The cozy Bath-Luka is located in a picturesque valley in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina . Formed more than 500 years ago, the city lived for several centuries under Turkish domination. In 1996, it became the actual capital of the Republika Srpska, part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The centuries-old history is reflected in the cultural and external appearance of Banja Luka.
The most interesting places in Banja Luka
In its vicinity are concentrated hot sulfur springs, which allowed Banja Luka to get the official status of the resort. It captivates travelers not only by landscapes, but also by streets resembling scenery to a medieval fairy tale. Boredom in this town is not necessary for tourists: in Banja Luka there are ancient attractions and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
1. The fortress of Banja Luka . Guidebooks on Banja Luka will bring tourists first to the ancient fortress (Kastel) on the Vrbas river bank, which was erected in the 16th century. This building is a witness of the past, familiarity with which will help to better know the history of the city. The fortress of Banja Luka consists of several bastions and two towers, and on its territory are preserved weapons warehouses. Visit the fortress, which is the main attraction of Banja Luka, both independently and accompanied by a guide.
2. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior . In the heart of Banja Luka stands the Cathedral of Christ the Savior with golden sparkling domes. The church is not only a tourist attraction of Banja Luka, but also its symbol. The temple was built 4 years - from 1925 to 1929, but it was destroyed at the beginning of the Second World War. He got a completely new look in 2004. Now the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is one of the main "characters" in photos of tourists who came to Banja Luka.
3. Museum of the Republika Srpska . Among the attractions of Banja Luka, the Republika Srpska Museum deserves special attention. Visiting it, you can learn interesting facts from the history of the city: they will be told about ancient archaeological excavations, and an exposition about the concentration camp of the Second World War.
4. Monument to the 12 Madenas . Monument "Life" - a story about the tragic death of 12 babies born in Banja Luka. They died during the hostilities of 1992-1995. In the spring of 1992, 14 preterm infants received intensive therapy for life support in one of the hospitals in Banja Luka. When the supplies of medical oxygen needed by these patients ran out, it was necessary to deliver a new batch. However, the transport corridor was blocked by Croatian military. Doctors tried to save the life of the kids with technical oxygen, but this did not help: out of 14 babies only two survived. Sightseeing Banja Luka - a monument to 12 babies "Life" - will remind future generations and that terrible war, which, by the way, the city itself has not been subjected to.
5. The street of the Lord . Among the most popular attractions of Banja Luka is Gospodskaya Street. Its name is a curious story. More than a hundred years ago the street was called Pivarska. The owner of several shops located on it, was dissatisfied with the fact that it came to ordinary people, and not representatives of high society. To limit undesirable visitors, he installed on the facades of his shops tablets "Lord's street." Since then, this name has been fixed, although officially the street is called Veselin Maslisi. Sightseeing Banja Luka - Gospodskaya street is a favorite not only for foreign guests, but also for local residents.
6. The Ferkhadiy Mosque . Dating from 1579, the Ferhadija Džamija mosque was badly damaged during the Bosnian war, as well as more than ten historical mosques of Banja Luka. 21 years was required for a painstaking reconstruction of the ancient building, after which, in 2014, prayers were resumed during Ramadan. Works in the interior of the mosque of Ferkhadia, one of the most beautiful sights of Banja Luka, are still in progress.
In the list of tourist attractions that impress the guests of Banja Luka, there is a Trappist monastery "Maria Zvezda", the building of the Archives of the Republika Srpska, the Museum of Contemporary Art, an ancient primary school, the Palace Hotel, the medieval town of Greben, the fortress of Boćac, the Church of St. Elijah, the medieval town of Zvečaj .
In a trip to Banja Luka you can not only get acquainted with its sights, but also actively relax: go rafting on the Vrbas river, climbing or hiking in the vicinity of the city.