Old Town Trebinje

Old Town Trebinje, also known as Kastel, is one of the most beautiful Ottoman fortresses in Herzegovina and Trebinje's main historical attraction. It was built in the early 18th century on the right bank of the Trebišnjica, above the deepest point in the river known as Ban-vir.

Construction was started by Osman-paša Resulbegović in 1714, bringing craftsmen from Dubrovnik and laborers from nearby places. The following year, a moat connected to the Trebišnjica was dug around the walls, and a drawbridge stood above the entrance gate. Kastel took on its final form with towers, ramparts and a canal during the first four decades of the 18th century. The architectural style clearly reveals the blending of Oriental and Mediterranean influences. Today, the Museum of Herzegovina and Osman-paša Mosque are located within the walls. There are plans to restore the canal so that it would once again encircle the old walls.