Kočić’s Hearth, a memorial complex located on Manjača about 49 kilometers from Banjaluka, is one of the most significant cultural and historical sites of the Zmijanje region.
Covering an area of 4,000 m², the complex includes the birthplace of Petar Kočić and five accompanying structures, forming an open-air museum that preserves the traditional architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Although the site has considerable cultural and tourism potential, it has been most active only during the annual Kočić Assembly in August.
The Banjaluka Tourist Organization aims to change that by transforming Kočić’s Hearth into a vibrant, year-round cultural center—one that preserves tradition, strengthens tourism, and supports local development.
A development vision: new features and modernization
Following an on-site analysis, the Tourist Organization identified several priorities essential for modernizing the complex and turning it into a dynamic cultural-tourism destination.
Infrastructure improvements
Plans include upgrading access roads, expanding and improving parking facilities—including designated spaces for buses—and renovating sanitary facilities to make them accessible to all visitors, including people with disabilities.
New visitor facilities
Key development points include equipping or renovating spaces for a souvenir shop and information desk offering authentic Zmijanje products, handmade crafts, and works by Petar Kočić.
Digital experience
The introduction of QR codes and multilingual audio guides (in Serbian, English, and German) is planned to significantly enhance the visitor experience.
Educational and culinary activities
A wide range of activities has been identified to increase visitor engagement and extend their stay at the site, including:
- workshops on traditional Zmijanje embroidery
- woodcarving classes
- literary, art, and creative workshops
- presentations and tastings of local gastronomic specialties, including the renowned Zmijanje cake
These activities could form an important bridge between Zmijanje’s traditions and modern tourist experiences.
Path toward sustainability
The long-term goal is for Kočić’s Hearth to develop into a self-sustaining cultural center funded through its own revenue. This includes:
- stronger cooperation with tourism organizations across the Zmijanje region and relevant institutions
- including the complex in school excursion routes
- introducing symbolic fees for organized group visits
This approach would provide the site with stable income and turn it into a financially independent cultural venue.
Preserving identity and supporting the local community
The development of Kočić’s Hearth is focused on preserving cultural and national identity, promoting traditional crafts, strengthening tourism, and creating opportunities for the local population. With the support of both the public and private sectors, the memorial complex has the potential to become a model of successful synergy between heritage, tourism, and sustainable development.
Source: See Srpska
