Journey into the heart of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and discover the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (Saborni Hram Hrista Spasitelja), a Serbian Orthodox jewel that stands as a testament to resilience and faith. This grand cathedral, located in Republika Srpska, is a sight to behold.
Originally built as the Holy Trinity Church in the interwar period of Yugoslavia, this architectural marvel was completed between 1925 and 1929, and its consecration on the Day of Salvation in 1939 marked a significant moment of spiritual devotion. However, the church faced the ravages of war when it was struck during German bombings in 1941, causing considerable damage to its altar section.
Tragically, the Ustashas later ordered the demolition of the church, declaring it a “mound of the city” and instructing the Serbian, Jewish, and Roma communities to dismantle it brick by brick. Despite the efforts of the communist government to rebuild many structures during Yugoslavia's rule, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was denied restoration.
It was during the Bosnian war that the Eparchy of Banja Luka obtained permission to embark on the reconstruction of the church. The fallen soldiers’ monument was relocated to a nearby site owned by the Serbian Orthodox Church, paving the way for the rebuilding of the cathedral. In 1993, the foundation stones were consecrated in a solemn ceremony led by Serbian Patriarch Pavle, joined by bishops and clergy from the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Reborn under the name Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, this architectural marvel stands tall in Banja Luka. Crafted from exquisite red and yellow travertine stone sourced from Mesopotamia, the cathedral's quality is certified by esteemed expert Prof. Dr. Bilbija from the Belgrade Institute for Material Testing. Its construction features a three-layered wall composed of stone, reinforced concrete, and brick, while the magnificent domes glisten with golden stainless steel imported from Siberia.
In 2004, the exterior construction work concluded, and the first liturgy since its resurrection was celebrated, witnessed by thousands of faithful devotees and led by eight bishops, along with the dedicated clergy and deacons of the Diocese of Banja Luka.
As you approach this majestic cathedral, you'll be struck by its architectural resemblance to its predecessor, exuding a sense of continuity and reverence. Standing tall as the tallest religious edifice in Banja Luka, the cathedral boasts a remarkable bell tower reaching a soaring height of 47 meters, topped by a magnificent 22.5-meter dome that seems to touch the heavens.
Immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Serbian Orthodox community. Take part in its rich history by attending a liturgy or simply marvel at the architectural beauty that graces Banja Luka's skyline. A visit to this awe-inspiring cathedral is an invitation to connect with faith, culture, and the enduring spirit of the people.
When you book with an account, you will be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour.
