Captain’s Tower
Kapetanova kula is one of the oldest and most recognizable buildings in Bihać, located right on the bank of the Una River. According to some sources, it dates back to the Middle Ages, while other theories link its origins to the later Ottoman period, when Bihać played an important role as a fortified border town.
Throughout history, the tower had an important military role and served as the seat of the Bihać captains who were in charge of the city’s defense. Its thick stone walls and strategic position allowed control over the approaches to the city and the river. With the arrival of Austro-Hungary, the tower lost its military function and was turned into a prison, which further enriched its historical layers.
Kapetanova kula is especially captivating because of the many legends surrounding it, including the story of the Hungarian King Bela IV, who, according to tradition, found refuge in fortified Bihać and, in gratitude, granted the city the status of a free royal city.
Today, Kapetanova kula has been turned into a museum space housing the Museum of Una-Sana Canton. It offers visitors insight into Bihać’s rich past through permanent exhibitions, as well as a unique view of the city and the Una River. As a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kapetanova kula represents a blend of history, architecture, and legends that still attract many visitors today.