Located on the right bank of the Una River, near the city bridge, the “Girl from Una” statue was erected in 1986 and has since become an iconic symbol of Bihać. This city, nestled on the Una River in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is rich in monuments that tell unique stories, captivating both residents and visitors.
Much like the “Mustangs” in Texas, “People by the River” in Singapore, “The Passerby” in Wrocław, and “Man at Work” in Bratislava, Bihać boasts its own distinctive sculpture: the “Girl from Una.” Chosen to represent Una and the “Una Emeralds” association, which unites members from 97 countries worldwide, this statue stands proudly on the city’s walls, gazing at the river’s crystal-clear rapids.
The statue was created by Zagreb-based sculptor Vladimir Herljević, who was instrumental in introducing the special stone bihacit. This stone was featured during a sculpting symposium in 1967. The symposium later moved to Ostrožac, forming one of the world’s most renowned colonies where Bihacit’s qualities were further celebrated.
The “Girl on the Una” was sculpted in Herljević’s Zagreb studio and unveiled in Bihać, becoming a beloved city symbol.
