Kreševo between Blacksmithing and Mountain Landscapes

The Museum of the Franciscan Monastery of St. Catherine in Kreševo houses a complete traditional blacksmith’s workshop. Bellows, a forge, anvils, hammers and other metalworking tools make the craft visible there in its traditional form. The museum extends over three floors and also includes archaeological, religious, mineral and crystal collections.

The library of the Franciscan Monastery of St. Catherine contains an edition of “De re metallica” by Georgius Agricola, printed in Italy in 1657. The 477-page work deals with mining, geology and metallurgy, is divided into twelve parts and contains illustrations. A distinctive medieval urban structure has also been preserved in the historic part of Kreševo.

Another local speciality is the traditional craft of shoeing eggs, which is still practiced in Kreševo. The decorated eggs are regarded as valuable local souvenirs and symbols of good luck, maturity and new life.

The landscape of Kreševo includes old forests, mountain pastures and clear streams and rivers that have formed deep gorges. Well-maintained and clearly marked mountain trails run through this landscape and are suitable for hiking, trekking and mountain biking.

Oberska Cave, a protected geological monument, is one of Kreševo’s special features. The cave is associated with medieval mercury mining and the region’s natural heritage. Oberska Cave can be reached from the village of Vranci via a forest trail.

The geotrails in Kreševo connect geological sites with tourist attractions and allow visitors to explore Kreševo’s geological heritage. In this way, the landscape, geological history and the historical use of the surrounding area come together within the same thematic experience.

The BBK Kreševo mountain bike club organises cycling tours and events. The association also develops mountain bike infrastructure in the mountain areas of Kreševo. The existing mountain trails and the club’s work are therefore among the town’s specifically identified cycling activities.

The “Kreševski citrin” association gives interested visitors the opportunity to visit its mineral and crystal collection in Kreševo. The annual fair for minerals, rocks, fossils, precious stones and semi-precious stones is also regularly associated with minerals. It brings together exhibitors and visitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.

Geocamps and outdoor activities are offered in Kreševo for children and young people. They learn about geology, searching for minerals and nature conservation.

Kreševo is connected to Sarajevo by two road routes. One is a newer paved route via Lepenica. The older paved route runs via Kiseljak and is 48 km long.

In Deževice, the Sanctuary of Saint James of the Marches attracts numerous pilgrims and visitors. The parish organises spiritual activities, workshops and events there.

Find more destinations for your selection here: Vitez, Novi Travnik, Travnik, Ćemalići, Milanovići, Čardaci, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Nova Bila.

For the broader travel overview: Central Bosnia Canton/Middle Bosnia.