The 10 Most Interesting Facts about Sarajevo

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. Here are 10 interesting facts about Sarajevo that you might not know:

1. Sarajevo is known as the “Jerusalem of Europe”

Sarajevo is a city where East meets West. It is a melting pot of cultures and religions, with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Muslim mosques, and Jewish synagogues all coexisting in the same city. This diversity has earned Sarajevo the nickname “Jerusalem of Europe.”

2. Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984

Sarajevo was the host city for the 1984 Winter Olympics. The games were a huge success and put Sarajevo on the map as a world-class city.

3. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place in Sarajevo

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo. This event led to the outbreak of World War I.

4. Sarajevo has a thriving café culture

Sarajevo is known for its café culture, with numerous cafés lining the streets of the city. It is a popular pastime for locals to spend hours chatting over coffee, tea, or Bosnian-style Turkish coffee.

5. Sarajevo is home to the oldest operating tram network in Europe

Sarajevo’s tram network dates back to 1885 and is the oldest continuously operating tram network in Europe.

6. Sarajevo has a famous film festival

The Sarajevo Film Festival is an annual event that attracts filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world. It has been running since 1995 and showcases some of the best films from the region.

7. Sarajevo was under siege for 1,425 days

During the Bosnian War, Sarajevo was under siege from 1992 to 1995. The siege lasted 1,425 days and resulted in the deaths of over 11,000 people.

8. Sarajevo is home to the legendary Bosnian dish, cevapi

Cevapi is a grilled meat dish that is popular throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is known for having some of the best cevapi in the country, and you can find them at many restaurants and street vendors throughout the city.

9. Sarajevo has a vibrant arts scene

Sarajevo is home to a thriving arts scene, with many galleries, museums, and art festivals. The city is also known for its street art, which can be seen on many buildings throughout the city.

10. The Latin Bridge is an important historical landmark in Sarajevo

The Latin Bridge is the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914. Today, it is an important historical landmark in Sarajevo and a popular tourist attraction.

The Insider’s Guide to Sarajevo

Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a city with a rich and diverse history. As the capital city, it is filled with historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine. If you’re planning to visit Sarajevo, here’s what you should know.

Local Attractions

The first place to start your exploration of Sarajevo is in the historic district of Baščaršija. This neighborhood is the cultural hub of the city, with Ottoman-era architecture and narrow, winding streets. You can enjoy a traditional cup of Bosnian coffee or shop for handcrafted copper items at the markets. Don’t forget to visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, which is one of the largest in the country and an architectural marvel.

Another must-visit attraction in Sarajevo is the Latin Bridge, which is famous for being the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, leading to the outbreak of World War I. Today, the bridge serves as a memorial to that event and offers a scenic view of the Miljacka River.

For a more modern look at Sarajevo’s history, visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. During the Bosnian War, the tunnel provided an underground connection between the city and the outside world. The museum showcases the tunnel’s history and serves as a reminder of the conflict that devastated the region.

Dining Spots

Sarajevo’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional Balkan and Ottoman cuisine, showcasing a range of delicious flavors and ingredients. For street food, try a burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese. The best place to enjoy this local favorite is at Buregdžinica ASDŽ. It is affordable and delicious.

For a more upscale dining experience, visit the restaurant Inat Kuća. Located in a historic Ottoman-era building, the restaurant serves traditional Bosnian dishes such as ćevapi (grilled sausage) and roasted lamb. The views of the city from the terrace are magical, especially at sunset.

Cultural Experiences

Sarajevo is a city with a vibrant cultural scene. One of the best ways to explore it is by visiting the National Theatre of Sarajevo. There, you can watch a play or a ballet, and immerse yourself in the local art scene.

To learn more about the city’s history, visit the Svrzo House. This museum is located in a preserved Ottoman-era building, which showcases the lifestyle of affluent Sarajevo families from centuries past.

Finally, don’t miss out on the Sarajevo Film Festival, which is an annual event held during summer. This festival attracts filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the world.

Local History

Sarajevo has a unique and complex history, marked by the influences of various cultures and civilizations. One of the best ways to learn more about it is by taking a guided tour of the city, where you can visit the places linked to the War and the famous Austro-Hungarian occupation of the city.

Also, take a moment to learn about the life of Gavrilo Princip, the man credited with assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Many historians consider the assassination as the catalyst for the First World War. You can visit the Princip Museum, located in his hometown of Gornja Koprivna, and learn about his life from exhibits showing family photographs, clothing, and other personal artifacts.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For travelers seeking a unique experience outside typical tourist spots, Sarajevo offers several hidden gems.

Take a trip to Vrelo Bosne, the source of the river Bosna. This forest park is located outside the city and offers a scenic view of the river’s crystal clear waters.

Also, take a walking tour of the city’s street art scene. Sarajevo has become a haven for contemporary artists who use the city’s walls as their canvas. You can find these murals and graffiti art in the Grbavica neighborhood and other areas around the city.

Finally, shop at Tito’s bunker, a hidden underground military complex, which was built in the 1950s. The shopping center located there offers a unique experience, where you can buy souvenirs and take a tour of the bunker, which will take you through nuclear shelters, tunnels, and other underground facilities.

Conclusion

Sarajevo is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history. By visiting the city’s attractions and immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture, you will come away with a deeper appreciation of this unique and fascinating destination.