BANJA LUKA
CAPITAL OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA
Read
Second biggest city of Bosnia [6].
Serves as the capital of Republika Srpska [6].
Prior to the Yugoslav wars (1992-1995), the Serbian and Bosniak population was split 50:50, however after the war, the town is predominately Serbian (90%) [6].
[expand title=””]
During the war, Serbian nationalists destroyed most of the city’s historical and cultural attractions, which left the city quite bland and soulless [6].
This included mosques, churches, various 16th century buildings, and a historical clock tower [6].
[/expand]
Attractions
Read
Serbian Byzantine style Orthodox Cathedral [6].
Originally built in 1939, the church was completely destroyed by Nazi Bombers and the Ustase (Croatian fascist state) [6].
A faithful reconstruction was established in 1993, and was completed in 2004 [6].
A beautiful, yet small 16th century mosque (1579) [6].
In 1993, it was under UNESCO protection, due to the destruction it faced during the Yugoslav wars [6].
In 2001, a careful reconstruction commenced, in which 16th century techniques were used [6].
60% of the original stonework was incorporated that was rescued from various dumps [6].
In 2016, it was finally completed [6].
Large walled fortress, with a parkland inside, an art gallery, and restaurant [6].
It is believed that there has been a fortress here since Neolithic and Roman times [6].
Its current appearance is from the 16th century [6].
GUIDE
INFORMATION
Second biggest city of Bosnia [6].
Serves as the capital of Republika Srpska [6].
Prior to the Yugoslav wars (1992-1995), the Serbian and Bosniak population was split 50:50, however after the war, the town is predominately Serbian (90%) [6].
[expand title=””]
During the war, Serbian nationalists destroyed most of the city’s historical and cultural attractions, which left the city quite bland and soulless [6].
This included mosques, churches, various 16th century buildings, and a historical clock tower [6].
[/expand]
ATTRACTIONS
Serbian Byzantine style Orthodox Cathedral [6].
Originally built in 1939, the church was completely destroyed by Nazi Bombers and the Ustase (Croatian fascist state) [6].
A faithful reconstruction was established in 1993, and was completed in 2004 [6].
A beautiful, yet small 16th century mosque (1579) [6].
In 1993, it was under UNESCO protection, due to the destruction it faced during the Yugoslav wars [6].
In 2001, a careful reconstruction commenced, in which 16th century techniques were used [6].
60% of the original stonework was incorporated that was rescued from various dumps [6].
In 2016, it was finally completed [6].
Large walled fortress, with a parkland inside, an art gallery, and restaurant [6].
It is believed that there has been a fortress here since Neolithic and Roman times [6].
Its current appearance is from the 16th century [6].
Banja Luka Experience
My experience of Banja Luka comprised of 2 nights. In my stay, I got to have a feel for the second biggest city of Bosnia. Unfortunately, it’s not a city that provides travelers a sight-seeing experience, as the town suffered a lot during the Yugoslav wars. However, if you like rafting, then the Vrbas River which is close to the town, can give you that Adrenaline rush. It’s also known to have a good nightlife on the weekends. So if Rafting and clubbing is what you enjoy, then this city may be perfect for you. In my opinion, the city’s drawcard, is it being the de facto capital of ‘Republika Srpska’. And that curiosity of going to a new state brought me here, and maybe that is your reason for coming to the city as well.
