Developed by the Ottomans since 16th century, its core was redeveloped into in the fortified "walled city" in 18th century, after Prince Eugene of Savoy brief terror-raid into Ottoman-held Bosnia which culminated in sacking and burning of undefended open city of Sarajevo.

[1][2] Vratnik is of Slavic origin and is derived from the form Bratnik, which appears in the Turkish documents in the second half of the 15th century.

The old Vratnik fort is associated with its location alongside the roads by which persons and goods entered the town from east at that time.

The event prompted governor Ahmed-paša Rustempašić Skopljak in 1727, to order Vratnik town and most of its core to be redeveloped into the fortified "walled city".

Vratnik is a tourist attraction primarily due to its old town architecture and Sarajevo city view lookouts.

It is assumed to have been built at the site of a small medieval town "Hodidjed" (central fortress of the Vrhbosna Parish).