The old town of Maglaj is a monument that has been proudly looking at the Bosnia river for centuries!

On a steep hill on the right bank of the indescribably beautiful Bosna river, in the town of Maglaj, there is an old town whose history, position, and nature attract the attention of all those who pass this way. This national monument of great importance is only 30 kilometers away from its older brother, the Doboj Fortress, and is one of the first medieval fortresses to be rebuilt by the Ottoman Empire.

The old town of Maglaj – Maglaj fortress, Photo: Ozimicians, Depositphotos

Although its exact origin has not been put on the timeline, it is known that it was first mentioned in the charter of the Hungarian-Croatian King Sigismund, which was issued in 1408, when he invaded the territory of Bosnia during the reign of King Tvrtko II. Soon after that, he took it over and ruled it until the Battle of Doboj, when he was defeated by the Turkish army.

Only a little later, at the end of the 15th century, the Old Town of Maglaj came into the hands of the Turks, who changed it and mentioned it in writings as a nahija, a smaller administrative area.

The old town of Maglaj – Maglaj fortress, Photo: Dudlajzov, Depositphotos

With its dominant position, the Old Town of Maglaj served for defensive purposes, consisting of five towers, ramparts, courtyards, and dungeons. Over the centuries, it has been repeatedly worked on and upgraded. Still, apart from modifications, the Maglaj fort has also been conquered on several occasions, but only in the short term. To this day, it has retained its characteristic medieval appearance.

It is believed that in the 17th century, around 200 soldiers lived within the walls, and it was officially abandoned at the beginning of the 19th century, when the city of Maglaj, as we know it today, began to develop more and more.

What makes this fort even more interesting is that, according to some local legends, it is believed that it got its name from the fog (bos. magla) that often descends on its level. Be that as it may, today it is adorned with centuries-old lush greenery and plants that have almost completely taken over it and which you simply have to experience!

Not to mention the view…