Bijela Tabija, Ottoman fortress in Stari Grad, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bijela Tabija is a rectangular fortress with four corner towers and a fifth tower positioned above the entrance gate. The structure sits at 667 meters elevation and features thick walls fitted with specialized openings for cannon placement.
The fortress was built around 1550 under Ottoman rule as a military stronghold for the region. It received military reinforcements during the 1730s and later served as an artillery position during World War I.
The fortress shows how Ottoman rulers demonstrated control over the region through military construction. Visitors can see the strategic thinking and craftsmanship from that era reflected in every detail of the structure.
You can reach the site on foot, by bicycle, minibus, or taxi from the city center in Sarajevo. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to offer the clearest views and fewer crowds along the approach.
The fortress was originally fitted with specialized cannon ports cut into its thick walls to defend Sarajevo's eastern approach. These design features reveal the careful planning that went into positioning defensive firepower from specific angles.
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