Franciscan Bicycle: Connecting Jajce and Kraljeva Sutjeska through the Cultural Route

This weekend, from Friday August 30 to Sunday September 1, 2024, there will be a bike ride named Franciscana, which aims at mapping, photographing and collecting relevant information for linking the monasteries in Jajce and Kraljeva Sutjeska in Franciscan cultural route. The organizers of this important event are the HerzegovinaBike Association in cooperation with the ZZH Government Office for EU Integration.

The cyclists will arrive in Jajce on Friday, where they will be welcomed by representatives of the local authorities, the Tourist Board of the City of Jajce and the guardian of the Franciscan monastery in Jajce. The town of Jajce, located at the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas, known for its rich history and exceptional cultural heritage, was first mentioned in written documents in 1396. The Franciscan monastery in Jajce, founded in 1885, has a long history of Franciscan presence in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which goes back to the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the monastery has witnessed numerous historical events, and its restoration after the Second World War and recent adaptations make it an important spiritual and cultural center of the region.

It is important to say that the monastery in Jajce, built near the historic church of St. Mary and the tower of St. Luke, represents an important monument of culture and religion in the region. After visiting Jajce, the cyclists will continue their journey towards Kraljeva Sutjeska on Saturday, crossing almost 140 km through the beautiful landscapes of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The monastery in Kraljeva Sutjeska will also be a place of visit, as well as a place where they will spend the night and rest before continuing their journey. whose history goes back to the first half of the 14th century. The history of the monastery dates back to the first half of the 14th century, and throughout the centuries of its long history, the monastery has experienced destruction, but also restoration, and its current building dates from 1892. The monastery in Kraljeva Sutjeska plays an extremely important role in preserving the cultural heritage and spirituality of this region.

This cycling event is not only a sporting event, but also an initiative that aims to connect important historical and cultural sites through a cycling route. The Franciscan Bicycling contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and promotes sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By connecting the monasteries in Jajce and Kraljeva Sutjeska, the Franciscan route becomes even richer and more complete, and offers a unique experience for all lovers of culture and nature, as well as cycle tourists from all over the world who, through tourist arrangements, will cycle along the Franciscan route and visit these facilities.

“During this bike ride, our cyclists will not only cover kilometers, but will contribute to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage. Connecting the monasteries in Jajce and Kraljeva Sutjeska through the Franciscan Cultural Route shows how sport can play a key role in the preservation and valorization of historical monuments. Our mission is to put these jewels of cultural heritage in focus, not only locally, but also for the wider public", said Toni Zorić, organizer and president of the HerzegovinaBike association.

This event represents a combination of sports, culture and history, making it unique in its nature and significance for the wider community. Through their activities, cyclists will ensure that these historical sites receive the attention they deserve, while at the same time they will enjoy the natural beauty that this road offers, and the HerzegovinaBike Association and the ZZH Government Office for EU Integration proudly continue working on these valuable projects.