Djevojka sa Une

In the heart of Bihać, a legend whispers through the ages, revealing a tale of an ancient Roman warrior whose battle-hardened exterior crumbled at the sight of the Una River's emerald beauty. Picture this: the warrior, weathered by countless conflicts, stumbled upon the river's enchanting waterfalls, gilded cedars, and vibrant shores. In that moment, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Una!" The river, a vision of unparalleled beauty, captured his soul. As the legend unfolds, the Roman, captivated by Una's spell, made a life-altering choice. He abandoned the battlefield, shedding his armor for a shepherd's attire, surrendering to the allure of Una's beauty. One fateful morning, he witnessed a maiden, seemingly born of the river's ethereal essence. Determined, he followed this "otter of a woman," crossing a footbridge between ancient cedars and disappearing into a humble hut. What happened next was nothing short of magical. The Roman, now a shepherd, emerged cradling a newborn girl. With Una as his witness, he joyously raised the infant high, declaring her name in triumphant repetition: "Una, Una, Una!" A tale of transformation, of finding joy in unexpected places. Fast forward to 1986, and Bihać immortalized this legend with the installation of the stone sculpture "Girl from the Una." For over three decades, this artistic masterpiece, born from the mind of academic sculptor Vladimir Hrljević and the vision of Boško Marjanović, founder of the eco-conscious "Una Emeralds," has stood as a symbol of the city's rich history and the enduring magic of the Una River. Today, the legend lives on, echoing through the stone, the river, and the whispers of the city's emerald heart.