Welcome to Sanski Most, a city of flowers, rivers, and warm-hearted people, where every corner tells a story and every citizen is a guide.
Geography
Sanski Most lies along the middle course of the Sana River, bordered by the Grmeč mountain to the west and Mulež and Behremaginica mountains to the east. The municipality features the Sana River and eight smaller rivers, as well as several strong karst springs, including Saničko, Dabarsko, and Zdene. The village of Ilidža hosts a notable radioactive sulfur spring with medicinal properties. The area also contains caves like Hrustovačka and Dabarska. Its open northern valley places it under Central European climatic influence.
Prehistory and Roman Period
The favorable geography and climate attracted prehistoric settlers, evidenced by ancient fortifications called gradine. Historical records suggest the Illyrian Mazei tribe lived here before Roman control. By 820, a small settlement called Mren existed, which slowly developed into Sanski Most.
Middle Ages
There are few records from the early Middle Ages. The earliest document mentioning the area is King Bela IV’s charter from July 20, 1244, which references local parishes and their rulers. Over time, the region transitioned briefly under Croatian rule and then the medieval Bosnian state. Conflicts arose due to religious differences, as noted in 1304. The area included parishes such as Sanska, Dubička, Mrenska, and Vrbaška, forming the “Donje krajevi” (Lower Regions). The parish of Sana was under Zagreb’s bishopric by 1334. Later, King Sigismund seized the area in 1413, giving it to the Blagaj noble family, leading to continued regional conflicts.
Ottoman Period
Sanski Most came under Ottoman rule in 1499, with Kamengrad as a key stronghold. Early Ottoman history in the region is tied to fortresses like Kamengrad and Stari Majdan. After 1565, Kamengrad lost prominence when Krupa was captured. Administrative changes in 1711 made Kamengrad the center of a kadiluk, encompassing numerous settlements. The area included the Kapetanija Džisri Sana, overseen by notable local captains from families like the Cerićs. They governed until the abolition of kapetanijas in 1835, although some retained influence afterward.
The Ottomans built wooden border fortresses called palanke, from which settlements like Lušci Palanka and Tominska Palanka developed. Feudal lords constructed stone towers (kule) as residences and fortifications, forming the nucleus of towns such as Kamengrad, Mren, Kamičak, Vakup (Sanski Most), Stari Majdan, and Japra.
Geographical Position and Natural Resources
Sanski Most occupies a favorable geopolitical and transport position on the route connecting Banja Luka and Prijedor with Ključ and Drvar, and is well connected with the rest of the Una-Sana Canton, located along the main corridor Western Europe – Mediterranean – Middle East.
The foundations of the municipality’s development are natural resources: forests, water, and land. The climate is suitable for livestock farming, crop production, vegetable cultivation, fruit growing, and beekeeping. The Sana River and its tributaries (Sanica, Dabra, Bliha, Zdena, Kozica, Kijevska River, Sasina, and Majdanuša) represent significant water resources, ideal for building small hydroelectric plants, which could serve as a key development pillar.
Thermal and thermo-mineral waters (Banja Ilidža), caves (Dabarska and Hrustovačka), and the Bliha waterfall offer excellent conditions for tourism development.
Industry and Investment
Sanski Most has an industrial zone “Šejkovača”, offering plots for sale at very favorable prices. Each year, the municipality invests in the development and renewal of the zone to encourage investment and employment. Local authorities actively cooperate with the private sector through the Municipal Economic Council, promoting economic growth and creating a favorable business environment.
Economy
- Number of companies: 1,261
- Company size: 27.8% enterprises, 72.2% sole proprietorships
- Key sectors: agriculture, metal and wood processing, construction, trade, tourism, and hospitality
Largest domestic companies:
Milk-San (dairy), Gat (machinery production), Emir Commerce Kurbegović ECK (construction), CNC Lab (machinery production), PVC Stolarija Horozović, Horozović (wood industry), NH Avdić (construction), Api-med (beekeeping cooperative), Cat (gas station), Sika (metal industry), Banja Ilidža (spa and tourism), Delta Plus (PVC joinery).
Key foreign investors:
Remus Innovation (car exhaust production), Konzum (retail), Klostermeier-Majdan (mineral extraction), HIK SM (cable production).
Human Resources:
- Workforce: 35,838
- Educational structure: higher and university education 3.6%, secondary vocational 35.8%, secondary general 21.6%, primary or lower 39%
- Educational profiles: economist, lawyer, agronomist, civil engineer, IT specialist, teacher, technical economist, medical, wood, agricultural, chemical, electrical engineer, hospitality, trade
- Unemployment: 4,216 people, rate 43.52%
Transport Connections:
- Highway: Zagreb – Belgrade (E70), distance 92 km
- Main road: M-15 (Bosanska Dubica – Prijedor – Sanski Most – Ključ)
- Regional roads: R-404 (Blagaj – Stari Majdan), R-406 (Ljubija – Milin Birit), R-405 (Palanka – Sanski Most – Banja Luka)
If you haven’t yet experienced Sanski Most there’s no better time than now!
Step into the pages of our economic and tourist guide, but know that no guide can truly capture the magic of our city. The real essence of Sanski Most is found in its people warm, welcoming, and eager to open both the doors of the city and their hearts to you.
On behalf of all citizens, we invite you to explore the floral city of Sanski Most. Nestled among nine crystal-clear rivers and proudly known as the “City of Flowers,” this unique city offers experiences that go far beyond what any guide can describe. Locals affectionately call it “SANA,” a name that reflects the love and pride they feel for their home.
Here, rivers sparkle, flowers bloom, and beauty surrounds you at every turn. Every resident carries a passion for nature and community that will make your visit unforgettable.
Explore the beauty, history, and culture that make Sanski Most unique.
Discover more about us here and explore all that Sanski Most has to offer!