Blagaj Fortress, Medieval fortress ruins in Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Blagaj Fortress is a medieval castle ruin perched on a limestone hill in the valley near Mostar, with walls that follow the natural contours of the terrain. The structure adapts to the steep slopes and cliff faces, creating an irregular boundary rather than a regular layout.
The fortress was first built in ancient times and later expanded during the medieval period before being conquered and eventually abandoned when Ottoman forces took control in the 1400s. This shift ended centuries of strategic importance for the region.
The fortress holds deep meaning for locals as a symbol of the region's layered past, with its ruins serving as a gathering point for understanding how different peoples shaped this landscape over time.
The site sits on a hillside with steep climbing required to reach the top, so wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time for the ascent. The exposed location means you will feel wind and sun quite strongly, so bring sun protection and water.
Excavations have revealed that layers of human settlement lie beneath the medieval walls, reaching back to prehistoric and Roman times. Visitors can observe these different periods visible in the soil and stone at the highest points of the site.
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