SCROLLABOUT SARAJEVO
Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its primary urban, cultural, economic, and transportation center. It is the capital of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the seat of the eponymous canton. Approximately 275,000 residents live in Sarajevo, and due to its long and rich history, it is often popularly referred to as the “Jerusalem of Europe” and the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” The Miljacka River flows through Sarajevo, spanning a length of 35.9 kilometers.
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HISTORY OF SARAJEVO
The area of Sarajevo has been inhabited for over four thousand years, as evidenced by the discovered remains of the Butmir culture. The archaeological site in Butmir made Bosnia and Herzegovina known among global scientific circles. Due to this incredible discovery, an international congress of archaeologists and anthropologists was held in Sarajevo in 1894.
The foundations of Sarajevo were laid back in 1463 by the Ottoman Turks during their conquests, and they remained there for the next 415 years. The Bosnian sanjak beg and military leader Isa Beg Isaković devotedly established the foundations of present-day Sarajevo from 1440 to 1463, building mosques at the site of today’s Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, baths, wooden bridges, caravanserais, and numerous shops and stores. The Ottoman Turks, the largest world power at the time, constructed and developed Sarajevo at such a pace that by the 16th century it became one of the most beautiful, wealthiest, and largest cities of the Ottoman Empire. Sarajevo evolved into a metropolis, woven with the oriental elements of the magnificent Eastern Empire.
In 1878, Bosnia was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and Sarajevo continued to develop under Habsburg influence for the next forty years. During this period, many buildings were constructed in the recognizable “Austrian style,” the city was industrialized, and it was often used as a testing ground for new inventions by Austro-Hungary, such as electric trams. Today, the influence of Central European culture and architecture is evident in many buildings erected in various Western European styles, including palaces, churches, and residential buildings.
After World War I, Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, then the Independent State of Croatia, and later Socialist Yugoslavia. In 1992, Sarajevo was under siege for a full 1425 days, marking a period of great destruction and loss.
Today, Sarajevo has been proclaimed one of the most beautiful world destinations by many leading travel magazines, and the fact that National Geographic included Sarajevo in its list of the 20 cities to visit in 2014 speaks volumes about the uniqueness of this city.
What To See And Do In SARAJEVO
Sarajevo Bridges
What will surely captivate the attention of every tourist are the Sarajevo bridges. On the Miljacka River, which flows through Sarajevo, there are as many as twenty bridges. The Sarajevo bridges represent more than just ordinary architecture; they are deeply rooted in the history of this city and were built in different time periods.
Kozija Ćuprija, one of the oldest Sarajevo bridges, is located in the canyon of the Miljacka River and is only a few kilometers away from the City Hall, a popular tourist attraction. This bridge once represented the road to Istanbul, from which paths opened to the eastern parts of the Ottoman Empire, all the way to its capital – Istanbul. It is believed to have been built during the sixteenth century.
Šeher-Ćehajina Bridge was built in 1585, and its very name refers to its builder, the city chief Husein Hodžić.
The current appearance of the Drvenija Bridge dates back to the Austro-Hungarian period, in 1898. The bridge was often flooded by the swollen Miljacka River, necessitating the replacement of the wooden structure with concrete, while the wooden railing was preserved.
The Latin Bridge represents a bridge built in 1798, also known as the bridge where, on June 28, 1914, Gavrilo Princip assassinated the Austro-Hungarian heir apparent Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. The controversial Sarajevo assassination was the catalyst for World War I.
The Čobanija Bridge is located one tram stop before the Drvenija Bridge, across from the National Theatre. Built in 1557, it once represented a wooden bridge that has since been reconstructed over time.
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Bascarsija
Bascarsija is located in the heart of Sarajevo and represents the cultural and historical center of the city. Sarajevo’s Bascarsija lies on the northern bank of the Miljacka River and today serves as the main tourist attraction of the city.
Sarajevo’s Bascarsija was built in 1462 when Isa beg Isaković constructed an inn, along with numerous shops. At that time, most of the inhabitants lived around the Emperor’s Mosque, which led to the construction of a bridge that connected the main Sarajevo settlement and the new commercial center of the city, Bascarsija. Bascarsija rapidly developed, and by the second half of the sixteenth century, it had around 80 various crafts organized into strong guild organizations.
If you truly want to feel the spirit of Sarajevo, a walk through the streets of Bascarsija will take you back in time; you will sense the power of the former Ottoman Empire, get lost in the oriental scent of these streets, and browse through the rows of various craft shops, restaurants, and cafes. In the streets of Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s culture, history, and tradition merge into a single place that remains authentic through the centuries, wars, and significant demographic changes.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, built in 1530, due to its height and appeal, represents one of the most significant monuments of Islamic sacred architecture in the Balkans. The Beg Mosque was one of the most important structures for the urban development of Sarajevo, as well as one of the greatest gifts from the rich legacy of Husrev-beg. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque was the first mosque in the world to receive electric lighting in 1898. The Beg Mosque was designed by Adžem Esir Ali, a Persian from Tabriz, who was the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire at that time.
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Film Festival
The Film Festival held in Sarajevo is one of the largest festivals in Southeast Europe. It was founded during the siege of Sarajevo in 1995 and brings renowned personalities from around the world and the local scene to Sarajevo each year. The Sarajevo Film Festival is a testament to the importance of art and culture for the people of Sarajevo, who managed to fight for the creation and survival of this now world-famous festival even during the war.
Outdoor Activities in SARAJEVO
Hiking
If you are looking for recreation and physical activities during your visit to Sarajevo, you have numerous options available. Many tourists often choose hiking, the best way to connect with nature and explore various locations near Sarajevo.
And if regular walking is too monotonous for you, that’s not a problem. Several mountains around Sarajevo offer mountain biking, with trails ranging from easier to more challenging, depending on your skills.
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Rafting
If you are a water and rafting enthusiast, there are many tours organized to provide you with a daily dose of adrenaline, descending the waterfalls of the Neretva River and enjoying the fresh water and pristine nature.
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN SARAJEVO
As you stroll through Baščaršija, you’ll find it hard to decide which direction to take as you’re mesmerized by the aromas wafting from various bakeries, ćevap joints, grill houses, and restaurants in Sarajevo. Traditional Bosnian food is often prepared with meat and vegetables that nearly every household grows during the spring and summer months in their gardens. Bosnian cuisine represents a blend of Eastern and Western influences, with similar elements to Mediterranean cuisine as well as Turkish, which is not surprising given this country’s impact on the development of Sarajevo.
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ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE IN SARAJEVO
Sarajevo is rich in accessible and diverse cultural life. As a proud host of the Sarajevo Film Festival, the city also boasts various other festivals, concerts, performances, and events. Whether you prefer a relaxing atmosphere with a cup of coffee, are in the mood for a concert, or would rather dance until dawn, you are sure to find something to your taste in Sarajevo. If you are a beer lover, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide selection of local and foreign choices, and if you even feel like dancing to Latin music during a monotonous Monday, Sarajevo has taken care of that too.
WHERE TO STAY IN SARAJEVO
Sarajevo offers very accessible accommodation options regardless of whether you are visiting as a tired businessman or just with a backpack ready for an adventure.
There are numerous hotels in Sarajevo, apartments, hostels, as well as private accommodation options.
If you are looking for luxurious accommodation, the city has several 5-star hotels that provide top-notch service, parking, wellness facilities, and many other amenities.
If your budget is limited, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of city inns and motels that will allow you to save money while enjoying a calm, pleasant atmosphere.
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