Franciscan friary and church of St John the Baptist, Kraljeva Sutjeska

The Franciscan friary and church of St John the Baptist is a religious complex featuring Renaissance Revival architecture nestled in Kraljeva Sutjeska. The site comprises a church, exhibition galleries showcasing religious objects, and substantial library and archival collections.

The monastery was established in 1301 and endured multiple conflicts and reconstructions over the centuries. Its long existence demonstrates how it remained a religious focal point despite periods of hardship.

The friary has served as a spiritual and educational center for the surrounding community for centuries. Today, visitors can see how the monastery's role continues through its library, archives, and active parish functions.

Visiting requires advance planning and coordination with the monastery administration. Arranging your visit beforehand ensures proper access to the collections, exhibition spaces, and archival sections.

The library holds a remarkable collection of around 11,000 works, including rare early printed books from the beginning of print history. Ancient parish records from 1641 written in Cyrillic script offer insight into a lesser-known aspect of the region's past.

Location: Kakanj Municipality

Location: Zenica-Doboj Canton

Location: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Inception: 14 century

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Website: http://kraljeva-sutjeska.com

GPS coordinates: 44.12242,18.20255

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22