Tvrđava Srebrenik

This gray fortress (Tvrđava Srebrenik) is one of the most beautiful in the country. Perched on a rocky spur 400 m above sea level, it dominates the Pannonian plain and the Tinja valley. It lies above Gornji Srebrenik, 6 km east of Srebrenik. The site was probably occupied very early on, but the fortress is first mentioned in 1333. In 1338, it was the birthplace of Stefan Tvrtko I, founder of the Kingdom of Bosnia (1377-1463). Captured by the Hungarians in 1408, then by the Ottomans around 1510, it became part of a network of twelve strongholds guarding the Ottoman border with the Austrian Empire. Abandoned in 1835, it remains impressive. Access is by road, then on foot via a wooden bridge spanning a rock-cut moat. Three towers, winding ramparts, a palace and a keep are concentrated in a small area. The first rectangular tower retains its arch decorated with an Islamic crescent moon. A rampart leads down to the second, semi-circular tower, which has partly collapsed. The next rampart dates from the Ottoman period and was pierced by seven cannon openings. The third, rectangular tower has lost most of its walls. It housed a cistern, a well and a mosque. Staircases lead to the upper part, where the mighty keep stands. Next door, the two-storey palace built over a cellar was used as barracks by the Ottomans. From here, a rampart zigzags down to defend the southern access.