Kajtaz House is a fascinating spot in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for those who love Ottoman architecture and history. This charming 17th-century house offers a peek into the lifestyle of a wealthy Ottoman family, complete with traditional living practices and cultural heritage.
Originally part of a larger estate built for a Turkish judge in the 16th century, Kajtaz House served as the harem section. Despite the challenges of wartime damage, the house has been impressively preserved and is now protected by UNESCO. It remains in the hands of the original family’s descendants. Inside, you’ll find original artifacts like intricately carved wooden ablution boxes and a kitchen with a unique pebble floor and meat-hanging beams, offering a window into the past.
Kajtaz House is conveniently located in Mostar’s Old Town. It’s just a short walk from the iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), making it easy to reach on foot. If you’re using public transport, several bus routes pass through the Old Town, so getting there is a breeze.
1. Original Artifacts: The house is filled with artifacts that offer a glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy Ottoman family.
2. Carved-Wood Ablution Boxes: These beautifully crafted boxes showcase the craftsmanship of the era.
3. Pebble-Floored Kitchen: The kitchen features meat-hanging beams and a distinctive pebble floor.
4. Period-Costume Dinner and Show: The Mostarian Night from 1688 is an occasional event where visitors can enjoy dinner and a show with performers in period costumes, complete with folk music and dances.
Tickets for guided tours of Kajtaz House are available, but it’s a good idea to check opening hours in advance, especially if you’re visiting out of season. Sometimes, tours might include complimentary tickets, so it’s worth asking about these when booking.
1. Best Times to Visit: To avoid the crowds, try visiting before 10 am or after 2 pm.
2. Guided Tours: While you can explore on your own, guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the house’s history and significance.
3. Cultural Experience: The house provides a unique cultural experience, especially with the period-costume dinner and show.
4. Original Lemonade: Don’t miss the chance to try the traditionally made lemonade with roses—it’s a delightful treat.
5. Respect the House: Since the house is still owned by the original family’s descendants, visitors should respect the property and its artifacts.
Visiting Kajtaz House is a great way to dive into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich cultural heritage and get a sense of how people lived in the past.
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