10 reasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Many people are aware of the conflict that took place here back in the 1990s, but 20 years on, the country is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

Here are 10 reasons to head to this former Yugoslav Republic.

 

Its vibrant capital: Sarajevo

 

Nearly three quarters of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital was destroyed or damaged by shells and bombs during the war but, since then, Sarajevo has mostly returned to being the vibrant city of years past.

 

Its historic center blends East and West — visitors can feel they’re in Vienna one minute and Istanbul the next.

 

Sarajevo’s Ottoman past can be felt in the cobbled streets around Bascarsija.

 

Here topped copper-green domes overlook narrow alleyway craft bazaars.

 

Meanwhile grand relics from the Austro-Hungarian Empire span the streets round Ferhadija.

 

While there are signs of the city’s recent past — shrapnel-scarred walls and cemeteries on surrounding hillsides — Sarajevo is a city that embraces life.

 

Incredible nature

 

Traveling across Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the landscape.

 

Dramatic rocky mountains, cut down the middle with turquoise blue rivers and gushing waterfalls, carpet most of the country.

 

While Bosnia and Herzegovina only has a 25-kilometer slice of the Adriatic Coastline, overshadowed by the coves and bays of Croatia and Montenegro, the country does win out when it comes to epic gorges and valley drives.

 

 

Historic Towns

 

While it’s easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring Sarajevo, it’s worth getting out of the capital to explore other towns.

 

Mostar is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most spectacular cities, with prime Ottoman-era architecture and its famous Stari Most (Old Bridge).

 

The bridge was bombed in the Croat-Bosniak War in 1993, but has since been reconstructed.

 

Today, the bridge is 24 meters high at its apex and it is a rite of passage for young dudes to dive off into the River Neretva below.

 

Also worth a visit is southern Herzegovina’s Ottoman-era Pocitelj, near Croatia.

 

Jajce in northwest Bosnia is a stunning hilltop town crowned by a medieval fortress with a dramatic waterfall cascading at its base.

 

Warm and hospitable people

 

Despite the horrors of the conflict still being fresh in local memories, Bosnians will go out of their way to welcome strangers.

 

Guests staying with Bosnian families will be made to drink a lot of coffee and eat till they’re stuffed.

 

Visitors will find people are willing to help them out at any time.

 

Speaking of coffee…

 

Bosnian coffee culture

 

Coffee is the backbone of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s social life.

 

On first impressions, Bosnian coffee might resemble the Turkish variety, but locals insist they’re completely different.

 

Fine coffee grounds are prepared with boiling water in a metal coffee pot called a dzezva.

 

This is then stirred till it becomes a cream color and poured into a round cup known as a fildzan, often served with sugar cubes that are usually dipped into the coffee to balance out the bitterness.

 

While Bosnian coffee echoes Ottoman traditions, there are also cafes embracing more Western European traditions, serving strong coffee with cakes.

 

Sarajevo has a seemingly endless supply of cafes where customers can just sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

 

 

It’s cheap

 

Sarajevo is one of Europe’s cheapest capitals, and outside the city the prices just get lower.

 

Eating out can cost as little as 3-5 Bosnian Marks (less than $3).

 

When compared to neighboring Croatia, which has prices tending towards Western European levels, it’s ridiculously cheap.

 

That said, visitors could still wind up spending all their money at the wonderful bazaars.

 

 

Great for shopping

 

There are some amazing shopping opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

Not only are prices low when compared with the rest of Europe, the level of craftsmanship is amazing.

 

Hand-hammered copper goods, some handmade delicate lace, as well as traditional carpets, weaves and jewelry are among the traditional specialties.

 

More unique are the pens on sale in the market around Sarajevo’s Bascarsija – they’re made out of bullets from the siege of 20 years ago.

 

Ethnic and religious diversity

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina has always been a country known for its trade and consequently has long had a diverse population.

 

Today you may hear mosques calling out to prayer across the valleys, followed by the sound of church bells.

 

In downtown Sarajevo a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic church and an Orthodox church can all be found in the same block.

 

 

Land of adventure

 

Adventure travel fanatics are well catered for in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

The rocky mountains are fantastic not just for hiking and climbing, but also rafting, paragliding and mountain biking.

 

Going off the beaten track require some care though, as some areas might still carry the risk of landmines left over from the war.

 

Food

 

From crunchy, flaky burek filled with tangy white cheese to succulent cuts of grilled meat, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cuisine is humble but satisfying.

 

Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.

 

That means a healthy dose of Shopska Salad accompanied by a spongy, freshly baked flat bread is hard to beat.

 

 

 

http://edition.cnn.com/

 

 

TripAdvisor is one of the largest tourist portal in the world, which is offering information about the best tourist destinations, trip planning and booking. Almost 315 million visitors from 45 countries monthly is visiting this portal.

 

 

Pliva Lakes

 

Pliva Lakes are one of the first things that everyone should visit in Jajce, according to TripAdvisor.

 

“It is probably enough to say that Jajce and Pliva Lakes region was hot spot for thousands of years. Monuments that are pre-dating Old Roman Empire can be found all around Pliva Lakes and the Town of Jajce. It is place of enormous beauty, just waiting for your enjoyment. River Pliva a pristine clean River that flows into and builds the delightful waterfall that will take your breath away,” said one of the editors.

 

 

“Jajce was one of the most positive surprises during my trip. It turned out as ideal for slowing down and just relaxing after a week on the road. It was very relaxing and the residents were very friendly and polite. The city itself is not much exciting, but the lakes are beautiful and lovely, both for swimming and for boat rides,” as written by one of the editors.

 

 

Besides Pliva Lakes, TripAdvisor also included the Pliva Waterfall, Watermills, the Fortress of Jajce, the Catacomb of Jajce, the AVNOJ museum, Ethnographic museum and Eco Pliva as the things everyone must do when visiting Jajce.

 

(Source:www.sarajevotimes.com)

 

 

Jajce, in the central region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a historic city all about falling water. Famous for its enormous waterfall in the middle of town, the meeting of two rivers – the Pliva and the Vrbas – established the region in the 14th century as the capital of the then Kingdom of Bosnia.  There’s a town castle, old fortified city walls, high mountains and deep river valleys. And just downstream, in the area of the Pliva Lakes, is a collection of about 20 little huts that once served as watermills for local farmers.

 

 

 

Atlas Obscura on Slate is a blog about the world’s hidden wonders.

 

 

 

 

 

The Balkan Peninsula has a lot to offer, starting from food, life style and its unique architecture represented by communist buildings and famous castles. With a wealthy history, culinary and cultural traits, the Balkan Peninsula should be the first destination on your travel list. Feel free to dive into the unique architecture only the Balkan has to offer.

 

 

 

Kalemegdan Citadel in Belgrade, Serbia

 

The Kalemegdan Citadel is located in Stari Grad, in the heart of the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade. Lying on the banks of the rivers Sava and Danube, around 100 battles were fought over the astonishing Kalemegdan. Throughout the centuries, its Citadel was destroyed nearly more than 50 times. Even though this fortress may have been through some horrible times throughout the history, nowadays you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view and drink your cup of coffee in the nearby cafes.

 

 

 

 

Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

 

Tsarevets is one of the castles the Balkan can be proud of. Two hundred years ago, this castle was the home of the Second Bulgarian Empire, meaning the emperor and the patriarch. As a part of the castle, there is also a cathedral and dungeons where Latin emperors rest in peace. Nowadays, if you are able to pay a visit to Tsarevets on 22nd March which is the city’s holiday, you are going to witness a marvelous spectacle with audiovisual effects and an exquisite light show.

 

 

 

 

Central Post office in Skopje, Macedonia

 

Even though the Center of Skopje and its architecture in general is a mix of Ottoman authenticity and buildings from the neo-historical period, the visitors’ attention is turned towards the Central Post office. It is without any surprise that its mixture of modern details and beautiful shape, its unique design was created by a famous Macedonian architect Janko Konstantinov who had the chance to learn from the famous Finnish architect, Aalto Alvar. This concrete building is one of the most famous buildings the city of Skopje is proud of.

 

 

 

 

Smederevo’s Castle, Serbia

 

Smederevo is the former capital of Serbia and offering you one of the most beautiful landmarks, the famous castle of Smederevo. It is located west of Belgrade, on the bank of the river Danube. Its shape is triangular, and altogether it has got 25 big towers, a citadel and a moat. This castle was built in only a year in the fifteenth century and it is a representative of the last bulwark of the Serbs against the Ottoman Imperia.

 

 

 

Pazel Kastel, Croatia

 

Pazin is the capital of the Norhern part of Istria’s region. A town of about 6.000 people, it is the home to one of the most stunning, medieval and famous castles, the Pazel Kastel. Its origin take us back to 938 AD when it was actually first mention in historic documents. Pazel is a town that had a very turbulent history, this castle fell under many conquerors, having included the famous Habsburg Dynasty and Venice’s government. Over the years, the castle was the home of the government center, a defense fortress, a prison and a remarkable location for public events, celebrations and festivals. Today, the Ethnographic museum of Istria is a part of the castle, where musical instruments, clothing, bells, farm tools and barrels can be found.

 

 

 

 

Jajce Castle, Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Jajce is a small city, known as the independent capital of Bosnia and the fortress town. In the heart of Jajce, you definitely won’t miss the Jajce Castle, one of the most famous medieval castles looking towards the Old Town. This castle was once home to many kings and their crest can still be seen at the main entrance. You will be stunned by the amazing panoramic view towards the mountains and the waterfalls.

 

 

http://www.slavorum.org

 

 

 

The Jajce Town is the capital of the homonymous municipality in the county of central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city in 1991 counted 13,579 and 45,007 inhabitants of the municipality. The climate is temperate continental with warm summers and snowy winters. The Jajce Town is one of the most significant places of Bosnian, Yugoslav and Croatian history. Jajce is a town in central Bosnia, on the island of Pliva and the Vrbas. It was first mentioned in written records in 1396. It was the possession of Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić, and around the middle of the 15th century took the power of the King. In 1463 fall into the Turks empire, but by the end of that year it is being swept away by Matthias Corvinus and the established Jajce Region for defense against from the Turks. At the turn of 1527, in 1528 it again occupied by the Turkish empire, and the town lost its importance, so that in the 17th century walls of the fortress significantly crumbling. In the great fire in 1658 completely destroyed, and then only partially repaired, so that works Jajce in poor condition until the 80s of the 19th century, when performed extensive conservation work on the citadel and the tower of St. Luke.

 

In the 12th century there are several buildings profane and sacred character, for example, the church in the Romanesque style on the site of the young Gothic church of St. Mary. Another Romanesque building stood in the lower part of the city, and the Emperor’s field is disclosed Romanesque relief plate. In the 13th and early 14th century, built a large wall around the village, which is in the second half of the 14th century significantly boosts, then builds the citadel palace in Romanesque forms retarded. Next to Bear tower carves the underground hall on two floor, known as the Catacombs, which is probably supposed to serve as a space for rituals Order of the Dragon. Judging from the coat of arms in the lobby, premises carved on the orders of Duke Hrvoje, perhaps at the end of his life because the work remained unfinished.

 

At about the same time Franciscans raise on the ruins of the Romanesque church of their monastery of St.. Mary, while still maintaining the Romanesque west portal of the older buildings, above which are inserted Gothic rosette. About 1460 on the north side of the church was built on the tower of St. Luke, who is in the lower parts was implemented in the Gothic style, while the upper three galleries were formed as Romanesque triforium. Around the mid-15th century was built on the citadel of the royal palace in the style of the Venetian-Dalmatian late Gothic, close shop Andrija Alesi. At the entrance to the citadel was erected in a festive Gothic portal with the coat of arms of King Stjepan Tomasevic. In the first decades of the 16th century, the house was expanded annexes in the style of late Gothic medieval. At the time of the Turks church of Sts. Mary was reconstructed into a mosque and the tower of St. Luke turned into a minaret. The royal palace is still standing in the 17th century as a ruin, and was completely destroyed in the late 18th or early 19th century.

 

 

 

Source: http://www.trec.ba

Jajce Fortress was the stronghold of the town of Jajce, a former royal capital and the last territorial possession of the Kingdom of Bosnia.

 

 

Jajce was founded in the 14th century by Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić, a powerful feudal lord in medieval Bosnia. Built at the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas Rivers, the town served as the seat of power for Hrvoje, who bore the title Grand Duke of Bosnia and was heavily involved in the political intrigues and military actions needed to protect Bosnia’s independence from her more powerful neighbors, the Kingdom of Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. Thus it is altogether sensible that Hrvoje also built a fortress atop the hill at the center of his new town, to deter foes and safeguard his own power.

 

 

Hrvoje died in 1416 after shifting his alliances one too many times and being stripped of most of his lands in the process. His town and the fortress at its heart, however, still stood, and in 1421 King Stjepan Tomasevic moved his royal court to Jajce, thus making it the capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia. To reflect the city’s new royal status, a palace was built within Jajce Fortress in the mid-15th century and an royal portal was added to the complex, emblazoned with the royal Bosnian coat of arms.

 

Jajce Fortess stood fast for another century and helped maintain the independence of the city while the rest of the Kingdom of Bosnia fell to encroaching Ottoman forces. It could not hold out forever, though, and in 1527 Jajce was finally overtaken, making it the last Bosnian town to fall to Ottoman rule.

 

Today, Jajce Fortess still stands on top of the rounded hill at the center of the medieval city, but the tall stone walls and watch towers now only enclose a grass-covered plateau that the Bosnia royal court once called home. The fortress is a short walk from the famous waterfall at the center of Jajce.

 

 

 

(atlasobscura.com)

 

 

One of Jajce’s most unique features is this waterfall which is unusually situated right in the centre of the town. The falls are more than 20 meters high, and are at the point where two rivers meet and converge. The water is almost perfectly clear, and is a glittering bright turquoise color. There are a number of excellent viewing points, the best one being the official viewing platform where visitors are close enough to feel the spray of the water. The falls are currently at their highest recorded point, after an earthquake in the 1990s caused the area to flood and consequently increased the size of the waterfalls. Thanks to their central location, the Pliva waterfalls are a difficult attraction to miss when in Jajce.

 

 

 

 

(theculturetrip.com)

 

Jajce was once the seat of some of Bosnia’s medieval kings, and the remains of their castle are still in a good condition today. Jajce fortress was first built around the mid-14th century, although over the years many alterations and additions have been made. The central castle is located on top of a hill overlooking the city, and within the town there a various parts of old fortified wall as well as gates. One of the most interesting features to look out for is the crest of one of the medieval ruling families, which can be seen in its near-perfect condition at the entrance to the castle. Thanks to this historic legacy, Jajce is currently a candidate for being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

 

(theculturetrip.com)

 

(foto: JU Agencija Jajce)

Jajce bills itself as Bosnia’s ‘Open Air Museum’, and boasts an impressive urban waterfall right in the town centre. The fortified Old Town climbs a steep rocky knoll to the powerful, ruined castle where Bosnia’s medieval kings were once crowned.

 

More about Jajce on: Jajce-Lonely Planet