Travnik Fortress and Old Town

Travnik, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the seat of Ottoman viziers in Bosnia from 1699 to 1850 and retains a fortress and an old town with a distinct character. The Old Town fortress sits on a hill above the Lašva valley, with stone walls, towers and a gate leading to a courtyard. Parts of the complex date to the medieval period and were extended by the Ottomans. Inside, visitors walk along the ramparts, see a small exhibition area and look out over the red-tiled roofs of the town and the surrounding hills. A visit to the fortress costs about BAM 3-5. The old town below spreads along the Gornja čaršija bazaar, where the Colourful Mosque (Šarena Džamija) with painted walls, the Sulejmanija Mosque, the Plava Voda spring and the clock tower stand within a short walk. The nearby birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning writer Ivo Andrić, now a museum, is a popular stop for literary visitors. Travnik is also known for ćevapi, particularly in grilled restaurants on the main streets, and for sheep cheese. A visit takes two to three hours, covering the fortress, the mosques, the spring and a meal. Mornings are best, with fewer tour groups and cooler air for the uphill climb, while midday summer can be hot. The town is about a 10-minute walk from the bus station, so it works well as a day trip from Sarajevo, about 90 km away, or as a stop between Sarajevo and Jajce. Visitors should check opening hours before climbing to the fortress, which is usually open from about 09:00 to 18:00.