Banjalučke crkve

Banja Luka churches - the most important information

Did you know that religious tourism is very common in Eastern Herzegovina? Group trips are specific to this region, in which members of the same religions participate, accompanied by a clergyman or a professional guide. Such is the case with Banja Luka, which has several religious buildings, and that is why visitors of different religions come to this city.

History and characteristics of Banja Luka religious buildings
On this occasion, we present Banja Luka and its most important religious sites, which you could visit if you ever find yourself near them:

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior - is located in the center of Banja Luka, on the site where the Church of the Holy Trinity was originally built (from 1925 to 1929). During the Second World War, this temple was significantly damaged, and later, by order, it was demolished to the ground. The renovation of the temple began in 1993 with the consecration of its foundations. This solemn act was performed by the Serbian Patriarch Pavle with the archbishops and clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The Church of the Holy Trinity was renovated and solemnly consecrated in 2009 under the name Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Today, this church is one of the greatest architectural achievements of Orthodox churches in the Balkans and arouses admiration among every visitor.
Ferhadija Mosque - built in 1579 in the classical Ottoman style. The identity of the architect of this mosque remained unknown, but it is known that he was a student of the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The Ferhadija complex was later supplemented by the Clock Tower, built in its immediate vicinity. Unfortunately, this mosque suffered great destruction during the Second World War. It was rebuilt after that, but was destroyed again in the 1969 earthquake. The last ceremonial opening of the Ferhat Pasha mosque took place on May 7, 2016.
Marija Zvijezda Monastery - is a Roman Catholic monastery of the Trappist order. It is a monastic order dedicated to a withdrawn contemplative life, according to the motto of St. Benedict "Pray and work". The Trappist community in the 20th century consisted of over 200 monks and it actively participated in the cultural life of Banja Luka until the First World War. This community built a famous brewery, the first private hydroelectric power plant, and it is also known for the production of the famous "Trappist" cheese and the establishment of craft schools. The Marija Zvijezda monastery was built in an unusually short time, in just one year. This strong space leaves all visitors who come for the first time speechless.

How to get to Banja Luka's religious buildings?

If you start by car from Belgrade, you will travel to Banja Luka for about 3 and a half hours (via E70).
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Ferhadija Mosque are located in the center of Banja Luka, so you can reach them on foot. To the monastery of Marija Zvijezda from the city center you will travel by transport in ten minutes (across the street Braće Podgornika).
Also, you will have access to a larger number of taxi carriers, which will take you wherever you want. Call: Patrol Taxi +387 66 015 330, Banja Luka Taxi 065 331-544 or Big Taxi 066 211-511 and enjoy a safe ride to the desired location!