Mrkonjić Grad, town
Mrkonjić Grad is a small town in southwestern Republika Srpska set amid rolling, forested hills. The area features several attractions including Lake Balkana with two artificial lakes for swimming and relaxation, the Zelenkovac mountain retreat filled with pine forests and artist studios, and Lake Bočac with medieval fortress remains nearby.
The site has Roman roots with still-visible ancient roads, stone markers, and wells from that period. In medieval times, over 500 stećci stone tombs and several fortresses were built, with ruins remaining today that testify to battles and rulers of past centuries.
The town preserves traditional crafts, notably the making of varcarke knives by blacksmiths who have passed down their skills for generations. Annual events such as the Days of Mowing and the Aranđelovdan Fair showcase local customs, handmade goods, and the homemade rakija spirit that connects residents to their heritage.
The town is accessible by car or bus from larger cities like Banja Luka and Jajce, and two major airports nearby make it easy to reach from distant locations. Visitors can find accommodation options, local restaurants, and the Visitor's Center in Pecka, from which one can undertake climbing tours and hikes to cliffs and caves.
The town is noted as the site of the First ZAVNOBiH, a significant historical assembly where the decision was made to establish Bosnia and Herzegovina as a republic. A memorial center honors this important event and explains to visitors its role in the country's path to independence.
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