I wanted to visit Jajce for years. I knew there were some interesting historical places there, but, to be honest, I only heard some basic things. Then, I finally decided to go there.
This was one of my best travel decisions ever. What I didn’t know was that this trip would be one of my most memorable travel experiences.
Here’s why visiting the city of Jajce is a must.
A short journey through History and Beauty
The city of Jajce is nestled between the rivers and hills in the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It stands here for centuries, as a living testament to the rich history and culture that shaped this charming country.
I was lucky to see all the hidden gems of this town. The moment I first saw this town, I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Now, let’s travel through time together and discover the top 5 must-visit attractions in Jajce. This charming town could leave you speechless and amazed.
1 Pliva Waterfall
The first thing to do, probably for all people who come to Jajce, is to see the Pliva waterfall. Nature decided to create this masterpiece in the town center.
The river Pliva flows into the river Vrbas creating this marvelous waterfall, the symbol of Jajce. You can enjoy the magnificent view from the distance, or you can buy a ticket and get up close.
Whatever you choose, you will have an unforgettable experience.
2 Jajce Fortress — The unique royal experience
The next most famous place in Jajce is the Jajce Fortress.
Jajce Fortress is placed above the city and it will give you a completely new perspective of the town. It is said that it was built in the 13th century, and it was repaired and built over the next couple of centuries.
But why is this fortress so important?
It was a symbol of power for the Bosnian royal families (Kotromanić, Tomašević, and Kosača) who once ruled these lands. The Jajce Fortress stands as a living witness to the rise and fall of dynasties and rulers.
Certainly, the most significant was the royal family Kotromanić, which ruled Bosnia for about two centuries (1287–1463).
When you climb up to the fortress, the first thing that will catch your eye is the royal portal. Above the portal, you can see the Coat of Arms of the Kotromanić royal family.
Unfortunately, you can’t pass through the portal since the Ottomans sealed it with concrete after they captured Jajce in 1463. I asked the local people if they knew the reason why the Ottomans did this, but nobody could tell me.
What we know from history is that it was not uncommon for the Ottomans to destroy the emblems of the previous rulers as well as the cultural heritage of the local people.
Once you enter the fortress, you will feel as if you travel through time. Inside the well-preserved walls, you can see several gates and towers. But if you stop walking for a while, find a secluded corner, and sit down, you will feel as if you are in the middle of a medieval court, expecting the kings and other royals to walk around you.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the echoes of history that resonate through the walls and corridors.
3 Catacombs of Jajce
Delighted by the wonderful fortress, we wanted to go deeper into the past. And, we did it. Literally.
One of the most important figures in the history of Jajce and medieval Bosnia is certainly the mighty Duke Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić. He was a nobleman and a military leader in the 15th century.
The duke wanted his family to be buried inside the city walls, so he gave instructions for the Catacombs to be hollowed.
As you enter the lobby you will see the unfinished reliefs of the duke’s tomb, the Coat of Arms of the House of Hrvatinić, and a female figure holding lilies in her hand (lilies are the symbol of Mary, Mother of Jesus).
As you are coming down the steep stairs, you will understand the expression “as cold as a tomb”, but don’t give up. This place is really worth visiting.
Inside the Catacombs, you will see a small Romanesque church, burial vaults made of stone, and different reliefs.
But, what will leave you speechless is an altar with a double cross-shaped perforation, with the sun and the crescent moon on its left and right. Those are the old Slavic symbols of the cult of death, the afterlife, and eternal sleep.
4 St Mary’s Church
Another important place you shouldn’t miss while you are at the fortress is certainly St Mary’s Church. It is located near the Catacombs, so you can’t miss it.
It was built in the 14th century and it played an important role in the religious life during the time of the Bosnian Kingdom.
The most important relic that was brought to this church was the relic of St. Luke, the Evangelist. This relic was brought by Jelena Branković, the daughter of the Serb despot Lazar Branković. She brought it as a part of her dowry after getting married to the heir to the Bosnian throne, Stjepan Tomašević.
Besides the crucial role, this church had in religious life, its historical role extended beyond its religious functions.
The last king of Bosnia, Stjepan Tomašević, was crowned in this church, in November 1461.
What I didn’t like about this place is that, besides its vast historical importance, the church is in pretty bad condition. The bell tower and the walls are preserved. However, you can’t enter the church; it has no roof and everything inside is destroyed and neglected.
Perhaps the local authorities should consider some form of restoration, that would make it more appealing for tourists and other history enthusiasts.
5 Mithreum
With the sound of the bells announcing the coronation of Stjepan Tomašević, still echoing in our ears, we walked to another hidden gem. This one is telling the story of the ancient times.
If you are passionate about history and ancient times, don’t miss this place.
Places like this are often placed in far away and hidden locations. Mithreum in Jajce is unique as it is situated almost in the town center.
Mithreum dates back to the 3rd or 4th century AD, and it’s the oldest national monument in Jajce, one of the oldest in Bosnia.
The cult of the invincible god of the sun — Mithra, was widespread throughout all provinces of the Roman Empire. Since the majority of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina belonged to the province of Dalmatia, it is not strange to have monuments like this.
Mithreum in Jajce represents a rare and unique example of the temple-spelaea. The relief shows the god Mithras crushing a bull with one knee while holding him by the mouth with his left hand and stabbing him in the heart with his right.
The monument is protected by a glass structure, so you can see everything without getting inside.
Yet, if you want to have a closer look, you need to call someone to open (the phone number provided) or contact the Ethno Museum of Jajce.
Before you go
Although Jajce is not a big town, it has a rich history and a lot of famous places to offer. If you want to see all the interesting and important places, you will have to spend at least three days here. There are many more natural and historical sites in this charming town.
I chose to tell you about these ones because they left the strongest impression on me.
Feel free to visit Jajce and Bosnia and discover your favorites. Welcome!
