Banja Luka is the capital of the Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its largest city. Is a large commercial and industrial center, as well as a popular health resort using local warm mineral waters.
The history of the city dates back to Roman times, when the spa town of Castra was located with hot springs. In its present form it was founded in medieval times and was an important fortress. From this period, fortifications with defensive walls and several towers have survived.
In the 16th century, Banja Luka was occupied by the Turks. They built a covered bazaar and a dozen mosques in the city. Unfortunately, they were all demolished in 1993 during the Balkan war. Serbian troops blew them up so that the trace of local Muslims would disappear. The Ferhadija Mosque has now been rebuilt using most of the original materials.
Most of Banja Luka's buildings come from the second half of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. This was caused by the destruction of World War II, the 1969 earthquake and the Balkan war. You can see, among others rebuilt Orthodox church of St. Of the Holy Trinity, a modern Roman Catholic cathedral and a large Museum of the Republika Srpska with exhibitions on nature, prehistory, history from the Middle Ages to the present day and the conflict in the Balkans.
Today, the largest part of tourists visiting the city are people who enjoy procedures in local sanatoriums and bathing in warm springs.
