Sokolac fort

Perched atop a lofty and steep hill, the ancient Sokolac Fortress boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times when the remnants of a settlement still lingered in its immediate vicinity. This robustly constructed fortress relied on the commanding Sokolac Tower, strategically positioned on the city's highest point—a precipice plunging steeply towards the Una River and Bihać from the north and east. Although first recorded in 1369, historian Ivan Tomašić suggests an earlier construction date of 1020. Sokolac functioned with a castellan, a garrison, and estates that sustained its defenders. Under the jurisdiction of the ban, the Sokolac garrison drew support from the Brekovica and Omršal estates, nestled between Bihać and Ostrožac along the Una's left bank, as well as a vast estate in the Bihać field. The castellan, overseeing the garrison, wielded judicial authority over those dwelling on the fortress's estates. Despite its prominence in Sigismund's court, Sokolac, along with Bihać and Ripče, faced financial strains, leading to pledges to Pavle Čupor in 1410 and later to Nikola and Stjepan Frankopan in 1431. By the late 15th century, Sokolac came under the ownership of Croatian Ban Ivaniš Korvin, succeeded by the Orlovići and Kerečeni in the early 16th century. Post-1527, royal soldiers, commanded by the captain of Bihać, guarded Sokolac, tallying 12 guards in the city in 1563. In 1592, Sokolac fell under Ottoman rule, establishing a permanent military presence led by the assistant (ćehaja) of the Bihać captain. The early 16th century witnessed a modest garrison of 19, later relocated, and unmentioned in the 1643 census. The mid-18th century saw a 20-strong garrison, equipped with two smaller cannons for defense. Sokolac stood as one of the region's best-preserved fortresses until recent times. In 1898, Count Lothar Berks, the chief of the Bihać district, spearheaded a restoration, opening it to visitors. A tavern, offering postcards and city insights, graced a floor of Sokolac Tower. The fortress received its last restoration in 2015. Today, the medieval Sokolac Fortress is accessible from Bihać by foot or bike through the "Debeljača" trim trail.