15th century, even before Turkish times, a small settlement, a nucleus of the Old Town, began to develop on the left bank of Neretva around the bridge that hung on chains. Taking into consideration the value of the bridge as an important means of communication, this settlement developed fairly quickly and soon took over the importance of the ancient town of Blagaj. In the middle of the 15th century (in 1477), Mostar had 19 houses. According to documents from Dubrovnik's archives, Vlatko the son of Stjepan Herceg Vukcic-Kosaca, was in command of the towers around the bridge from July 2, 1452.
The Turks occupied this settlement, as well as Blagaj, during 1466 or 1467, or, at least, in 1468. They gave the name of Köprü hisar-the fortification on the bridge. The name Mostar was mentioned in 1474 for the first time. The guards of the chain bridge were in the towers on both sides of the Neretva Bridge and were called "mostari" (mentioned for the first time in 1440 and the town is presumed to have got its name after them).
During the time of Turkish rule Mostar became the seat of both civil and military officials and dignitaries. "Carsija" developed around new stone bridge (today's Old Bridge), which was built in 1566 in the vicinity of the chain bridge. It had several towers, gates, a mosque, restaurants and numerous craft workshops. This well preserved oriental part of the town attracts not only tourists but also artists, poets and other chance travelers, and all of them wish to come back to enjoy its uniqueness. Mostar is always young, unique, and unforgettable.
The seat of the diocese of Sarsiteron, founded at the council of Solin in 533, was in the broader area of Mostar (in the present day settlement of Cim where the remains of a late Byzantine basilica were discovered). Mostar has been the seat of the Orthodox metropolitan bishop since 1767, and since 1847 of the Catholic bishop as well.
| CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY |
Bridge on the NERETVA
The grey green river Neretva flows trough Mostar and lower limestone hills towards the sea, while the warm Mediterranean air penetrates from the Adriatic sea to the village of Prigradani above Mostar, under the Prenj mountain, and farther on towards the north. The influence of the Mediterranean climate creates favourable conditions for the cultivation of various southerly crops so that Mostar and its near surroundings, especially the Neratva valley, are rich in tropical fruit, vegetables and other Mediterranean plants.
The high quality Herzegovina tobacco and grapes are cultivated together with various sorts of early vegetables and fruit, especially cherries, apricots, figs and peaches. It is well known that the famous Herzegovina wines Žilavka and Blatina were produced in ancient times. Mostar, a town existing on both sides of Neretva, has an average annual temperature around 15°C; in winter it is higher on average than 5°C, while in summer it is higher than 25°C. Although the Velez mountain above Mostar (1967m above sea level) has snow even in summer, it rarely snows down in the tow, and if it falls it melts very quickly. Mostar is 60 km away from Adriatic Sea, and in the City and its vicinity, there are famous and unique locations of cultural/historical treasure and heritage witnessing on the life in the are even in antique times. Mostar possesses the entire infrastructure, road and railway communications from north to south-Adriatic Sea and modern airport.
The Mediterranean climate makes it the warmest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina with mostly sunny days and clear blue skies. The Neretva turns the dry arid surroundings green with figs, kiwis, grapes, pomegranates, rose hips, and even mandarins and lemons.
The fertile grounds along the entire Neretva valley have made it a settlement dating back over 10.000 years. Today Mostar is a city in transition. It was devastated by war but the reconstruction has seen the town bounced back to life. Recovering from the devastation is not an easy task, the physical aspect of reconstruction is the easier part, and soul healing comes a bit slower. But the world has begun to return to Mostar. Its cobblestone streets in the old town are once again filled with visitors from all over the world, the cafes are teeming with young and old enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking views of the Neretva and the surrounding mountains.
Mosques and churches alike have been rebuilt and museums have been reopened. Believe me folks, it is place you have got to see!
You can visit the Austro-Hungarian public baths and have a swim or sit in the Jacuzzi, stroll along her lovely streets and admire the centuries - old Ottoman architecture, sit and enjoy a fine bottle of Herzegovinian red or white wine and smell the fresh array of wild flowers that stem from every patch of grass and every balcony along your way. Handcraft shops take deep into Herzegovina's past by upholding the tradition of quality, hand made goods. You will love their beauty and appreciate the time and effort that's been put into each item.
Walking through Mostar is a walk through the past. Its ancient walls tell timeless tales of the way it used to be. Its present struggle to keep its identity as a multi-ethnic community is an inspiring model for the future.
Mostar is far more than beautiful architecture and sunny weather, it is about a peace-loving community rebuilding itself from the ravages of the war. You will affect Mostar as much as it will affect you, just go and see. The hardest part about going to Mostar may be leaving it!
| TOURIST INFORMATION |
Tourism Association Mostar
Rade Bitange 5 - 036 578 189
Fortuna Trade tours Mostar
Branch office: The main railway station - 036 552 197 or 036 551 888
| HOTELS IN MOSTAR |
Hotel "Ero" Mostar ****
Ante Starcevica bb - 036 314 873
It has 336 beds in 165 rooms. Each room has bathroom, shower, toilet, phone, and balcony.
Hotel "Bristol" Mostar ***
036 500 100
The hotel is situated on the bank of the Neretva river. The hotel has 45 rooms.
It is 500 m away from Old Town.
Hotel "Mostar" Mostar ***
036 322 679
The hotel is situated in the center of the town. It has 47 beds in 30 rooms and 3 suites.
Each room has: bathroom, shower, TV set.
| RESTAURANTS IN MOSTAR |
The restaurants in Mostar will offer you a warm hospitality, which will certainly make you satisfied. Mostar is recognizable by the excellent dishes of the national cuisine. The most popular restaurants are: "Art" , Theatre" "Labirint", "Taurus","Tabhana", "Šadrvan", "Mlinica". All of the above restaurants are situated in the Old Town.
| BLAGAJ |
The ancient town of Blagaj, near Mostar, bears witness to the turbulent and rich history of the region more than any other one. The region settled already in 7000 BC was a home to the Neolithic being whose signs are still to be seen in the Green Cave (Zelena pecina). Many years later Romans replaced the Illyrians and a fortress was built on the ruins of their settlement during the reign of the emperor Justinian. The emperor Constantin Porfirogenet mentioned the fortress in his documents as a settlement of Bona.
Blagaj was at the apogee of its power during the reign of Duke Stjepan (Herceg Stjepan after whom Herzegovina was named). It was the residence of many Bosnian rulers and the centres of political affairs in the medieval Bosnia. His stone fortress dating from the 15th century, the famous Šcepan Tower (Šcepan kula), is a witness of the glorious past of this land.
Beside the historical context, there are numerous natural curiosities in Blagaj. The most famous one is the spring of the Buna - one of the biggest and the strongest springs in Europe with the water flowing at of 43,000 liters a second. The river springs out of a beautiful cave, but the most interesting is the story of its name. The legend says that once upon a time there was a giant called Bunja or Buna. He had three heads: a head of eagle, of wolf and of human. There were 72 other giants who lived with him, but only the king dared speaking to him. One day, and the legend does not explain why, Buna and his friends rebelled against the king who ordered all giants to be knocked in a huge barrel which was hidden on the bottom of the Blagaj lake. God knows how many years they spent there until Venus herself helped them. She poured the water of the lake on neighbouring villages and when she saw the barrel, she opened it and the giants and Buna were free again. While all other giants left, Buna settled in the cave from which the river flew.
Near the river, named after a giant being in love with nature there is one of the oldest Dervish monasteries (tekija) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The tekija of the Halvet Dervish order acts very impressively with a huge rock, which hangs over it so that the raindrops never fall directly of the tekija. The tekija was founded after the fall of Herzegovina under the Turkish reign in 1466 and there are even some clues that it was founded by a famous Turkish sheikh Sari Satluk.
The inhabitants of Blagaj have been connected with the tekija and the nature around it in a special way.
The abundance of greenery, water and the sun presents a ideal place for a pleasant stay and vacation during the whole year. A favourable climate has created a natural domicile for birds, 169 species of birds, and the inhabitants of Blagaj are especially proud of hawks and eagles from the family of griffon vultures which settle the "hollow, red and craggy rock which rises to the blue sky" as a famous Bosnian chronicler Evlija Celebija used to write.
This rich treasury of archaeology, architecture and culture is a sufficient motive for you to visit Blagaj and to learn how this region that has not been damaged at all is the perfect illustration of a natural phenomenon managing to connect economy and ecology in the best way.
If you sometimes decide to visit Blagaj, a complete pleasure will await you after sightseeing when you drop in at the fish restaurant, which is famous of its Blagaj trout for years. There you can get the fresh trout from the fishpond of "Norfish" nonstop. The capacity of the restaurant is 100 inside seats and 250 outside seats, in the garden. If you want to organize a lunch in this ecology oasis, we are offering you tasty fish specialties at satisfactory prices.
Address:
Branilaca Bosne bb 88201 - Blagaj
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel: + 387/36/500-811
If you are interested, we can offer you additionally the free tourist service of sightseeing natural and historical phenomena of this part of Herzegovina - the Buna spring, the Dervish monastery (tekija) and the fortress of Duke Stjepan. But if you are interested in the whole process of fish production according to strict ecology regulations, our personnel and experts will show you the production facilities of the fishing industry "Norfish".
Therefore, if the road brings you to Mostar, visit Blagaj, meet its hospitable inhabitants, see all its ancient monuments, but also its mystical tekija - we promise you will not regret it!
| MEÐUGORJE |
| MEÐUGORJE - A PILGRIMS HEAVEN |
Medugorje is located among hills in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to six teenagers the Blessed Mother appeared in this small village on June 24th 1981 on a hillside and since than she appears every single day, even today. She introduced herself as a Queen of Peace, and peace was indeed her main message. Over 15 million people from all over the world have visited this place. It changed the lives of many of those who have made the pilgrimage. When Our Lady appeared in Medugorje, many people from all over the world wanted to come and feel her spirit. The messages she gave to the visionaries were very simple and easy to understand: pray, hope, love, read the Holy Bible, attend the holy mass, confess and fast. Since her first apparition many miracles have been reported in Medugorje. Although the "official" church is still suspicious about Medugorje and the visions of the young teenagers over 20 year ago, priests, monks, believers, and just those curious of the visions have flocked to this humble mountain town. Tourism was not known at all in this part of the country. Mostar, with its famous Old Bridge and oriental center to town was the only popular destination for tourists who were coming from Sarajevo, Split or Dubrovnik on a one-day tour. In 1981 there were not more than 500 people living in Medugorje. There were no proper municipal services such as telephone, electricity, water supply, asphalt roads, etc. There were no hotels, restaurants, shops, or coffee bars; it was quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Today, 20 years later, Medugorje is a different place. Medugorje became a real tourist paradise for believers. There are 15,000 beds in hotels and private pensions, many restaurants, souvenirs shops, travel agencies, and professional guides in all major languages. Medugorje today is a beautiful small town of about 3,000 inhabitants. Its many visitors are consistently impressed by the hospitality and kindness of the local people and by the quality of their services.
| Where to stay |
Hotel "Pax" ***
Hotel "Pax" Medugorje is situated 300 m from the church St. James and 1 km from the Apparition Hill. It has 70 rooms. All rooms have bathroom, central heating. The restaurant has 350 sets.
Hotel "Annamaria"***
The hotel is situated 200 m from the church St.James. It has 10 beds and a restaurant.
| NEUM |
Neum is a wonderful location in the middle of the southern Adriatic Sea coast. The linguistic root of Neum means 'new'. It finds its origins in the word 'neon' that dates back before 533 A.D., when the municipality was referred to as Nouense and Neunense. And indeed, Neum is a new tourist town with modern views on some of old values and traditions of this country: it has a new vision with new ideas and new approaches ! Neum is plenty of treasures such as the medieval stecci tombs, which are the emanation of the national spirit, passing down the messages that run trough centuries and time in parallel with church records.
Whit its 24 km of splendidly diversified coast, Neum is the only entrance of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the sea.
There are approximately 5,000 beds, out of which 2,000 are in high class hotels. The remaining beds are mainly private accommodation in typical stone built Dalmatian homes. Its proximity to significant, interesting and attractive towns such as Dubrovnik, Mostar, Korcula, Hutovo Blato and Medugorje enhances the entire tourist offer of Neum and makes it even more attractive for trips, outings, and large group tours.
| Where to stay ? |
Hotel "Neum" *** B cat.
The hotel has 850 beds with all the requested comfort.
Hotel "Sunce" B cat
The "Sunce" hotel is situated near the sea.
It has 400 beds....
Hotel "Stella" *** B cat
The hotel is 150 m from the sea. Guests have
at their disposal 200 beds.
Hotel "Zenit" *** B cat.
The "Zenit" hotel is situated near the sea
The Hotel has 340 beds....
| BIHAC |
It is easy to find Bihac. The town is accessible from many different directions. As the western gate of Bosnia it is the crossroads of many ages. You will be delighted with its warm hospitality. This town full of diversity offers you a delicate taste of east and west, a balance of pristine nature and entertainment in its mountains, fresh air and crystal flowing waters of the Una River. Once you see the Una River you will never forget her emerald color, rapids and cascades. The legend says that his beauty left a Roman legionnaire breathless upon first sight. He uttered " Una: the only one." |
