The Old Town of Ostrožac was declared a national monument in 2013, and the fact that it encompasses three historical eras makes it extremely valuable.
This cultural and historical monument consists of a medieval fort, a fort from the Ottoman period, Lothar von Berks castle and a collection of sculptures set in the natural surroundings of the Old Town. It was built in 1286 as the property of the Blagaj Babonić princes, a Croatian noble family that ruled this place during that period. A smaller addition to the castle was made between 1900 and 1906 for members of the Habsburg family.
Based on historical data, it was established that these areas were inhabited by the Japods, who built their forts on the heights. This is how the Old Town of Ostrožac was born, built on a hill that dominates the Una River and its canyon. The cultural and historical significance of the Old Town of Ostrožac is enormous, not only for the Una-Sana Canton but also for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Director of the Center for Culture and Tourism of the City of Cazin, Ermin Beganović, in an interview with FENA explained that it is the largest national monument located on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It includes three different historical periods significant for the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina – the medieval, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian parts.
Inside the complex of the Old Town of Ostrožac, there is a colony of sculptures that was formed in the former Yugoslavia. It was one of the most significant cultural events of this type that BiH has and certainly one of the events with the longest continuity.
In the Old Town of Ostrožac, a tourist location management system has been established, and čthe management proudly points out that last year between 13,500 and 13,700 visitors were recorded, depending on the age categories.
“I think that based on these figures, the Old Town of Ostrožac is by far the most visited cultural and historical destination in the area of the Una-Sana Canton,” says Beganović.
