Pocitelj, located in the far southwest corner of Bosnia-Herzegovina, was most likely founded in 1383 by Bosnia’s King Stjepan Tvrtko I. Its hilltop fortifications and the thick stone walls evolved between the 16th and 18th centuries, survived occupation by Ottomans and absorption into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a result, its unique mixture of medieval and Ottoman architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Though the site was heavily damaged during the Bosnian War, it has since been restored, and the hilltop castle ruins and old Turkish Hammam are open to the public. The historic Hajji Alija Mosque, built in 1563, is still an active mosque.
