CULTUUR ENIGMA

Day 1 en 2: Sarajevo - European Jeruzalem

One of the most oriental and culturally diverse cities in Europe, Sarajevo spent over 300 years under Turkish governorship until the Austro-Hungarians arrived in the late nineteenth century. Fifty years later, the empire collapsed when Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated here, hastening the outbreak of the First World War. The late twentieth century saw Sarajevo host the Winter Olympics in 1984, and the long siege of the city during the recent conflict. Our tour of the major historical, cultural and war sites in and around the city will help you to piece together its complex and fascinating history.

Sites to see: 1. Ancient olde towne Sarajevo's medieval beginnings 2. Olde Towne Hall (National Library) – 1896 3. Jajce Castle (Eugene of Savoy Castle) 4. Alifakovac Cemetery – 1550 5. Kazandziluk Street – old coppersmiths at work 6. Bascarsija (Olde Towne's Main Square) 7. Orthodox Church – 1539 8. Synagogue – 1581 9. Roman Catholic Cathedral – 1889 10. Srvzo House (Turkish Style house of well-known Muslim family, and an opportunity to have a coffee or tea) 11. The story of Gazi Husref Bey - the founding of a city 12. Latin Bridge - place of King Ferdinand's assassination - June 28, 1914.


Day 3: Bobovac - Fortress of ancient Bosnian kings

After a little more than an hours ride south-west from Sarajevo we’ll pass through the colorful outskirts of the ancient village of Kraljeva Sutjeska, home of the centuries old Franciscan Monastery, Sveti Ivo (Saint John’s). We’ll follow the picturesque valley where the recent rains will cool our walk with rushing mountain water and gently ascend on a well maintained trail to the steep ridge to reach the ruins of the 14th century citadel “Bobovac”, the last residence of the Bosnian kings Tvrtko II and Tomas. Bobovac has long been a mystical oasis which still retains its untainted and pure mysticism. We’ll pay a visit to the remains of the ancient fortress situated on a steep limestone rock. We’ll return by taking a short walk to the Franciscan Monastery that served this area in middle ages, well before the Ottoman’s conquered this region. It’s a unique cultural heritage site of BiH and Europe, that might open its doors for you. This walk is a magical gem, coupled with ancient Bosnian history.


Day 4: Lukomir - Ancient villages

Lukomir (30 min south-east from Sarajevo) is Bosnia’s highest village at 1,469 meters, with its ancient “stecci“ (medieval tombstones). Here villagers stick to the “old way” of doing things. Traditional dress, the occasional turban and fez are still worn and go hand in hand with the more contemporary bliss of everyday life, electricity and running water. On the edge of the village you will be treated with a rare view of Rakitnica. You have arrived at the end of the world. Here you will have a peek into the lifestyles traditions of the Bjelasnica highlanders that have survived since ancient times. We will first visit the local villagers before heading off into the canyon to witness a waterfall and the amazing Rakitinca Canyon. Lunch will be served on a the high ridge over the 800 meter drop into the canyon with stunning views of the mountains. This place and its people will leave a lasting impression on you.


Day 5: Travnik - City of mosques

After a little more than an hours ride south-west from Sarajevo we’ll pass through the colorful outskirts of the ancient village of Kraljeva Sutjeska, home of the centuries old Franciscan Monastery, Sveti Ivo (Saint John’s). We’ll follow the picturesque valley where the recent rains will cool our walk with rushing mountain water and gently ascend on a well maintained trail to the steep ridge to reach the ruins of the 14th century citadel “Bobovac”, the last residence of the Bosnian kings Tvrtko II and Tomas. Bobovac has long been a mystical oasis which still retains its untainted and pure mysticism. We’ll pay a visit to the remains of the ancient fortress situated on a steep limestone rock. We’ll return by taking a short walk to the Franciscan Monastery that served this area in middle ages, well before the Ottoman’s conquered this region. It’s a unique cultural heritage site of BiH and Europe (that might open its doors for you) This walk is a magical gem, coupled with ancient Bosnian history.


Day 6: Mostar: The oriental gem of Herzegovina

After a short tranquil visit at the beautifully situated Franciscan Monastery of Scit, we’ll spend the day exploring Mostar, the former oriental trading center of Herzegovina (south Bosnia), situated on the Neretva River. Undoubtedly, you will have heard much about this city, which was split during the conflict in the early 1990s. You still can see the scars of war. But these days, Mostar is once again a warm and bustling place, with a fascinating history, wonderful architecture and the world famous “Old Bridge”, which is now completely renovated.

We end the day on the Podvelez highland plateau and spend the night at the charming hotel “Sunce” (The Sun), with some of the last semi nomadic lifestyles. It is here where you will be treated to exquisite views of Mostar and a mesmerising red sunset.


Day 7: Pocitelj - A spiritual journey in Herzegovina

Today first we visit the village of Blagaj, some 15 minutes from Mostar, and its dervish Tekija which was built in the sixteenth century next to the largest flowing source in the Balkans. It is the source of the Buna, and it is constantly guarded by the rocky remains of the old Roman/Ottoman fort of Herceg Stjepan towering above it. This is a truly a magical and mystical site. We’ll do an easy walk up to the fort, which has been an important strategic site since the Illyrian period, and which commands stunning views over the Neretva valley.

From Buna we take a short drive to Pocitelj, a quaint oriental-style town located about half an hour's drive from Mostar towards the Adriatic. This unique settlement, listed as a Unesco heritage site, was heavily damaged during and sadly even after the war but recent reconstruction has returned the town to its original form. Besides its stunning oriental architecture and Ottoman feel, it also hosted the longest operating art colony in southeast Europe. Artists from around the world gathered here to paint the likes of the shiny red pomegranates and figs that grow in abundance on the hills of Pocitelj. Here you will find some very interesting buildings like Alija Mosque, the Sisman-Ibrahimpasha's Medresa and the Gavran Kapetanovic House, that have been reconstructed and all of which are open to visitors. Yet the most striking object in Pocitelj is the “Sahat Kula” (clock-tower), a silo-shaped fort that towers from the top of the hill above the town. It housed watchmen and military to guard against possible invasion from the Neretva Valley. The old town was once completely encircled by a protective wall. It too is open but there are no signs to point you in the right direction through the maze of winding stone steps.

After lunch we set off back to Sarajevo via Radmilja with her numerous Christian Medieval tombstones.


Day 8: Sarajevo

Checking out, good bay and departure back home.







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