Remains of the Royal Castle in Kraljeva Sutjeska
In the vicinity of the monastery in Kraljeva Sutjeska, on the left side of Urva
stream, there is the monastery's promenade with a terrace called Grgurevo.
Archaeological excavations were performed in the period from 1969-1970 which
lead to discovery and preservation of the foundations and walls of several
objects: church – court chapel, main palace located on the eastern side and
several buildings on the right side of Urva stream.
As stated in the charter by the king Tvrtko I the church was dedicated to
St. Gregory. Hence comes the name of the whole area on the left side of Urva
stream – Grgurevo (Gregory's). The church was built in gothic style. What
remains of it includes a quadrate-shaped apsid with a niche for the saint's
statue, while more than half of them has been destroyed due to Urva stream
deepening its flow for more than 10m since the castle was built. Further
deepening was prevented by building cascades during the excavations.
Eastern palace consists of two L-shaped wings spread apart. It is presumed to be
the first and the oldest object of the castle. It is supported by a row of
strong pillars which have been restored.
Western part is a complex made up of three palaces located on terraces. Only the
foundations remain today.
The royal castle together with the town of Bobovac was built by ban Stjepan
II (1322-1353) and significantly enlarged by the king Tvrtko (1353-1391).
Archaeological excavations did not discover any significant works of art as most
were grabbed away throughout history since the castle, unlike Bobovac, was
located near populated settlement.
Western part of the castle is made up of three palaces placed on terraces. There
are only the foundations of these buildings still remaining.
Large amount of the castle's building material was used for reconstruction of
the monastery that was damaged in fires in 1524. and 1668. as well as for
reconstruction of local houses.
Excavated material (stone plastics, ceramics, metals, glass) are kept in the
State museum in Sarajevo which was in charge of exploring and preserving the
site. Also worth mentioning is the fact that numerous preserved documents of
Bosnian rulers were issued in Kraljeva Sutjeska which at the time was known as
Curia regis (royal castle) or Trstivnica.
Text prepared by: prof. dr. Fra Stjepan Duvnjak. |
