Happy TravellerWelcome to Travnik, a town and municipality located in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the administrative center of Central Bosnia Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Travnik is a cultural and historical hub with a rich heritage dating back to the Roman era. Situated 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of Sarajevo, Travnik is nestled in the large Lašva valley, which connects the Bosna river valley in the east with the Vrbas river valley in the west. Travnik is found 514 meters (1,686 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Vilenica and Vlašić mountains, with Vlašić being one of the tallest mountains in the country at 1,933 meters (6,342 feet). The town is also home to a large karst spring, the Plava Voda wellspring, which rises under Vlašić mountain, just below Travnik Castle, in the very center of Old Town of Travnik.
Travnik has a continental climate, located between the Adriatic sea to the South and Pannonia to the North. Average summer temperature is 18.2 °C (64.8 °F), while the average winter temperature is a cold 0.5 °C (32.9 °F). It snows in Travnik every year, making it a perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Although there is evidence of some settlement in the region dating back to the Bronze Age, the true history of Travnik begins during the first few centuries AD. Dating from this time there are numerous indications of Roman settlement in the region, including graves, forts, the remains of various other structures, early Christian basilicas, etc. In the town itself, Roman coins and plaques have been found. Some writing found indicates the settlement is closely connected to the known Roman colony in modern-day Zenica, 30 km (19 mi) away. In the Middle Ages, the Travnik area was known as the župa Lašva province of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. The area is first mentioned by Bela IV of Hungary in 1244. Travnik itself was one of a number of fortified towns in the region, with its fortress Kaštel becoming today’s old town sector. The town itself is first mentioned by the Ottomans during their conquest of nearby Jajce. After the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia in the 15th century, much of the local population converted to Islam. The town quickly grew into one of the more important settlements in the region, as authorities constructed mosques, marketplaces, and various infrastructures. During 1699 when Sarajevo was set afire by soldiers of Field-Marshal Prince Eugene of Savoy, Travnik became the capital of the Ottoman province of Bosnia and residence of the Bosnian viziers. The town became an important center of government in the entire western frontier of the empire, and consulates were established by the governments of France and Austria-Hungary. The period of Austrian occupation brought westernization and industry to Travnik, but also a reduction of importance. While cities such as Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Zenica grew rapidly, Travnik changed so little that during 1991 it had a mere 30,000 or so people, with 70,000 in the entire municipality. A large fire started by a spark from a locomotive in September 1903 destroyed most of the town’s buildings and homes, leaving only some hamlets and the fortress untouched. The cleanup and rebuilding took several years.
Today, Travnik is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The town’s tourism is based largely on its history and geography. Nearby Mount Vlašić is one of the tallest peaks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and an excellent spot for skiing, hiking, and sledding. The town is also of interest: numerous structures dating to the Ottoman era have survived in near-perfect condition, such as numerous mosques, oriental homes, two clock towers (sahat kula; Travnik is the only town in Bosnia and Herzegovina to have two clock towers) and fountains. The town’s old town dates back to the early 15th century, making it one of the most popular widely accessible sites from that time. Travnik also has a strong culture, mostly dating back to its time as the center of local government in the Ottoman Empire. Numerous mosques and churches exist in the region, as do tombs of important historical figures and excellent examples of Ottoman architecture. The town museum, built in 1950, is one of the more impressive cultural institutions in the region.
Come and experience the beauty and history of Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Travnik has something for everyone.
