Novi Grad—The Pearl on Una and Sana

on Una and Sana

NOVI GRAD IS ONE OF THE OLDEST TOWNS IN KRAJINA. IT WAS FOUNDED

IN 1280, AND ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND VALUABLE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS GIVE IT ITS CHARM.

Sung in many songs inspired by the beauties of the Una River, Novi Grad (once called Bosanski Novi) has always been imbued with natural beauty. Right along the shores of the emerald Una river to the mouth of the Sana river, where it sprang, lies perhaps the biggest attraction of one of the oldest Krajina towns, the famous Kej—a three kilometer long, stone-walled quayside, with an alley of shady chestnuts and fragrant linden trees. Novski Kej started being built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it received its more current appearance in 1985 in the former state. The Una river flows through the Novi Grad municipality for 35 km of its total length of 207 km. Tourists are especially interested in accommodation facilities along this beautiful river, which with its temperature of 22°C during the summer is very pleasant and refreshing in Novi Grad. In addition to the international event Una regata, which takes place from Blatna to Novi Grad, and from Novi Grad to Hrvatska Kostajnica, the tourist content is enriched with two more tempting activities—sailing through Una’s more mild currents through the Novi Grad municipality with mandatory stops and photos at numerous waterfalls, tufa, Una’s islands, and a full day worth of rafting down the Una river.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGHTS

The founding of Novi Grad dates back to 1280. Archaeological sites in the village of Donji Rakani and in the valley of the river Japra testify that its wider area was inhabited in ancient times. It is recognizable by its cultural and historical sights, primarily by its Old Town Hall (Stara gradska vijećnica), which was built in 1888 in the pseudo-Moorish style as a typical example of its era, i.e., the period of Austro-Hungarian occupation in this area. Although relatively small in size, thanks to its decorativeness and impressiveness, it is considered one of the most harmonious buildings in the entire territory of B&H. The second most important cultural and historical monument is the National Library of Novi Grad built in 1895, which in addition to its daily routines organizes literary evenings, book promotions, exhibitions dedicated to famous people, and various cultural events in the city. Another national monument of B&H, the Legat Stojana Ćelića, is of great importance for the culture of the city. It can be seen in the city gallery (Gradska galerija), and consists of 41 works: 4 oil canvas paintings, 6 drawings, and 31 graphics pieces. And in honor of the anti-fascist struggle in the Second World War, Novi Grad has preserved the monument Majka partizanka made by Marijan Kocković and erected in 1964. It is a bronze statue of a partisan mother consisting of a 10-meter long stone surface depicting the course of the National Liberation War and a granite cube with engraved verses from the poem Stojanka majka Knežpoljka by Skender Kulenović.

RURAL TOURISM

In addition to Novi Grad’s natural beauty, culture, and history that can be offered to visitors of the city, many enthusiasts make an outstanding pioneering contribution to the development of rural tourism in Novi Grad. The Agricultural Cooperative “Agrojapra” from Donji Agići, which works in conjunction with individual rural households, is

leading the way with its attempts. Founded after the Second World War, Agrojapra offers a preserved natural ambience and local quality cuisine with old traditional specialties; walks through the hilly and mountainous areas of Podgrmeč; the activity of picking herbs and mushrooms; a tour of the mill with the participation of flour milling; the tasting of cold-pressed sunflower oil, salad oil, virgin pumpkin seed oil, and various types of dried fruit; fishing on the Japra river; as well as a visit to the house of Branko Ćopić in Hašani... There is also a classroom for lifelong learning, an ethno-museum exhibition, and an exhibition about cooperatives in the Japra valley. Pioneering steps in the development of rural tourism are being made in the valley of the river Japra and around the Sports and Recreation Center Lješljani, which is also an interesting destination. The thermal mineral spring Lješljani, where the center was built, is located some 20 km from Novi Grad. The water there belongs to the group of sodium chloride, hydro-carbonated, hypothermal, highly alkaline waters, and the current spring has a temperature of 31 to 35°C. The healing properties of the Lješljani spa have been talked about since the Roman Empire, and the evidence of its first use dates back to 1878, when the Austro-Hungarians first tested this water in Vienna. Folk legends have also been recorded. One notable story is about a sick horse and a poor peasant, who, unable to find a cure for his horse, left it with great sorrow at the mercy of the forests of Potkozarje. The wandering horse came across a source of water from Lješljani, and after a while, it returned to its master alive and well. There are a number of reasons why you will be especially charmed by your visits to the smaller cities. They do not have many sights like the metropolises, but they will give you the opportunity to enjoy its stories more and feel the spirit of the locals, who, like those in Novi Grad, always welcome their visitors with open arms.