Kotor Castle

Kotor Castle, also known as Hrvojev grad or Kotorgrad, is a medieval fortress situated above the settlement of Kotor in Kotor Varoš, within the Republic of Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Constructed from limestone before 1382 during the 14th century, the site served as a strategic residential fortification. It holds significant historical importance as the primary and favorite seat of Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić, a powerful Bosnian noble and lord of Donji Kraji. The duke favored this estate above his other holdings, such as Ključ and Jajce, and it was here that he eventually died. Following his era, the castle became part of the Jajce Banovina before falling to Ottoman forces in 1519, playing a key role in regional defense efforts along the Vrbanja valley.

The original architectural layout featured a tower positioned on a ridge above the Jakotina river and a dungeon located just above a waterfall, connected by a stone staircase whose broken remains are still visible today. Historically, the tower housed a bell of impressive size that remained in place until the liberation of Kotor Varoš in 1945, though its subsequent fate is unknown. The fortress was actively used from at least 1382 until the mid-19th century. Today, the structure stands in a ruined condition but retains enough historical integrity to be officially designated as a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This status ensures the site is protected by the government and its commission for the preservation of national monuments, safeguarding it as a crucial link to the region's medieval past.