Ključ

Ključ stands on cliffs above the left bank of the Sana in Bosnia, overlooking a settlement that developed below its fortress. It was a stronghold of the Hrvatinić family and an important centre of Donji Kraji. In 1363 Vlatko Vukoslavić surrendered it to the Hungarian king in exchange for Bršljanovac in Slavonia. By 1389 it had returned to Bosnian hands, probably through the campaigns of Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić.

A royal charter of 1446 confirmed Ključ and other estates to the sons of Ivaniš Dragišić, and also recorded the settlement beneath the castle. In 1463 Bosnia's last king, Stjepan Tomašević, retreated here from Jajce as Ottoman forces advanced. Grand vizier Mahmud Pasha pursued him and besieged the fortress. The king surrendered after receiving assurances of safety, but was taken to Jajce and executed. The cliff-top stronghold thus became closely associated with the final days of the medieval Bosnian kingdom.