World War One Sites - The NETWORLD Database

Medieval Fortress "Old Town" in Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina

After the formation of the Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Travnik became an important economic and traffic centre. The Medieval Fortress „Old Town“ in Travnik is one of the most beautiful and preserved fortified objects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on which every historical period left its specific mark.

There are no exact data in historical books and articles about the construction period of the Medieval Fortress „Old Town“ in Travnik, however, historians agree that it was built in the second half of the 14th century or in the first half of the 15th century. The construction type and other characteristics indicate that it was built by the order of king Tvrtko Kotromanić II, but some historians think that is is also possible that it was built by the order of King Stjepan Dabiša. Today’s fortes walls represent a result of the Turkish military builders. It was a very important military object, with great strategic significance for the military that was placed there.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Travnik

Type of WWI-heritage

  • Military Fortification

Dimensions

No data.

State of repair/preservation

In the year 1953, the constructional/architectural World War One heritage the Medieval Fortress „Old Town“ in Travnik fell under the patronage of the Regional Museum of Travnik and it is very well preserved. In fact, it is one of the best preserved objects of this type in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Historical WWI Context

The Austo-Hungarian Monarchy renames the Fortress into Kastel or Kaštel, and it was marked so in their military charts. During the period of the First World War, Travnik was behind the front lines and was not exposed to direct combat. The town was a military garrison of the Austro-Hungarian army and the old train was used for transportation of soldiers and officers, wounded soldiers, while the military equipment, weapons and ammunition were brought in and dispatched. The “Old town” Fortress served as a military garrison for the Austro-Hungarian soldiers and, since Travnik was in the central Bosnia and very well connected by railroads, this fortification was very significant. At the time of the World War One it also served as a place where people who did not obey the law were executed.

State of legal protection

It is protected, presented and managed by the: Decree with legal force on institutions, Sarajevo, 1993, and Law on Culture of the Central Bosnia Canton, Federation of BiH.

Owner

The constructional/architectural World War One heritage is owned and managed by the Regional Museum of Travnik.

Kind of cultural use of WWI

- Tourist Association of the Central Bosnia Canton: www.tzsbk.com

- muzejtravnik.ba/en/

Opening

OPENING HOURS

In the period from 1st April to 31st October, the “Old Town” fortress is open for visitors every day from 8:00 to 20:00

In the period from 1st December to 31st March every day from 10:30 to 14:30

Information:

0038730 / 518 – 140

0038761 / 711 – 700

Entrance Fee

Adults: 2.5 KM; Group visits (minimum 20 persons): 2.00 KM; Pupils of elementary and secondary schools, students and pensioners: 1.50 KM; Group visits (minimum 20 persons) for pupils, students and pensioners: 1.00 KM

Information regarding cities, villages, other touristic attractions (non-WWI) nearby

No data.

Accomodation

No data.

Public Transport

No data.

Further information sources

More information available at: muzejtravnik.ba/en/tvrdava-stari-grad/

Museums Private Collections

The Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

Location

Back to list