SCROLLABOUT JAJCE
Jajce is a city and the center of the eponymous municipality in the Central Bosnian Canton. It is one of the most significant historical cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, boasting a rich cultural heritage as well as fascinating natural attractions that draw a large number of tourists. According to the last official census from 1991, the municipality of Jajce had 45,007 inhabitants, distributed across 62 settlements.
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HISTORY OF JAJCE
It is believed that Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić laid the foundations of present-day Jajce between 1391 and 1404, while the valley of Pliva and Vrbas was inhabited since ancient times. The town developed as a defensive and commercial center. During the fifteenth century, Jajce became the capital where Stjepan Tomašević was crowned in 1461, and a royal palace and chapel were built within the fortress. Jajce was the last town to fall under Ottoman rule in 1528, after several unsuccessful sieges. During the Ottoman period, the town significantly lost its importance, its defensive power weakened, and the walls of the once impregnable fortress began to crumble. Jajce was completely destroyed in a great fire in 1658, only to begin recovering in the 1880s.
In the mid-nineteenth century, the Franciscans established a public school and a special building for education was erected in 1858, while towards the end of Ottoman rule, a church and monastery were also built. The construction of the monastery started in 1877 and continued until 1885 when it was legally established.
In 1878, Jajce, along with the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, fell under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. From 1929 to 1941, Jajce was part of the Vrbas Banovina of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and during World War II, the second session of AVNOJ was held in Jajce, leading to the establishment of the National Liberation Committee of Yugoslavia.
What To See And Do In JAJCE
Waterfall in Jajce
Believe it or not, Jajce is the only city in the world that has a waterfall right in the city center. The Pliva Waterfall has been declared one of the twelve most beautiful waterfalls in the world and was formed 50,000 years ago. The Pliva Waterfall is created by the confluence of the Pliva River into the Vrbas and stands twenty-one meters tall. Tourists from all over the world come to admire the untouched natural beauty of Jajce, which has remained pristine despite all the turbulent changes the city has experienced throughout history.
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Fortress in Jajce
The Jajce fortress is a symbol and pride of this city, located in the heart of the Old Town and believed to have been built in the thirteenth century. The fortress is situated at an altitude of 470 meters, and within its walls are the remnants of a former palace from the fifteenth century. On the southwest side of the fortress, there is a portal with a royal coat of arms dating back to the time of Tvrtko II and King Stjepan Tomašević. The fortress is open for visits every day throughout the year. Summer visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, while in winter, the site is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Watermills on Pliva
Located just five kilometers from the city center, between the Great and Small Lakes, there are nineteen Pliva watermills that are popularly known as watermills in Jajce. These mills are made of oak wood and are believed to date back to the medieval period. Today, these watermills no longer serve their original purpose of grinding grain and wheat, but they represent one of the main attractions of Jajce and were declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2009.
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Outdoor Activities in JAJCE
Hiking
Jajce boasts well-maintained trails along the Pliva Lakes, paths through the forest, and numerous other hillside and mountain routes designed for outdoor hiking. The natural environment, fresh and clean air, along with the enchanting views of the Pliva Lakes, hills, and mountains, create a perfect combination for rejuvenating both the spirit and the body.
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Pliva Lakes
Among the many natural beauties of Jajce, the Large and Small Pliva Lakes certainly stand out, formed by the Pliva River. The water in the Large and Small Pliva Lakes is exceptionally clear and calm, reflecting the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a scene that is more than idyllic in the eyes of every observer. In addition to their beauty, these lakes are perfect for various water sports and many recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and much more.
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN JAJCE
Jajce is a city with abundant water resources, featuring the Pliva and Vrbas rivers, as well as Pliva Lake, which offers great opportunities for fishing. On the menus of many restaurants in Jajce, you can find fresh and delicious fish, such as trout, grayling, carp, perch, catfish, and other whitefish varieties. Besides fish, at every corner, you can find traditional Bosnian dishes, such as pies, baklava, Bosnian pot, and of course, cevapi! All of this will certainly be much tastier with Bosnian coffee from a coffee pot or a shot of rakija, with the most popular being pear, plum, or quince. Jajce has many restaurants that serve both international cuisine and local specialties.
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WHERE TO STAY IN JAJCE
Jajce has several hotels, two motels, one hostel, and a bungalow, as well as three campgrounds. In addition, visitors to Jajce can choose from vacation apartments and private accommodations of various categories and amenities.
