Walled city of Jajce, Medieval fortress complex in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jajce's walled city is a medieval fortress situated on a pyramidal hill where the Pliva and Vrbas rivers meet. The fortification includes preserved wall segments, towers, and several gates that connect different architectural structures from various periods.
The site became the capital of independent Bosnia in the 14th century and served as the realm's main stronghold for over 200 years. It fell to Ottoman forces in 1527, marking the end of medieval Bosnian royal rule.
The streets hold traces of multiple faiths and periods: churches and mosques sit within the same walls, and the stone buildings show both Christian and Islamic architectural touches. Walking through, you notice how different communities have occupied and shaped this space over time.
The best approach to the site is through the preserved entrance gates on the northern side, from which pathways along the walls are easy to navigate. The routes offer viewpoints over the river valley, but the uneven terrain requires sturdy footwear and time to explore properly.
Carved into one entrance gate is the coat of arms of the Kotromanic dynasty, a rare emblem from the late medieval era. This carving marks the site as the final royal residence before the kingdom fell.
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