Travnik

Travnik

Once the seat of Bosnia’s Turkish viziers (Ottoman governors), the castle town of Travnik is now best known for its sheep cheese, and as the birthplace of Nobel Prize–winning author Ivo Andrić, who set his classic Bosnian Chronicle here.

Andrić’s birthplace house is a museum now, worth visiting. It’s a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours while travelling between Sarajevo and Jajce.

It was the capital city of the governors of Bosnia from 1699 to 1850, and has a cultural heritage dating from that period. The city itself also features numerous structures dating to the Ottoman era have survived in near perfect condition, such as mosques, oriental homes, two clock towers (Travnik is the only city in Bosnia and Herzegovina to have two clock towers), and fountains. The city’s old town dates back to the early 15th century, making it one of the most popular sites from that time.

The Travnik Fortress is an impressive fortress that stands well preserved dating all the way back to Roman times, although improved in the 14th century when it was given its present design. The central tower of the castle is well preserved. It contains a small museum covering the history of the city. Visitors can  get a 360-degree view of the city from here.

Colored Mosque or Sulejmanija is located in the centre. Built at the end of the16th century, destroyed in 1757. The same year a new mosque was built on its place. After the fire of 1815, the mosque was thoroughly renewed by Skopljak Sulejman-pasha, after whom it has since been called “Sulejmanija”.

Plava Voda, translated as Blue Water, is an attraction in the center congregated around Lasva river stream, crossed by small bridges and packed with restaurants and cafes.

Elči-Ibrahimpaša Madrassa, a beautifully restored Moorish-style Islamic school building lies just off the main highway close to the Plava Voda area.

Nearby Mt.Vlašić is an excellent spot for skiing, hiking, and sledding.It is a popular winter destination for Bosnians and visitors from the neighboring countries as well.

The Bosnian Tornjak, one of Bosnia’s two major dog breeds and national symbol, originated in the area, found around Vlašić mountain.