Jajce Village

Jajce: the royal city of water, light and rock.

In the Balkans, more precisely in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a "hidden pearl" set between mountains, lakes, waterfalls and green valleys.

It is called Jajce, and perhaps few people know it, but it was also an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia and a place where the foundations for the birth of Yugoslavia were symbolically laid.

Seeing this country is not just any visit. Jajce is the "royal city of water, light and rock". Not only. This village is also an authentic open-air museum where the testimonies of four empires still coexist (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian), three kingdoms (Bosnia, Hungary and Yugoslavia) and three great religions monotheistic (Islam, Christianity and Judaism).

The dominations of these empires have certainly left indelible traces in its history, which are still present in the country's cultural heritage.

While its tranquility and those fairytale landscapes, which surround Jajce, make it a very popular destination for lovers of nature, tranquility and outdoor excursions.

Jajce has approximately thirty thousand inhabitants but it is by no means large. Leaving the car in the parking lots adjacent to the village, you can easily visit it on foot within a few hours.

But although it is not so extensive, it hosts several monuments and its historic center is still being restored to be included among the Unesco world heritage sites.

The restoration of the historic center of Jajce, moreover, was started years ago with the collaboration of a Swedish organization "Kulturarv utan gränser" (Cultural Heritage without Borders).

What jobs have been planned? The planned activity foresees the restoration of the traditional houses of the village as well as of some city monuments.

The city is dominated by a fortress of medieval origin, built during its period as the capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia. It can also be seen from far away and according to many it is certainly the first monument that catches the eye when you arrive in Jajce.

The temple dedicated to the god Mithras, a perfectly preserved 4th century find, dates back to Roman times.

Other interesting historical testimonies of Jajce are the Esma Sultana Mosque, the catacombs and the underground church of Duke Hrvoje (dating back to the 15th century), the church of St. John the Baptist and the tomb of Stephen Tomaševi?, The last King of Bosnia.

Click to watch a long video that, step by step, will allow us to explore Jajce and its artistic and natural beauties.

The Pliva Falls, however, remain the most important natural attraction of the city and its most authentic symbol. It is not at all difficult to find them. They are at the foot of the village on the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers.

Every year, the first weekend of August, from these falls you can witness a more unique than rare spectacle. Professional divers from half of Europe launch themselves from its seventeen meters of elevation gain.

Click to see some truly breathtaking dives!

Jaice should be visited for its picturesque village but it can also prove to be an interesting starting point for trekking or mountain biking enthusiasts, who from here can make interesting excursions starting from the town center to reach the "Plivsko Jezero" lakes area. .

Two lakes (Veliko and Malo Plivsko jezero - large and small lake) in the middle of which there are also water mills, revealing themselves, to the tourist's eyes, an authentic oasis of peace surrounded by green forests in the heart of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In the mountains, in Dnolu? Ka Planina (about 26 kilometers from the village), it is also possible to try a speleological walk lasting five - six hours during which it is possible to see six caves, some chasms and the picturesque pastures of Džumuševica, Sirokos and Lukuša.

After all, sport is very much at home in Jajce. In addition to mountain biking, in these parts, it is also possible to practice other outdoor activities. From hiking to sport fishing, rafting and canoeing.

Various artistic and cultural events of rare interest are also held in Jajce. The most important remains the "Theater Festival of Bosnia-Herzegovina": one of the most important events dedicated to theater in the country.

Jajce was also the place where in 1943 the second session of the AVNOJ partisan movement was held which symbolically represented the birth of Tito's Yugoslavia.

To commemorate this event, every year between 29 and 30 November, the "Days of AVNOJ" are also celebrated in the village, which is a gathering that attracts many delegations from all the countries of the former Yugoslavia to the village.

Click to see the calendar of other events taking place in Jajce.

 

A different visit than usual

When can you discover a different Jaice than usual? Of course in winter. When it gets cold, snow falls (even in abundance) and this village becomes even more magical.

Click to see it this season of the year.

Tourist map:

Map: Jajce Village