CENTRAL BOSNIA | A medieval tour (Jajce + Travnik + Pliva lakes)

In the Middle Ages the Travnik area was known as the župa Lašva province of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. The area is first mentioned by Bela IV of Hungary in 1244. Travnik itself was one of a number of fortified towns in the region, with its fortress Kaštel becoming today's old town sector. The city itself is first mentioned by the Ottomans during their conquest of nearby Jajce.

It's hard to miss the Sarena Dzamija (Multi-Colored Mosque), built in 1757. With its bright colors, its unique and intricate artistic details on the outside walls and its carved wood, it is said to be among the most beautiful mosques in the Balkans – and the only one in the country that people believe stores hairs of the prophet. It has unusual flower motives painted on the outside, and it is one of only two mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which the prayer room is positioned on the first floor, with the ground floor used to conduct business.

Old Fort is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval fortified buildings in Bosnia on which later historical periods left their distinctive characteristics. In so far known historiography sources, there is no record of the year and the duration of construction, or the builder. Historians agree that the castle was built in the second half of the 14th or the first half of the 15th century. By way of construction and other indications it is assumed that the original builder was King Tvrtko II Kotromanić, but King Stjepan Dabiša is also stated as a possible builder.

The fortress of Jajce sits above the town at an altitude of 470m. It is located within the complex of the medieval city that dates back to the 13th century. The fortress, constructed over several centuries, encircles the architectural remains of a mid-15th century castle. Located in the south-western side of the fortress is a portal with the royal coat of arms. This portal dates back to the time of Tvrtko II and King Stjepan Tomasevic, who moved the royal court to Jajce in 1421.

At 17 meters in height, the Pliva waterfall is one of the most notable features of Jajce. This natural monument is located in the very centre of the town and has been named one of twelve most beautiful waterfalls in the world. It is also the only waterfall in the world to create an estuary as it joins the Pliva River with the Vrbas River. Whether you are standing beneath it or looking down from above, the Pliva waterfall creates a spectacular view!

Located a few kilometers away from Jajce are the Great and Small Pliva Lakes. These lakes offer many recreational opportunities: fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, playing volleyball, biking and walking. There are also public barbeque facilities along the lakeside for picnics.

No longer used for actual milling, the Pliva Lakes watermills draw tourists down the river from the giant waterfall in town. That one is certainly impressive with its showy 65-foot drop. But the little shingled watermills feel like they might be home to some local trolls, with their dragons hitched up out back.