The Old Town of Visoki was a famous medieval city and fortress that emerged during the 14th century on the Visočica hill. At its foothills, and also at the foothills of Visočica, lies the city of Visoko today. On September 1, 1355, in a charter of the young Ban Tvrtko I Kotromanić titled "in castro nostro Visoka vocatum," the Old Town of Visoki was mentioned for the first time. It also served as the seat of a high feudal lord with the title of the Grand Duke of Bosnia. The Old Town of Visoki is situated on top of the 213-meter-high Visočica hill at an elevation of 766.5 meters, and about 300 meters above the valley where the city of Visoko itself developed. It is located at a prominent place with an excellent view of the entire surrounding area. The approach is on the southwest side, from a plain that is 60 meters lower, and the suburb of the fortress and the city was called Podvisoki. Although historically important, the Old Town of Visoki was not of large dimensions, being about 60 meters in length and about 25 meters in width, it had two towers that protected it along its entire length. Inside the city itself, there are several traces of buildings. The wall thickness is about 2 meters, and it is mostly built of slab limestone of local origin which is roughly hewn, while the cave sand for the mixture is of uneven strength and quite coarse. The primary function of the Old Town of Visoki was defensive, but it was also the place from where Bosnian rulers wrote many charters and documents, the last of which was written in 1436 when Prince Tvrtko Borovinić issued documents in Visoko. Today, the Old Town of Visoki is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Old Town of Visoki

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In the heart of Bihać, a legend whispers through the ages, revealing a tale of an ancient Roman warrior whose battle-hardened exterior crumbled at the sight of the Una River's emerald beauty. Picture this: the warrior, weathered by countless conflicts, stumbled upon the river's enchanting waterfalls, gilded cedars, and vibrant shores. In that moment, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Una!" The river, a vision of unparalleled beauty, captured his soul.

As the legend unfolds, the Roman, captivated by Una's spell, made a life-altering choice. He abandoned the battlefield, shedding his armor for a shepherd's attire, surrendering to the allure of Una's beauty. One fateful morning, he witnessed a maiden, seemingly born of the river's ethereal essence. Determined, he followed this "otter of a woman," crossing a footbridge between ancient cedars and disappearing into a humble hut.

What happened next was nothing short of magical. The Roman, now a shepherd, emerged cradling a newborn girl. With Una as his witness, he joyously raised the infant high, declaring her name in triumphant repetition: "Una, Una, Una!" A tale of transformation, of finding joy in unexpected places.

Fast forward to 1986, and Bihać immortalized this legend with the installation of the stone sculpture "Girl from the Una." For over three decades, this artistic masterpiece, born from the mind of academic sculptor Vladimir Hrljević and the vision of Boško Marjanović, founder of the eco-conscious "Una Emeralds," has stood as a symbol of the city's rich history and the enduring magic of the Una River. Today, the legend lives on, echoing through the stone, the river, and the whispers of the city's emerald heart.

Djevojka sa Une

Neolithic site Okolište, a national monument in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the largest site of the Neolithic Butmir culture. Located northwest of Visoko, it covers about 7 hectares in the Visoko basin, a key area for Neolithic settlements in Central Bosnia dating back to around 5200 BC. Research, including geomagnetic surveys and excavations, revealed a well-structured settlement with around 54 houses, indicating sophisticated multi-room designs and dual furnaces per house. Excavations uncovered 7 houses, numerous workshops, stone tool manufacturing sites, and ceramic artifacts from the Butmir II and III cultures (4800-4700 BCE). The estimated population was about 1000, indicating a densely populated area. The economy was based on agriculture, focusing on grains like emmer, einkorn, barley, and millet, supplemented by animal husbandry and limited hunting, with cattle being particularly important. Nearby Donje Moštre offers additional insights with its Neolithic and Chalcolithic artifacts. This place has garnered international attention, particularly from German researchers. Their meticulous excavations and studies have unearthed a trove of historical treasures, shedding light on the complex lives of our Neolithic ancestors. These invaluable findings are now carefully preserved in the Native Museum of Visoko, a testament to the region's rich heritage. Yet, this remarkable site still holds many secrets, with vast areas remaining unexplored. As research continues, each discovery at Okolište promises to further unravel the intricate tapestry of our shared human past.

Neolithic site Okolište 

Nestled in the embrace of Bihać, the Church of St. Anthony tells a tale that weaves through time, a testament to resilience and transformation. Its foundations were laid in the twilight of the 19th century, the last brushstrokes completing the masterpiece in 1894. Legend whispers that its sacred ground cradles the echoes of a medieval church, a silent witness to Bihać's storied past.

Crafted with meticulous care, the architects envisioned more than a church; they dreamed of an architectural symphony. The Church of St. Anthony rose with a commanding presence, its spatial design covering around 900 square meters, crowned by a lofty rectangular bell tower. Alongside the Fethija Mosque and the Captain's Tower, it stood as a sentinel above the city, an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Bihać.

The winds of World War II brought change, as the church underwent a metamorphosis in response to the turbulent times. In 1941, the order came to dismantle the Orthodox church to its very foundations. Yet, from the rubble emerged a reborn St. Anthony's Church, reaching skyward with an additional floor to its bell tower, extending its form to embody the shape of a cross.

In this reimagined guise, the church earned its place among the giants, becoming one of the three largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a grandeur stretching across 58 meters. The winds of war, however, were unkind. In 1944, the thunderous roar of Allied bombers echoed through the city, leaving scars on the church's facade.

Yet, resilient as the spirit it symbolizes, the square tower with its enduring bell tower stood tall, defiant against the march of time. Today, it stands as a silent sentinel, a poignant reminder of wartime sacrifices and a living testament to the endurance of Bihać's spirit.

Crkva sv. Ante Padovanski

Perched atop a lofty and steep hill, the ancient Sokolac Fortress boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times when the remnants of a settlement still lingered in its immediate vicinity. This robustly constructed fortress relied on the commanding Sokolac Tower, strategically positioned on the city's highest point—a precipice plunging steeply towards the Una River and Bihać from the north and east. Although first recorded in 1369, historian Ivan Tomašić suggests an earlier construction date of 1020.

Sokolac functioned with a castellan, a garrison, and estates that sustained its defenders. Under the jurisdiction of the ban, the Sokolac garrison drew support from the Brekovica and Omršal estates, nestled between Bihać and Ostrožac along the Una's left bank, as well as a vast estate in the Bihać field. The castellan, overseeing the garrison, wielded judicial authority over those dwelling on the fortress's estates. Despite its prominence in Sigismund's court, Sokolac, along with Bihać and Ripče, faced financial strains, leading to pledges to Pavle Čupor in 1410 and later to Nikola and Stjepan Frankopan in 1431.

By the late 15th century, Sokolac came under the ownership of Croatian Ban Ivaniš Korvin, succeeded by the Orlovići and Kerečeni in the early 16th century. Post-1527, royal soldiers, commanded by the captain of Bihać, guarded Sokolac, tallying 12 guards in the city in 1563.

In 1592, Sokolac fell under Ottoman rule, establishing a permanent military presence led by the assistant (ćehaja) of the Bihać captain. The early 16th century witnessed a modest garrison of 19, later relocated, and unmentioned in the 1643 census. The mid-18th century saw a 20-strong garrison, equipped with two smaller cannons for defense.

Sokolac stood as one of the region's best-preserved fortresses until recent times. In 1898, Count Lothar Berks, the chief of the Bihać district, spearheaded a restoration, opening it to visitors. A tavern, offering postcards and city insights, graced a floor of Sokolac Tower. The fortress received its last restoration in 2015. Today, the medieval Sokolac Fortress is accessible from Bihać by foot or bike through the "Debeljača" trim trail. 

Sokolac fort

The fortress of Orašac, a testament to the Ottoman era, stands proudly in the municipality of Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Positioned on a steep hill, a short distance from the right bank of the Una River in the village of Orašac, it lies 11 km downstream from Kulen Vakuf.

Constructed between 1703 and 1730, this stronghold incorporates a medieval tower that once belonged to the Hum County. It served as a vital component of the Ostrovica Captaincy, governed by a captain known as the "dizdar." Under the command of dizdar, the fortress housed a garrison of 60 soldiers and officers. In 1782, Ahmedaga held the post of dizdar, succeeded by Huseinaga Grozdanić and his son, with Dervišaga concluding the line as the last dizdar. By 1833, the fortress boasted three cannons. Locals proudly link Orašac to the legendary figure Budo Talo, a prominent character in Bosnian folk epic poetry.

Presently, the fortress stands in a state of graceful decay, with the tower remaining as the most resilient testament to its storied past.

Stari Grad Orašac


In the heart of Bihać, Turbet's history is woven with tales as diverse as the city itself. One legend traces back to the tumultuous days when Bihać defended itself against the formidable Austro-Hungarian forces. Two Pashas sacrificed their lives in this struggle, finding their eternal rest just across from the Captain's Tower.

The Pasha's wife, gazing from the tower's lofty windows, witnessed an ethereal green light above their graves. It was said to be a sign, a divine nod to the dedication of the fallen heroes. Inspired by this mystical occurrence, believers constructed a Turbe at the site, crafted from the warmth of wood, sheltering two tombstones within its sacred walls. For years, a vigilant guard with a rifle stood watch over this hallowed ground.

Time passed, and with the Austro-Hungarian era, a new chapter unfolded. The construction of St. Anthony's church began at the Turbe's location, but rather than erasing the past, it merely nudged it a few meters away. Rising from the local bihacite stone, a new Turbe took shape, its enduring form a testament to the resilience of history.

Though the recent war left scars on this sacred monument, it stands today, restored and resilient. Turbet represents more than stone and history; it embodies the spiritual culture of the Bosniak people, an irreplaceable part of Bihać's soul.

Paired with the Captain's Tower, the grand tomb, and the Catholic church tower, Turbe completes the historical tapestry of Bihać. It's not just a monument; it's a living legacy, etched into old postcards and the memories of those who have seen Bihać evolve through time.

Turbe – mauzolej u Bihaću


Although among the oldest structures in Bihać, the Captain's Tower has not yet revealed the date of its birth. If its builders and users did not leave behind basic personal information for the sake of future generations, later historians have roughly determined the period from which it originates: the late Croatian and early Ottoman period.

Like many ancient buildings in Bihać, the Captain's Tower has its own small history. According to H. Strauss's theory in the book "Bihać Towers and Fortresses," the Captain's Tower was built in 1205 and was one of four towers, three of which were destroyed in 1201-1202. According to folk tales that contain some kind of historical basis, the Captain's Tower, or the fortified Bihać, saved the life of the Hungarian king Béla IV, who was pursued to the very walls by swift Tartar horsemen. In gratitude, Béla IV declared Bihać a free city, and on the stone facade of the tower, he had his symbol - the black raven - carved.

With the arrival of Austro-Hungary in these areas, the tower was converted into a prison or a county jail. From then until many years later when Bihać completely emerged from its ramparts and became an urban center, the Captain's Tower served exclusively as a prison until 1959 when it was handed over for use to regional museum curators. The building has been completely adapted and now has, we might say, its true content: it has been transformed into a museum space with permanent exhibits.

Captain's Tower

The Bihać sarcophagus stands as a silent custodian of tales, known by the evocative title of the Tomb of Croatian Nobles or the Tomb of the Bihać Nobility. Its origins trace back to the twilight of the 19th century, a testament to a bygone era following the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hallowed grounds chosen for its creation were destined to hold a legacy, the very site where the majestic Church of St. Anthony of Padua would later rise in Bihać.

Within the sacred confines of this sarcophagus, the essence of nine remarkable individuals from Bihać is preserved. These were the valiant souls who, defending their city, met their fate in the tumultuous battles against the Ottoman forces during the early 16th century.

Picture the initial resting place – the weathered walls of the old Church of St. Anthony, where Croatian nobles, including an esteemed tailor, found their eternal repose. Yet, history took a turn when the Ottoman shadows cast their veil over Bihać in 1592, transforming the church into the Fethiye Mosque. The nobles' remains were relocated to a nearby plot, standing witness to the passage of centuries.

Then, a chapter unfolded in the late 19th century, where the distinguished departed were granted a new sanctuary – the Bihać sarcophagus. The noble names etched into history include Nikola Farkašić, Ivan Bucković, Bernardin Stivković, Luka Cvitković, Ivan and Gašpar Kobašić, Petar Rebrović, Luka Bihaćanin, Juraj Šubić, and Ivan Izačić.

Fast forward to the artistic endeavors of Tomislav Turkalj in 2009, a maestro who breathed life into devastated reliefs and crafted a replica of the Bihać sarcophagus. As the seasons changed, so did the narrative of this eternal resting place, weaving a captivating story that echoes through the ages, reminding us of the valor and sacrifice encapsulated within its stone embrace.

Bihaćki sarkofag

Fethija Mosque, stands as a captivating historical site in the town of Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina and stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. Its origins trace back to 1266 when it was originally erected as a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, making it the oldest Gothic building in the country. This architectural gem took on a new identity after the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Bihać from Habsburg Croatia in 1592, undergoing a transformation into a mosque.

The mosque's conversion marked a significant chapter in its history, reflecting the dynamic cultural shifts in the region. The original Catholic structure, accompanied by a monastery, is noted in a 13th-century charter of the Croatian nobility, providing a glimpse into the building's early role in the religious and cultural landscape.

Today, Fethija Mosque stands as a testament to the coexistence of diverse cultural influences throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina's history. Its transition from a Catholic church to a mosque symbolizes the region's rich tapestry of heritage and serves as a poignant reminder of the complex historical narratives that have shaped the town of Bihać over the centuries.

Fethija Mosque

Mile are located in the immediate vicinity of Visoko, in today's settlement of Arnautovići on the right bank of the Bosna river and near the mouth of the Goruša river. Today, the Mile archaeological site is a protected national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mile was one of the royal seats. The first Bosnian king, Tvrtko I Kotromanić, was crowned in Mile in 1377. Under a large tombstone in the church, the remains of brocade fabric with motifs of a coat of arms with a shield, veil, crown, helmet, and plume were found, in the grave of King Tvrtko I. Mile were one of the places where assemblies were held. At the assemblies, issues related to the internal and foreign policy of Bosnia were resolved. Among these issues were the election and coronation of rulers, gifting and taking away estates, alienation of state territory, and determination of foreign policy. Mauro Orbini and many Franciscan chronicles state that Ban Stjepan II built the Church of St. Nicholas in Mile and that he was buried there according to his own wish. The tomb of King Tvrtko is located at the back of the church's choir. The above-ground part of the tomb was made up of reddish-brown stone slabs with profiling and figural decorations in shallow relief and one monolithic tombstone ridge with a base, now a tombstone, an amorphous, hacked boulder, lying against the north wall of the church.