Although when thinking about traveling, the Balkans might not be your first choice, I am here to tell you that there are so many intriguing places to visit in the Balkan that you will definitely get your money’s worth. The Balkan is actually a region in Eastern and Southeastern Europe that it’s comprised of Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.

Although there are some records which include parts of Greece and Turkey, the common belief is that the ten previous countries make up the Balkan. Therefore, if you want to experience the spirit and history of these places, then let’s talk about the 10 historical places to visit in Balkan region.

1. Butrint National Park – Albania

Although Albania is a country rich in history, and there are many more places you can visit, if you truly want to go back in time, then head on to Butrint National Park. This park is located 18km south of Saranda, and it stretches for 29km. Here you can find relics of different times, some dating back to 50 000BC.

The unique thing about this site is that you can see the different influences clearly, from Greek to Roman, to Byzantine and Venetian. The most prominent monuments are the Greek theatre, a Roman baptistery, and a paleo-Christian Basilica. All of these structures have been well preserved so that you can get an idea of the changing styles.

Apart from being a site of tremendous historical value, it also offers magnificent views of the Lake Butrint and the surrounding nature.

2. “Stari Most” Old Bridge – Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you want to experience history and nature once again, then the Old Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina is just the site you need to visit. As its name suggests it is an old bridge built on the River Neretva, which is said to be the coldest river in the world.

The interesting thing about this bridge is that it comes with its own backstory. The bridge was designed and built by the Turkish architect Mimar Hayruddin, by the request of Suleiman the Magnificent. The story is that Suleiman warned Mimar if the bridge collapsed that he would kill him.

Therefore, the only thing that Mimar could do was dig his grave. However, on the day when the wooden supports from the bridge were taken out, the bridge stood without them. It actually proved Mimar’s architectural genius since it stood for 429 years until it was destroyed in a conflict between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

Nevertheless, it was reconstructed and they say that it is just as impressive as it used to be.

3. Rila Monastery – Bulgaria

The Rila Monastery is located 1,147 meters up the Rila Mountain and it is the largest monastery in Bulgaria. Even if you aren’t a religious person, you will definitely enjoy visiting this place, since it is a real work of art, both from the outside and inside.

From the outside, it looks like an enormous fortress, while the most noticeable structure on the inside is the church “The Nativity of the Virgin”, with its impressive picturesque architecture. Apart from the countless frescoes, this church is also known for its wood-carving which was a creation that took four years to complete.

If you want to drench yourself in even more history, there is also a library that is said to hold manuscripts from different eras, as well as a museum which is the home of over 35 000 items. Therefore, if you are still considering places to visit in Balkan, make sure this monastery is on your list.

4. Dubrovnik Old Town - Croatia

By now everyone has heard about this magnificent city since it is one of the finest preserved medieval cities in the world. Its walls are so thick that it has never been breached and they still withstand the test of time, standing strong even today.

Although many people have heard of it, as the site of Game of Thrones’ Capital King Landing, Dubrovnik has so much more to offer. It is the home of the oldest pharmacy in the world which even today sells some of the creams made by the monks’ recipes.

It is also the first city which installed a sewage system, quarantine facilities, as well as an orphanage. However, regardless of why you are going to visit this gem, make sure you bring comfortable shoes because the climb up those 5,000 steps is quite an exercise, although the view from the top is definitely worthwhile.

5. Heraclea Lyncestis – Macedonia

If you are traveling to Balkan make sure you stop in Bitola, which is a city in the southwestern part of Macedonia. Apart from the famous street “Shirok Sokak” Bitola is also known for the beautifully preserved archeological site called Heraclea Lyncestis.

It is believed that this city was built in the middle of the 4th century during the reign of Philip II Macedonian, although some experts disagree. Whatever the case, the city is named after the Greek Hero Heracles, and is a place where you can find some of the most perfectly preserved mosaics.

There are also remains of Roman baths, a portico and an amphitheater which is still used today for many cultural manifestations. If you are a history buff, than a visit to this place will definitely quench some of your thirst for history and the art of the past.

6. Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic – Njegos – Montenegro

The Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic –Njegos is one more of the places to visit in Balkan. It holds great historical and national value for the Montenegrins because it is a mausoleum dedicated to one of their most beloved leaders in Montenegro.

It is said that he did not want a lavish burial place, but since the tiny chapel he built for himself was destroyed the people of Montenegro went on and built this amazing structure. There is also a story that he didn’t want to be buried on the highest mountain in Montenegro, although that is what the people wanted, since according to him, that place should be reserved for someone greater and more beloved than him.

As you ascend the 461 steps you are met with a magnificent site of two large statues of women, which some say represent Njegos’s mother and sister holding the doorway to the mausoleum. Inside this structure is the tomb of this great man and a golden vault which houses a 4 meter tall marble statue of Njegos. Something that makes this place unique is that it also has a viewing area, from where on a clear sunny day you can even see Albania and Croatia.

7. Bran Castle – Romania

One of, if not the most famous places to visit in Romania is Bran Castle, and that is the next on our list of historical places to visit in Balkan. The first thing that might pop into your mind as you read the name is definitely Dracula. However, as disappointing as this might sound, this castle is not as closely connected to Dracula as you might have liked.

Although, Dracula was based on a real person known as Vlad Tepes who was known for his use of impalement, Bran Castle was not Vlad’s home. He might have stayed there for some time during the 14th century, but it was not his permanent residence.

Nevertheless, it is still an unbelievable site, and it is the home of many historic relics, from furniture, to armor, to furnaces and fireplaces. Within the castle you can also find secret passages that connect the lower to the upper floors as well as the garden. If however, you want something even more bizarre, then how about the heart of a deceased Queen? Yes, you heard me right, as  the Queen’s last wish, her heart was taken out of her body, after she had passed, and can now be found in a silver casket in a cliff in Bran. If that doesn’t make you want to visit this place, I don’t know what would.

8. Petrovaradin Fortress – Serbia

This fortress is located on the right bank of the Danube River and its construction lasted over 88 years from 1692 until 1780. It is historically determined that even before this structure was built here, this place was considered as a perfect spot for defense and military forts.

One thing that is quite unique about this fortress is the Clock Tower, which has the hour and minute hands reversed since the boatmen wanted to see the hours from afar. It is important that this clock is still functional even today.  Here you can also see the Belgrade Gate with its baroque style, the Monastery of St. George, as well as some of the barracks. If you visit this place in summer, you can also enjoy some festivals, the most famous being the EXIT festival.

9. Ljubljana Old Town – Slovenia

If you want to visit a real picturesque city with a photo ready moment on every corner, then pack your bags and head on to Ljubljana, or more precisely the Ljubljana Old Town. This place is so rich in history and architecture, that when you go there, reserve an entire day to enjoy it.

From a magnificent river with intricate bridges to a famous castle, cathedral, and a Franciscan Church, the options are endless. If you want to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Ljubljana then the view from the 11th-century castle is undisputable.

10. Sinan Pasha Mosque – Kosovo

The final destination on our list is the Sinan Pasha Mosque in Kosovo, which is one of the most famous historical buildings in Kosovo. This mosque was built by Sofi Sinan Pasha in 1615. It is believed that the stones which were used to build this mosque were actually taken for the Saint Archangels Monastery, which is why some parts of the monastery can be seen in the walls of the mosque.

The inside of the mosque is decorated with floral patterns and Qur’an verses, and it is used as a place for worship, although there were some attempts for it to be turned into a library and a museum, showcasing some of the Ottoman manuscripts which were found there.

Other historical places to visit in Balkan

These ten historical places are just a fragment of the history that can be found in the Balkan. Every one of these countries has such a rich history, that it would take a person years to discover and visit it all. Therefore, next time you want to take a long holiday and want to do some exploring, why not visit any of these places? I’m sure you won’t regret the trip.