The renovation of Towers 1 and 2 and the adjoining terrace is one of the City of Banja Luka’s key activities within the GIFTSnet project. Through this investment, valuable but previously underused areas of Kastel Fortress have been restored and adapted for new cultural, tourism and educational activities.
The rehabilitation, adaptation and conservation works commenced on 26 May 2025 and were completed on 19 July 2026. A total of EUR 150,000 was allocated for the works through the GIFTSnet project. The contractor was KOTO d.o.o. Banja Luka, while professional supervision of the works was carried out by “Tuving” s.p. Njegoš Budić.
The renovated spaces have been given new cultural, tourism and educational functions. Tower 1 will house a tourist information centre where visitors will be able to obtain information about Kastel Fortress, Banja Luka’s cultural heritage and the city’s tourism offer. The space will be equipped with digital and interactive technology and will also be used for training activities in sustainable tourism management.
Tower 2 will host cultural and creative activities and will include a café and a shop offering souvenirs and products made by local creatives. The renovated terrace will be used for smaller cultural programmes, presentations, workshops and other outdoor events.
The renovation has preserved the towers’ distinctive historical character while adapting them for contemporary use. The new facilities are expected to improve the presentation of Kastel Fortress, encourage visitors to stay longer and strengthen the links between cultural heritage, tourism and the creative industries. The renovated spaces are not yet open to visitors. Their official opening is planned for October 2026.
“The renovation of Towers 1 and 2 represents an important step in preserving and revitalising Kastel Fortress. Through this investment, we are giving these historic spaces a new purpose and creating a place that brings together cultural heritage, tourism, education and the creative industries. Our goal is to make Kastel a vibrant and accessible space that attracts the citizens of Banja Luka and visitors throughout the year,” said Draško Stanivuković, Mayor of Banja Luka.
