Discover Stari Majdan: Roman Bridge, Mosque and Mill

Archaeological traces, religious buildings and craft traditions offer different focal points for a stay.

Archaeology and Historical Development

Stari Majdan is considered one of the oldest settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Iron ore was already mined in the area during the Iron Age; archaeological finds also indicate that the deposits were exploited in Roman times. Remains of Roman roads are still visible in Stari Majdan. According to historical accounts, a bridge in Stari Majdan known as the Roman Bridge was part of an ancient Roman road along which iron ore was transported as far as the Roman province of Dalmatia.

Under Ottoman rule, Stari Majdan was a captaincy and a kadiluk. The fortress had a permanent garrison until the 1830s. The first mosque in Stari Majdan is said to have been built around 1750. According to the Austro-Hungarian census of 1879, Stari Majdan had six mosques and five mektebs.

Troska in Stari Majdan is considered an ancient archaeological site. A votive monument found there is kept at the Museum of Prijedor; the findspot and the place where it is kept are therefore distinct. The historical connections of Stari Majdan span the Iron Age and Roman-era use, Ottoman rule and the 1879 census.

Bridge, Spring and Religious Buildings

The bridge in Stari Majdan, also called the Roman Bridge, is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina and crosses the Gračanica stream. The Ćemerlija spring is near the bridge. A local legend says that drinking its water three times will soon lead to falling in love and getting married.

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is located in the centre of Stari Majdan and has been partially restored. The Palanka Mosque is the only rebuilt mosque among the town’s six destroyed mosques.

Watermill, Rivers and Getting There

The restored Lučica watermill on the Gračanica is more than three centuries old. In 2025, it was reported to be grinding grain again. If you are planning a visit, check access locally in advance.

The Gračanica is a shared point of reference for the bridge and the mill: the bridge crosses the stream, and Lučica is on the Gračanica. The area known as the “Valley of Mills” is traversed by the Gračanica, Željeznica and Majdanuša rivers.

Stari Majdan and its surroundings were once known for their cherry orchards, especially the Hašlama variety. This former agricultural identity adds another dimension to the town’s mining and milling history.

The R-404 regional road runs between Blagaj and Stari Majdan; the R-406 connects Stari Majdan with Stara Rijeka. Check current road conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kulen Vakuf, Martin Brod, Cazin, Mali Radić, Oštrelj, Bosanska Krupa, Risovac, Bihać

For the broader travel overview: Una-Sana Canton.