Medieval Fortress Walk & Franciscan Monastery

After a little more than an hour's ride from Sarajevo we'll pass through the colorful outskirts of the ancient village of Kraljeva Sutjeska. Rich in natural wonders, such as the deep riverbed of Bukovica, Bobovac has long been a mystical oasis which still retains its untainted and pure mysticism.  We'll begin our trek from the ancient village of Kraljeva Sutjeska... home of the centuries-old Franciscan Monastery, Sveti Ivo (Saint John's).

We'll take a short walk to the Franciscan Monastery that served this area in the Middle Ages, well before the Ottomans conquered this region. It's a cultural heritage site of Bosnia and Herzegovina and we've put in a special request to open the doors for you this morning.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by the serene atmosphere of Kraljeva Sutjeska, a picturesque village nestled in the foothills of the mountains.
The Franciscan Monastery here dates back to the 14th century and is home to important historical artefacts. It has a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere, and the guide will take you through the history of the monastery and its connection to the region’s religious and cultural life.

After exploring the monastery, you’ll head to the Sultan Mehmed II Fatih Mosque, a significant Ottoman-era structure built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the 15th century. The mosque is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture and offers a glimpse into the region's diverse religious heritage.

The walk starts with picturesque valley of Bukovica Stream, where the recent rains will cool our walk with rushing mountain water. Deeper into the valley we'll 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 Il and Tomas. We'll pay a visit to the remains of the ancient fortress situated on a steep limestone rock. This would be our lunch spot...high in the hills and well-protected.

So don't miss this one.

This area is a magical gem... it offers cool, refreshing hiking coupled with ancient Bosnian history. It's a great walk and doable by all.