Kastel Fortress: a symbol and the main attraction of the city of Banja Luka that you must visit!

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country rich in cultural and historical heritage. On its territory, there are numerous fortresses and forts that bear witness to a rich history and diverse culture, and we have already written about most of them. One of the fortresses that attracts significant attention is the Kastel fortress in Banja Luka.

Kastel Fortress, Photo: Dudlajzov Depositphotos

Located in the very heart of the city, on the right bank of the Vrbas River, Kastel, as a medieval fortress, had a perfect strategic location. Some believe that it is older than it was perceived and that it was built by the Romans, which is very possible due to the favorable location. There is not so much evidence of its origin, but ceramic vessels, money, and parts of architecture have been found.

What is known for certain is that there used to be a Neolithic settlement in its place and that the ancient Slavs also lived in the area.

Kastel Fortress, Photo: Dudlajzov Depositphotos

The first official mention of the fortress happened a little later, more precisely in the charter from 1525, when the name of the fortress was Castell Nostro Bagna Luca, and from the same charter, there is also a mention of a smaller fortification from 1463, which was used for defense against Turkey.

Be that as it may, Kastel made the most progress during the reign of the Ferhad Pasha Sokolović dynasty towards the end of the 15th century, when the fortress got towers and tabies. In addition, the fortress had 9 bastions, 2 towers, a central armory, and two bridges, one of which was over the Vrbas, and the other over the Crkvena River.

Kastel Fortress, Photo: Dudlajzov Depositphotos

After 350 years under the leadership of the Turkish army, the city, as well as the fortress, ended up in the hands of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, which ruled them for an additional 40 years until the founding of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It also survived world wars, the great earthquake of 1969, but also the war during the 90s.

Kastel Fortress, Photo: Dudlajzov Depositphotos

Today, Kastel is very much visited, and loved by citizens as well as tourists, because it is the oldest, but also the most popular attraction of the town on Vrbas. Today, Kastel has a summer stage, a children’s playground, and a restaurant within its walls.

If you find yourself in Banja Luka, Kastel is a place you should definitely visit. In addition to offering a beautiful view of the river, it also offers the opportunity to feel the real atmosphere of the medieval city while walking along the walls, which will at the same time lead you through the past as well as the present of contemporary cultural events.