Saturday, September 14, 2013

Visiting Pocitelj [Part 1/3]: The Journey to the Tower

Last weekend my friends and I visited a nearby medieval town called Pocitelj. It's one of those close places that every tourist visits, and I never go to. It's weird, because I would definitely visit such a town If I were traveling outside the country. Coincidentally this is also my 450th post on this blog! And I couldn't think of any better images to mark this occasion, then those that will follow.

Anyway, we made the trip and in this first part, I'll show you the sights on our way to the main Pocitelj Tower.
This is a multi-part series, other parts include:

click on the images for a bigger view


It is believed that the fortified town along with its attendant settlements were built by Bosnia's King Stjepan Tvrtko I in 1383. 


This unique settlement, listed as a UNESCO heritage site and recent reconstruction has returned the town to its original form. 

Počitelj presents one of few urban ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina preserved in their integrity to the present time developed through the several phases of the history, beginning with the medieval period. Its important strategic role during the 13th to 17th century gave the power of its inhabitant to build up one of the most important, and best preserved ensembles within the city walls in this region.


The Hadzi-Alija Mosque has been reconstructed as well as the Sisman-Ibrahimpasina medresa and the Gavran Kapetanovic house, all of which are open to visitors. 



There is quite a climb to get to the main fortification, where the tower is located.  It is really impressive to view it from below when approaching it.
 


We have finally made it! The sun is setting, as you can see, and this will set the stage for the other parts to come!


Coming up in Part Two (on Monday): We visit the Tower and go inside the structure to reveal the secrets that are hidden there. Also: portraits on the town walls and inside the tower!

Let me know what you think of this new series of images in the comments below!

36 comments:

  1. Great looking place Mersad, you have captured the atmosphere so well, thanks for sharing!

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  2. Mersad, Your images are impressive, from the colored to the B&W both. What a wonderful place to visit! Thank you for sharing these.

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  3. I would very much like to visit this. the tower and the details of the city are just amazing to be that old. I can't imagine how hard it was to build these with out the things we have today. my favorite is the black and white arch and the one at the end...i did enlarge each photo and study the details of the stones... your photos are as spectacular as the buildings themselves. can't wait to see the next post.

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    1. Some of the details really work better when enlarged. Thank you for visiting.

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  4. An admirable series of photos of a truly remarkable place. In addition to marvelous images you always add a goodly amount of information. That's great!

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    1. I like to mix it up, and share some facts as well. It's not just about pretty pictures, but also what's portrayed on them.

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  5. P.S. And congratulations on your 450th Post!! That's quite a mile-post!!

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    1. Thank you. It has almost been 5 years!

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  6. Hi Mersad....

    alleine schon das erste Bild ist ja unglaublich Klasse !

    Chapeau !

    Grüße aus Berlin

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    1. Dankeschön! Freut mich das es Dir gefällt!

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  7. the stonework is really beautiful!

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  8. Great captures, Mersad. I especially like the first black and white.. it's wonderfully done!

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  9. Wonderful images! My favorite is the arches in B&W!
    Thanks for visiting me and your nice comment.

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    1. Thank you so much for checking back. Hope to read your thoughts again soon!

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  10. This is a beautiful and interesting place, good shot

    See you
    Stefano

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  11. What a spectacular place. I have places near me that I've never been to even though the tourists flock there...perhaps that's why I've never gone. It's nice to see those places in the off season when it's not so crowded.

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    1. There is something about tourist-spots and the off-season, when you are a local, I have to agree.

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  12. Mersad, what a beautiful place to visit. I find these heritage sites and towns are amazing to visit. Thanks for sharing your visit. Wonderful photos. PS, thank you for visiting my blog. Have a happy Sunday!

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    1. You're welcome. Have a happy Sunday too!

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  13. Mersad your pictures are always very nice..... i´am glad that i have found your nice photoblog.

    Greetings from Holland,

    Joop

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    1. Thank you so much. Love your photos too!

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  14. Fantastic photos! I love that architecture! Thank you for the blog follow!

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  15. Congratulations on the 450th! A true milestone:) I love the beautiful scenes you shared, what a beautiful place!

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    1. Thanks so much. Part Two will be up today.

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  16. So beautiful! Your photos are great!

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