The bridge in Stari Majdan, also known as the Roman Bridge, crosses the Gračanica stream and is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Iron ore mining in the area is documented as far back as the Iron Age; archaeological finds also point to the use of the deposits in Roman times. The history therefore extends beyond individual structures to early traces of human activity.

Settlement history and historical traces

Stari Majdan is considered one of the oldest settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under Ottoman rule, the town was a captaincy and a kadiluk. The fortress in Stari Majdan had a permanent garrison until the 1830s. The town's history thus brings together an early settlement tradition, Ottoman administrative roles and a garrison history extending into the 19th century.

Remains of Roman roads are still visible in Stari Majdan. Troska is one of the ancient archaeological sites in Stari Majdan. A votive monument found in Troska near Stari Majdan is kept at the Museum of Prijedor. The traces are therefore found at different locations: visible road remains, an archaeological site and an artefact now kept in a museum.

Religious heritage

The first mosque in Stari Majdan is said to have been built around 1750. The Austro-Hungarian census of 1879 lists six mosques and five mektebs in Stari Majdan. The Palanka Mosque is the only one of the town's six destroyed mosques to have been rebuilt. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is also located in the centre; it has been partially restored. More than a century separates the estimated construction date of around 1750 from the 1879 census.

Mill, rivers and local stories

The area known as the “Valley of Mills” is traversed by the Gračanica, Željeznica and Majdanuša rivers. The Lučica watermill is located on the Gračanica. A report from 2025 described the restored mill as more than three centuries old and reported that grain was being milled there again. If you are considering a visit, ask locally about the possibility of visiting.

The Ćemerlija spring is near the Roman Bridge. According to a local legend, drinking its water three times will soon lead to falling in love and getting married. The area's former agriculture is also part of its history: Stari Majdan and its surroundings were once known for their cherry orchards, especially the Hašlama variety.

Roads for orientation

Regional road R-404 runs between Blagaj and Stari Majdan; R-406 connects Stari Majdan with Stara Rijeka. Check road conditions before setting out, as they may change. If either of these routes suits your plans, check its current condition in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bihać, Bosanski Petrovac, Martin Brod, Klokot, Bosanska Otoka, Oštrelj, Grmuša, Mali Radić

For the main travel overview: Una-Sana Canton.