Sarajevo - a city or a living legend? There is not one person that has not heard about Sarajevo at least once in their life, a place of stunning beauty, and a recent testimony to human courage in the face of adversity.
Sarajevo has been the meeting point between east and west for hundreds of years, the place where time seems to freeze. Many civilizations and Empires have passed through this city, each of them leaving traces behind that can be found all over. In just a few hundred meters in Sarajevo, Catholic and Orthodox churches, mosques and Jewish synagogues proudly stand side by side. Centuries have passed by and they still stand out, welcoming travellers.
Experience for yourself the warm welcome and the historical riches that make Sarajevo unique. But remember, once you come here you will always want to return.
The university is right in the heart of Sarajevo's old quarter, surrounded by buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and the beautiful architecture of the Austrian empire. Walk down Bascarsija and you will still see a mixture of traditional craft stalls next to contemporary fashion retailers. Every few steps there are an ancient chapel, mosque or relic of the Ottoman Empire. Famous for its traditional religious diversity, Sarajevo has often been called "Jerusalem of Europe", with adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism coexisting there for centuries.
Just in one place you can find unbelievable natural beauty and richness this country possesses, all historical monuments you need to visit, as well as all tourist attractions that wait for you to come.
Find some time to enjoy the beauties the city of Sarajevo and the whole of Bosnia-Herzegovina have to offer. Do not miss exploring some of the witnesses of history and times long past, monuments that still preserve the spirit of the old times and remain seals of historical events.
HISTORY
Sarajevo has always attracted the attention of kings, clerics and conquerors because of its enviable location on the Balkan diagonal. Situated 500m above the sea, it is surrounded by mountains and forests in a river valley. And since ancient times it has acted as gateway for the peoples of Greece and Asia Minor migrating towards the Midwest of Europe or vice versa. Although settlement in the area stretches back to prehistoric times, the modern city arose as an Ottoman stronghold in the 15th century.
In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I. The tensions that caused that original protest continued into the 20th century, ripping apart the unhappy alliance of Yugoslavia, and manifesting in the more recent Bosnia war.
The 21th century begins the dawn of a new era of peace and stability for Sarajevo.
THE MODERN CITY
SARAJEVO
Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of 305,242 people in the four municipalities that make up the city proper, and a metro area population of 423,645 people in the Sarajevo Canton as of August 2009.
It is also the capital of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity, as well as the centre of the Sarajevo Canton.
Sarajevo is located in the Sarajevo valley of Bosnia proper, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated around the Miljacka River.
INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
Although settlement in the area stretches back to prehistoric times, the modern city arose as an Ottoman stronghold in the 15th century. Sarajevo has attracted international attention several times throughout its history: In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I, while seventy years later it became the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics. More recently, Sarajevo underwent the longest siege in modern military history during the Bosnian War.
Today the city is recovering and adjusting to a post-war reality, as a major centre of culture and economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo was also the first city in Europe and the second city in the world to have a full-time operational electric tram network running through the city.
DID YOU KNOW THAT SARAJEVO:
- Was the first city in Europe and the second city in the world to have a full-time operational electric tram network running through the city, the first being San Francisco??
- In 1914 was the site where Austrian heir to the throne Franc Ferdinand was assassinated that sparked World War I?
- Hosted 14th Winter Olympic Games in 1984?
- Has been under the longest siege of over 1000 days in modern military history during the Bosnian War?
- Has been named by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2010?
THE SIEGE OF SARAJEVO
The Siege of Sarajevo was the longest siege in the history of modern warfare.
It took place during the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina between the poorly equipped defending forces of the BiH Government, who had declared independence from Yugoslavia, and the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and Bosnian Serb forces who, located on the hills around Sarajevo, besieged the city from April 5th to February 29th 1996.
The siege brought about dramatic human casualties and large scale destruction. It is estimated that out of over 12,000 people killed and 50,000 wounded during the siege, 85% of all casualties were civilians.
Due to killings and forced migration, by 1995 the population of Sarajevo decreased to 334,663 or 64% of the pre-war population.
The siege of Sarajevo has been declared officially over after almost four years of continuous shelling and sniper attacks. Under the terms of the Dayton Peace Agreement, signed in December 1995, the war ended.
The reconstruction of Sarajevo started as soon as the war ended. By 2003, most of the city had been rebuilt or repaired, with only a few remaining ruins in the city. Modern office buildings and skyscrapers have since been constructed throughout the city.
EXPLORING
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - WHERE EASTERN AND WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS MET
The heart shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe - Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.
There are many fascinating destinations throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina for every type of tourist. In BiH, one gets the best of both worlds. Here, the most interesting and attractive sites are a wonderful mix of this tiny country's cultural and natural heritage. It is almost impossible to separate them, for it is from this pristine nature that its cultures and traditions evolved.
What is known is that man has settled these pristine lands for over 10,000 years and has seen the likes of the indigenous pagan Illyrian and Thracian tribes, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, and later Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian invaders.
All these cultures have left a remarkable piece of their beliefs and rituals that has melded this country into one of the most religiously diverse nations in Europe. It is here that Christianity and Islam from the east has met and mingled with Christianity and Judaism from the West.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a magical blend of the old and new worlds. From the ancient monasteries of the Franciscan and Orthodox monks to the heralded bridges and mosques of the Ottomans the medieval character of BiH has been well-preserved.
Alongside these cultural bastions has emerged a post-war cultural renaissance, particularly in the main cities. Sarajevo is host to some of the most cutting-edge festivals in southeast Europe with the likes of the Sarajevo Film and Jazz Festivals to name just a few.
The cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina is less likely to be experienced in a museum but rather in what we coin as ‘living museums.’ The customs and pastimes are best found in everyday life where one can catch a glimpse of old and new world Europe – preserving our ancient past and reaching to a brighter and better tomorrow.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the last undiscovered regions of the Southern Alps. Vast tracks of wild and untouched nature make it an ideal holiday destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The central Dinaric Alps are a hikers and walkers paradise. Enchanted by both Mediterranean and Alpine climates, the range of diverse landscapes will stun and amaze you.
Come discover southeast Europe’s most exciting ski destination.
