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Austro-Hungarian Stories from Trebinje

This project rediscovers Trebinje's myths and legends from the days when it belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It also presents wonderful cultural sights and local businesses that you can visit today. Have you been to this southernmost town in Bosnia and Herzegovina before? It's right on the border of Croatia.

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Let's do some time traveling

Trebinje in the Austro-Hungarian Empire

The Austro-Hungarian rule had the ambition of penetrating to the East. During their presence in Trebinje, their main goal was to build extremely strong and well-designed fortifications on the hills surrounding this town. For example, the fortresses of Strač that you can see in the video below, was built as the strongest fortification in the vicinity of Trebinje. When you hike up to this strategically important location, you'll be able to enjoy the view of the borders between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro. Or simply enjoy the exclusive sights by watching the video right away.

TOP AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN GEMS TO VISIT IN TREBINJE

TOP AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN GEMS TO VISIT IN TREBINJE

Austro-Hungarian fortresses are an important part of Trebinje architectural heritage, but also monuments of exceptional historical importance, not only in the Balkan region but also in Central Europe. Trebinje has about 30 fortifications that are located both in the city and on the hills and on the branches of the city. The smallest fortification system in Trebinje was built around the city itself, and the Austro-Hungarian government built that small part immediately after 1878. With this move, the center of Trebinje (Dubrovnik and Bilećka gates) was secured, as well as river Trebišnjica.

Since the Austro-Hungarian rule had the ambition of penetrating to the east they had to achieve good coverage of the Trebinje hills, so extremely strong and successfully designed fortifications were built on them. The fortresses of Strač and Kravica were built as the strongest fortifications in the vicinity of Trebinje.

The fortress of Trebinje, together with the fortress of Bileća and the fortified move of Avtovac near Gacko, formed the first line of defense (cordon) of Bosnia and Herzegovina from that direction. The defense consisted of three lines of defense, and was built according to the most modern principles at the time. These fortifications follow the styles found in both the Netherlands and France. This fortification complex is sometimes called the Balkan "Maginot Line" (fr. Ligne Maginot).

In addition to Austro-Hungarian staple, the fortification systems, we highly recommend that you pay a visit to Trebinje's gems from this period that are located in town's center.

Trebinje's history through Austro-Hungarian buildings

The town's charm is a mixture of many visions

After entering Trebinje in 1878, Austro-Hungarian empire found itself in the center that was a beautiful mixture of Mediterranean style, Venetian vibes, and Ottoman influence. In addition to the architecture, the city's unique summer garden with 16 plane tree called Square Platani became synonymous with this city after being set up in this period. You'll discover the legend about this square if you keep exploring this virtual tour.

Only 27 kilometers from popular Dubrovnik in Croatia, today's Old Town Trebinje or Kastel, with its charming streets, gates and ancient stone forms, the historically important Osman Pasha Mosque, today's Museum of Herzegovina and numerous catering offers is a very popular holiday destination.
Legends and myths from the Austro-Hungarian days in Trebinje

365 rooms, 1 fortress

According to stories, there were 365 rooms in the Strač fortress, just as many days there are in a year. The fortress was considered invincible to regular people and reserved only for the armies. The legend has it that there was an actual bull who would circle around the fortress, and sleep in a different room every night, scaring most of the people out of it.
Legends and myths from the Austro-Hungarian days in Trebinje

24 fortresses and Balkan Maginot Line

Fortresses Strač and Kravica are among the strongest buildings near Trebinje. It's interesting to mention that the emperors built such systems only in Trebinje, along with 24 fortresses in Galicia and Lombardia. Many historians call this complex the famous "Balkan Maginot Line"/Ligne Maginot.
Legends and myths from the Austro-Hungarian days in Trebinje

16 trees, 1 family tale

During the Austro-Hungarian period, there was 16 trees (16 platani) planted in the very center of Trebinje. You will find them right in front of the hotel under the same name, if you visit today. They represent a historical symbol of this beautiful town. During the summer days, their branches create the perfect breeze, having coffee places packed to the last spot. The legend says that Baron Babić, city's commissioner, arrived to the city with the emperors. Unfortunately, he had a sick daughter who died at the age of 16. In her honor, Babić planted these trees, leaving a relaxing oasis in such a sunny city that is 120 years old now.
More history-rich stories from Trebinje

Euros in the historical context

According to the legends, the full construction of the fortress Strač would cost around 60 million euros nowadays. The first construction plans started in 1910, predicting to build the second largest fortress in the empire.
More history-rich stories from Trebinje

2 years of construction work, many years until the actual access

It has been written that the first construction activities started in 1910. It lasted for 2 years, making 1912. the year that the fortress was officialy completed. However, regular citizens were not allowed to use it. There are no official photographs of the actual construction, but there are official documents proving that Strač used to have 5 officers and 157 soldiers using its premises. It remained unaccessible until the mid 50's. After the emperors, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and Italian and German occupational forces used to have their soldiers up there. After the World War II, it became the place for the army of the communist Yugoslavia.
More history-rich stories from Trebinje

"Little Venice"

Trebinje is a town with over 20 bridges. That's why it carries a nickname of "Little Venice". Given its beauty, history and the unusual destiny, 92-meters long Arslanagić or Perović bridge gets the most attention. It was built in 1573.

Scrapbook of significant dates

Trebinje through the years

10th century

First mention of Trebinje

Trebinje was firstly mentioned in Byzantine sources dating back to the 10th century, and the area around it was called Travunija. For a time, Travunija was an independent Slavic principality, only to later become part of various surrounding states during the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, this area fell under the rule of Herceg Prince Stjepan Vukčić Kosača, and began to bear the present name of Herzegovina.

2020.

3 countries, many tourist attractions

Trebinje is the farthest southern town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is on a strategic location, given its connection to Montenegro and Croatia. The city center was built as the mix of mediterranean style, Mletak's republic, and the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian style. This unique combination makes up for a very interesting spot to visit, specially if you're traveling through the neighboring countries.

1878.

Austro-Hungarian Emprie

Strač is a military facility from the time of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. It was built from 1910. to 1916., with the aim of protecting the Bay of Kotor, preparing Austria-Hungary for war after the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This fort has been an enigma for decades. The buildings that make up the fort had huge profiles of iron construction, a large part of which was removed and melted from the tower after the Second World War, during the reconstruction and construction of the country. At the top of this building are four steel domes, half masonry and half carved in stone, which you can visit today.

1910th year

Construction of the Strač fortress

Strac is a military facility from the time of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. It was built from 1910 to 1916, with the aim of protecting the Bay of Kotor, ie preparing Austria-Hungary for war after the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This fort has been an enigma for decades. The buildings that make up the fort had huge profiles of iron construction, a large part of which was removed and melted from the tower after the Second World War, during the reconstruction and construction of the country. At the top of this building are four steel domes, half masonry and half carved in stone, which you can visit today.

1482.

1st Foundations

The Ottomans took over the city in 1466 and took over Herceg Novi in 1482. It was in 1482. that they started the initial construction of the beautiful fortresses in Trebinje area that we see today. Even though Trebinje experienced certain infrastructural development under the Ottoman rule, it got its biggest growth from the Austro-Hungarian days.

Explore the Austro-Hungarian influence through these virtual walks

Walk through Fortress Strač and Museum of Herzegovina

Explore the Austro-Hungarian influence through these virtual walks

Museum of Herzegovina

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