Stari Majdan: Roman Bridge, Local History and Hotels
Stari Majdan combines a layered local history with structures, waterways and visible traces of older transport routes. A bridge in Stari Majdan, also known as the Roman Bridge, is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina and crosses the Gračanica stream. According to historical traditions, it was part of an ancient Roman road along which iron ore was transported to the Roman province of Dalmatia.
Culture and History
The fortress in Stari Majdan maintained a permanent garrison until the 1830s. Stari Majdan is considered one of the oldest settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Iron ore extraction in the area is documented as early as the Iron Age; archaeological finds also indicate that the deposits were used in Roman times. Under Ottoman rule, Stari Majdan was a captaincy and also a kadiluk.
The town’s religious history is likewise connected with several historical layers. The first mosque in Stari Majdan is believed to have been built around 1750. According to the Austro-Hungarian census of 1879, Stari Majdan had six mosques and five mektebs. The Palanka Mosque is the only reconstructed mosque among Stari Majdan’s six destroyed mosques. The five daily prayers, Friday prayers, Tarawih prayers and Eid prayers are regularly performed in the mosque in Stari Majdan; mekteb classes are also held there.
In the centre of Stari Majdan stands the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which has been partially restored. Remains of Roman roads are still visible in Stari Majdan. The Troska archaeological site in Stari Majdan is listed as an ancient site in the spatial plan of Una-Sana Canton. A votive monument found in Troska near Stari Majdan is kept in the Prijedor Museum.
Water and Landscape
The name “Valley of the Mills” refers to an area through which the Gračanica, Željeznica and Majdanuša rivers flow. The restored Lučica watermill is located on the Gračanica. It is more than three centuries old and has resumed grinding grain. The Ćemerlija spring is also located near the Roman Bridge in Stari Majdan. It is associated with a local legend according to which drinking its water three times soon leads to falling in love and marriage.
Local Traditions
The traditional event “Hašlamska nedjelja” was held in Stari Majdan in early June. Stari Majdan and its surroundings were once known for their cherry orchards, particularly for the Hašlama cherry variety. Thus, in addition to the historic buildings, agricultural traditions and inherited customs are also associated with the town.
Routes Through the Surroundings
Regional road R-404 runs between Blagaj and Stari Majdan. Regional road R-406 connects Stari Majdan with Stara Rijeka. This means that two named road connections are associated with the town, while the visible remains of Roman roads point to a much older transport history.
Check prices, availability and amenities for your travel dates directly on Booking.com.
View Accommodation and OffersAdvertisement · Affiliate link to Booking.comOther Destinations in Una-Sana Canton
Other destinations in Una-Sana Canton: Bihać, Bosanska Krupa, Mali Radić, Bosanska Otoka, Ostrožac, Kulen Vakuf, Martin Brod, Velika Kladuša.
To the overarching travel overview: Una-Sana Canton.
