Izačić: Old Town History, Memorial Room and Plješevica

Izačić offers several clearly distinct points of interest for a trip: the remains of the old town, a memorial room with a private collection, the event “Izačiću, ponosan mi budi,” the Štraparijada and the nearby Plješevica mountain range. Its historical, commemorative and scenic themes offer different focal points. You can plan your trip around whether you are primarily interested in the fortified old town’s history, the memorial room, a competition, or trails and views in the mountain range.

The Old Town and Its Historical Context

The remains of Izačić’s old town stand on a hill on the western edge of the Bihać valley. In the second half of the 16th century, Izačić’s old town became part of the Bihać Captaincy. After Izačić came under Ottoman rule in 1592, the town walls were repaired and a strong garrison of four branches of the military was stationed there. Its inclusion in the Captaincy and the measures taken after 1592 are two distinct stages in the town’s history. Izačić-gradina is also among the archaeological remains in the Bihać area.

The Memorial Room and Remembrance

The “Izačić” memorial room is located next to the border crossing of the same name, on the road towards the centre of Bihać. It contains a private collection assembled over many years by a former employee of the former “Željava” military complex. The memorial room therefore offers a different historical perspective from the old town remains: here, the focus is on the employee’s years of collecting; there, it is on the history of the walls and garrison. Guided visits are available for a nominal fee; arrange your visit in advance.

The event “Izačiću, ponosan mi budi” is also connected with remembrance. It was scheduled for 14 August 2018 in the City of Bihać’s programme, and the Izačić Local Community was to organise it. The programme for the 2026 edition included the recitation of a Tevhid for the Šehids at the Izačić mosque, as well as a visit to the memorial room. The Local Community organised this edition; it commemorated the defenders of this area and the city of Bihać and honoured all the Šehids of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If the event is a deciding factor in your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.

The Štraparijada and Its Competition Format

In the format of the Štraparijada in Izačić documented in 2019, draft horses competed in light, medium and heavy categories. They pulled heavy logs individually or in pairs. The categories and the individual or paired work describe different aspects of the competition: the division into classes and how the horses pulled a log, alone or together. This historical format does not necessarily determine the format of later editions. So if you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates and format of the specific edition.

Plješevica and Travel Planning

The nearby Plješevica mountain range above Bihać and Izačić offers forest, hiking trails and expansive views of the city and the Krajina. It adds a scenic and hiking dimension to the historical themes. If you plan to hike there, check local route conditions and access.

Discover more destinations: Ripač, Klokot, Kulen Vakuf, Grmuša, Stari Majdan, Bosanska Otoka, Martin Brod, Bosanska Krupa.

For the broader travel overview: Una-Sana Canton.