IT IS NOW KNOWN WHAT WILL BE LOCATED IN THE KASTEL FORTRESS TOWERS

The reconstruction of two towers at the historic Kastel Fortress in Banja Luka, which began at the end of last year, has continued into this year as well. If work proceeds according to plan, the towers could be fully renovated and reopened by the end of March, said Milada Šukalo, Project Manager for the City of Banja Luka.

PHOTO: Tomas Damjanović

In addition to the tower reconstruction, the city administration is planning the construction of Safikada’s Temple of Love in the immediate vicinity of the Kastel Fortress. Šukalo emphasized that the city aims to further highlight and enhance the importance of this well-known symbol of Banja Luka.

According to the plan, Tower 1 will house a tourist information center, while Tower 2 will feature a café combined with a souvenir shop.

Between the two towers there is also a neglected area that has been without any purpose for several years.

“That space once had a function, and our goal is to bring it back to life and put it to use again,” Šukalo explained.

She also pointed out that the allocated financial resources are intended for more than just structural repairs.

“This funding is not meant solely for restoration works, but also for various program activities that we plan to implement at Kastel. Kastel is one of our key symbols, and we want to further develop it and enrich its offer for the benefit of both our citizens and the many tourists who visit Banja Luka,” Šukalo said.

She concluded by noting that the City plans to complete the project documentation for the construction of Safikada’s Temple of Love this year, after which the realization of the project is expected to begin.