Planned reconstruction work on Phase 1 of unit 9 of the Kastel fortress in Banja Luka, for which the EU has so far provided 2.5 mill EUR through the IPA funds, continues. The aim is in restoring the Kastel to its original state so that the area, in addition to its historic role, could be able to respond for other purposes.

“The work on the stone house, which will be transformed after the reconstruction to the Museum of Banja Luka and work on the reconstruction of the south wall, facing the river Vrbas, is ongoing. By completion of the work planned for the first phase, we will attain the functionality of the Kastel fortress between unit 9 which includes a stone house and unit 2, which includes the tower at the Summer stage, an underground arsenal and part of the bastions and ramparts. We will have a safe area and will open new opportunities for the cultural life of Banja Luka, RS and BiH in general.“, said Vladimir Pandurevic, Programme Manager for Democracy and Human Rights, Youth and Culture in the EU Delegation to BiH.

To indicate the importance of the project for the city, the Banja Luka Municipal Administrative service are committed to making the Kastel fortress the ‘backbone’ in the development of tourism and infrastructure for future cultural events. They have so far invested about 1.7 mill BAM and plans to invest a further 200,000 BAM into 2014.

Projects such as these will help create the right conditions for the numerous cultural, entertainment and tourist events aimed at boosting tourism, creating new jobs, and establishing a visual identity for the city.

The second phase of reconstruction of Kastel should begin in March 2014.

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