Jajce: The Gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvini
  [Eez-vee-nee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [Go-vo-reesh lee eng-les-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-me-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, želim vidjeti meni
  [Moh-leem vahs, zheh-leem veed-yeh-tee meh-nee]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-she skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Chet-ee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Sh-eh-st]
• 7Sedam
  [Sed-ahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Karta (za ...)
  [Kahr-tah (zah ...)]

Jajce was founded in the 14th century and quickly rose to prominence as a fortified city. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers made it a key stronghold in medieval Bosnia. The city was initially established by the Bosnian noble Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić, who built the fortress that still stands today.

In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, Jajce became the royal seat of the Bosnian Kingdom. The city reached its zenith during the reign of King Stjepan Tomašević, who was crowned in Jajce in 1461. The coronation took place in the Church of St. Mary, which later became the Sultan Suleiman's Mosque after the Ottoman conquest.

In 1463, Jajce fell to the Ottoman Empire, marking the end of the Bosnian Kingdom. The Ottomans captured King Stjepan Tomašević and executed him, bringing an era of Ottoman rule that lasted for centuries. The Ottomans fortified the city further and transformed its architectural landscape, including the conversion of churches into mosques.

In 1878, Jajce came under Austro-Hungarian control following the Congress of Berlin. The Habsburgs brought modernization and new infrastructure to the city. They built roads, schools, and introduced Western architectural styles, some of which can still be seen in the city today.

Jajce played a pivotal role during World War II as the site of the second session of the Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) in 1943. This assembly laid the foundation for the socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia under Josip Broz Tito. The building where the session took place is now a museum dedicated to this historic event.

During the Bosnian War (1992-1995), Jajce was a focal point of conflict. The city endured significant destruction and was the scene of ethnic cleansing. After the war, Jajce was part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Dayton Agreement. The post-war period has seen efforts to rebuild and restore the city's historical landmarks.

Today, Jajce is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Pliva Waterfall, located in the heart of the city, is a major attraction. Other significant sites include the medieval fortress, the catacombs, and the remains of the Roman temple of Mithras. Jajce's unique blend of historical influences makes it a fascinating destination for tourists from around the world.

Jajce is centrally located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, approximately 160 kilometers from Sarajevo and 140 kilometers from Banja Luka. The nearest international airport is Sarajevo International Airport. From Sarajevo, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Jajce. The bus journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, while driving takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, buses also run from Banja Luka, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Jajce is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis and car rentals are available. The town does not have an extensive public transport system, but intercity buses connect Jajce to other major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is advisable to plan your transport ahead of time if you intend to visit nearby areas.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Jajce, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments. ATMs are available throughout the town. Ensure you have enough cash, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.

Jajce is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Jajce. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Jajce like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Bosnian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Pliva Waterfall, the Catacombs, and the AVNOJ Museum. For a unique experience, take a walk around the Pliva Lakes and enjoy the picturesque mills. Additionally, try the local cuisine, such as ćevapi and burek, in traditional eateries.