Welcome to Bijeljina
The city of Bijeljina is located in the northeastern part of Republic of Srpska, on the crossroads of important travelling routes not far from the largest cities in Serbia – 120km away from Belgrade and 100km away from Novi Sad. As a center of the fertile plain Semberija, Bijeljina is one of the leaders in food production and trade. The city area stands on large underground reserves of geothermal water of around 75 Celsius, which is the warmest one in Republic of Srpska. So far, the archaeological research in this area has shown a continuous settlement in Semberija ever since the prehistory – Neolithic times.
Culture
In 1st century AD Semberija became a Roman province Pannonia, and during the Great Migration Period, this area was inhabited by Southern Slavs. The Museum of Semberija is located in the oldest building in Bijeljina, where the most attractive exhibition presents items from the prehistoric period. The oldest library was established in 1932 with around 100 000 books. City park in the center of Bijeljina has been present for more than 100 years and it is one of the largest ones in Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cultural heritage of Bijelina was vastly influenced by Filip Visnjic, as one the most famous gusle players and epic poets. In Bijeljina we also have 6 official national monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina: monastery Tavna, Atik mosque, Sokol center, cathedral of Mary’s Immaculate Heart, Novo selo and Vanek’s mill.
Nature
The healing water of Banja Dorovi and its chemical and physical attributes is ideal for prevention and treatment of all types of rheumatic and all other diseases. The springs of geothermal water emerge from the depth of 1345m with temperature of 75 Celsius. In Veilno selo, where Drina flows into Sava, there is a unique natural reservation – Gromizelj swamp. It is a very important and mystical habitat, a silent oasis of legends and rare plants and animals. The forest slopes of Majevica hide true natural gems that will leave you breathless. Rivers Sava and Drina are considered the biggest natural wealth of this area. Their banks offer swimming refreshment during the hot summer days.
Adventure
For all those who seek adventure in nature, taking one of the footpaths across Majevica to Skakavac waterfall, Suplja rock or Novak’s cave is a must.
Gastro
The region of Semberija and Bijeljina itself is famous for food production, especially cabbage due to the appropriate climate and fertile ground. The abundance of water streams contributes to the rich fish fund, with most common types such as carp, catfish, pike, grass carp, barbel, perch, zander, sneep and vimba bream.
Tourist organization of Bijeljina
Ethno village Stanisici
An incredible bond between the primal and the modern. This place with both old wooden cottages and modern hotels with pools and wellness centers is uniquely authentic.
There are two parts of the village. One represents the everyday life and comprises of wooden houses – cottages with authentic households from centuries ago. The other part has a religious character and is represented by medieval architecture in stone, showing replicas of important historical and religious works.
Monastery Tavna
On the tame slopes of Majevica that are slowly descending to Drina and the plain of Semberija stands the monastery Tavna (15th century) on the river source of the same name. It was first mentioned specifically as a monastery in Turkish defters (land cadasters) in 1533, and the legend says it was brought up by king Dragutin. Today it is a female monastery.
Monastery of St. Petka
The fertile Semberija plain landscape is dominated by this temple constructed in Russian style. This is the place where the pious people together with monks call upon the mercy of God and the saint the monastery is dedicated to. The monastery church is graced by 5 golden domes.
In Russia monasteries usually have two parts, smaller and larger church, because in cold Russia it is easier to heat up the smaller one, so this monastery is no different.
The Museum of Semberija
The Museum of Semberija is located in the oldest building in Bijeljina, with 3 permanent museum exhibitions. The archeological exhibition is on the ground floor and shows material evidence of settlements from early neolithic to later Middle ages. Here we can find the biggest and the most important collection of medieval inscriptions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond, comprising of 23 Cyrillic writings in Old Church Slavonic language of Serbian editorial office. There is a special place for the collection of Roman stone monuments (Jupiter’s altar, stone vessel, two lion figures, stele, figurine). Ethnological exhibition shows items pertaining to the everyday life of Semberija villages and the old city culture of Bijeljina.
Banja Dvorovi
The healing water of Banja Dorovi and its chemical and physical attributes is ideal for prevention and treatment of all types of rheumatic and all other diseases. The facility offers all kinds of massages, inhalations and acupuncture. Besides that, the hosts kindly provide organizations of seminars, symposiums, presentations and events alike. Recreational athletes are welcome to use handball, beach volleyball and basketball courts, as well as trim cabinet, gym, tennis court, two open children pool and one Olympic pool. The pleasant interior here offers great conditions for sports teams training, as well as one day kids excursions.
