Located in the heart of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Jajce is a historic city that holds strong ties to the Kingdom of Bosnia. It was established by Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić in the 14th century and is surrounded by medieval walls interspersed with gates. It was in Jajce that the last Bosnian king, Stephen Tomašević, was executed by the Ottomans in 1463.
Things to do in Jajce
In the heart of the city is the Jajce Pliva Waterfall, a 22-metre-high cascade that tumbles along the River Vrbas. Climb to the upper viewpoint to admire it in all its glory before visiting the nearby Museum of the 2nd AVNOJ. It details the antifascist council that convened here in 1943 to make decisions about Yugoslavia’s post-World War II future.
Spend an afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Jajce’s walled city, which is clustered with atmospheric buildings that date back to the medieval period. Dominating the skyline is the Jajce Fortress, a stone-built citadel constructed by the city’s founder, Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić. It was an important stronghold for the Kingdom of Bosnia and was the latest fortress in the country to fall to the Ottomans.
Protected by a glass structure is the Temple Of Mithras, a Roman-built landmark dedicated to the Persian sun god. Dating back to at least the 4th century AD, it was discovered during an archaeological dig in 1931. Don’t miss the Catacombs of Jajce, a series of underground crypts that serve as the burial site of Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić.
Getting around Jajce
Jajce is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Sarajevo and Sarajevo International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Buses connect to Jajce and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.