I’m coming from Belgrade (Serbia) and the change in landscape and style was visible.
The country’s relief is quite mountainous, with many rivers and exuberant nature.
Sarajevo is a fascinating city situated in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its rich history and cultural diversity.
Over the centuries, Sarajevo has witnessed a unique blend of cultural and religious influences, which makes it a truly special place.
In the heart of the city, there is the famous Bascarsija neighborhood,
Which is a historic neighborhood that dates back to the 15th century, during the period of the Ottoman Empire. This labyrinth of narrow streets and markets is a living testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Both the exotic aromas of spices and the sound of calls to prayer create a unique atmosphere.
The city is crossed by the Miljacka River and therefore has many bridges.
The city also bears the painful scars of the siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War (1992 to 1995). Bullet marks on buildings and monuments remind us of the horrors faced by the local population.
However, they also serve as testimonies of determination and the will to survive.
Today, Sarajevo is a city in constant renewal, mixing old and new captivating. Modern cafés and shops, boutiques merge with traditional bazaars, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
If you want to know more about Sarajevo.
Main attractions
Mount Trebević:
The mountain provides a panoramic view of Sarajevo, but I didn’t have much luck as the weather wasn’t great.
In 1984, during the Winter Olympic Games, it was the site of alpine skiing and bobsled competitions, the route built for the games, still visible and today covered in graffiti and urban art, has become a tourist trail.
I took a cable car in the city center and did several trails, including one of the most famous that uses the structure of the Bobsled track, among others.
During the siege of Sarajevo (1992–1995), Mount Trebević played a significant role in the city’s defense. The hills around Sarajevo were strategically important for the Bosnian army.
The area was the scene of several clashes and many structures were damaged or destroyed during this period.
Nowadays, Mount Trebević is a popular destination for locals and visitors, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a perfect location for hiking, cycling and skiing during the winter months.
Latin Bridge
This iconic stone bridge spans the Miljacka River and is a symbol of unity and diversity in Sarajevo. Dating back to the 16th century, it is a testament to the Ottoman influence in the city.
It is known for its importance in the events that led to the outbreak of the First World War.
The Bridge gained worldwide notoriety due to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophia, on 28 June 1914. Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist organisation, assassinated them as they were crossing the bridge in their motorcade. This event triggered a chain reaction of political and military actions, leading to the outbreak of the First World War.
National and University Library:
Also known as Vijecnica, this magnificent building was built in the late 19th century and served as a library until it was destroyed during the Siege of Sarajevo. Today, restored, it houses an impressive collection of books and is a symbolic site of the city’s resilience.
Sarajevo Museum:
This museum offers a detailed look at the city’s history, from its earliest times to the traumatic events of the Bosnian War. It has a rich collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Tunnel of Life (Spasa Tunnel):
This underground tunnel was dug during the siege of Sarajevo and served as a vital route to supply the city with food and supplies during the conflict.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
One of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Balkans, this magnificent architectural structure dates back to the 16th century and is a remarkable example of Ottoman Islamic architecture.
Time to continue to Zagreb in Croatia.