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Church of St. Mary with the Tower of St. Luke: A Historical Tapestry in Jajce

Explore the historical Church of St. Mary with the Tower of St. Luke in Jajce, a testament to Bosnia's layered past and cultural resilience.

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The Church of St. Mary with the Tower of St. Luke in Jajce is a historical site with architectural beauty and cultural significance. Originally a Catholic church, it was transformed into a mosque before being ravaged by fire, leaving behind a compelling historical narrative and striking ruins.

A brief summary to Church of St. Mary with the tower of St. Luke

  • 87Q9+QHF, Svetog Luke, Jajce, 70101, BA

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets surrounding the church.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Check local guides for the latest information on any seasonal events or festivals that may be taking place.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Jajce bus station, walk northeast along Drugog zasjedanja AVNOJ-a. Turn left onto Bulevar Branilaca Jajca, then turn right to stay on the same street. Continue onto Trg Slobode, then turn left onto Svetog Luke. The Church of St. Mary will be on your left. The walk is approximately 14 minutes. There are no entrance fees for the church.

  • Public Transport

    Jajce is well-connected by bus to major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar. From the Jajce bus station, the Church of St. Mary is a 14-minute walk. Bus tickets from Sarajevo to Jajce cost approximately $18–27. Local buses also operate within Jajce.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Jajce, and a short ride from the bus station to the Church of St. Mary would cost approximately 5-10 BAM. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Church of St. Mary with the tower of St. Luke

The Church of St. Mary with the Tower of St. Luke is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the historic center of Jajce. The church's history is a complex blend of cultures and religions, initially built as a Romanesque basilica in the 12th century. By the late 14th century, it was restored and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with circumstantial evidence pointing to either the Franciscans or Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić as the patrons. In 1461, the church was the site of the coronation of King Stephen, the last king of Bosnia. The relics of Luke the Evangelist were brought to the church by King Stephen's wife, Maria, and a bell tower bearing the saint's name was erected next to the church. After the Ottoman conquest in 1528, the church was converted into a mosque named after Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Fires, the most devastating in 1658 and the last in 1832, left the structure in ruins, which have been preserved as a historical site. Today, visitors can explore the remains of this once grand church and bell tower, gaining insight into the layered history of Jajce. The site serves as a reminder of cultural preservation and the role of spirituality. The surrounding area features cobblestone streets and shops that reflect the town's rich heritage.

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