Sarajevo is a city located in the valley and surrounded by mountain ranges from all sides. Miljacka River divides it into two unequal parts and the city expands from its shores. Therefore, the journey through Sarajevo is best taken down the river for which many people say there is no smaller river with a larger number of bridges to cross it.
In the Sarajevo Canton, municipalities of Centar, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo and Stari Grad make up the City of Sarajevo as a unit of local self-government. The City of Sarajevo in all four of its municipalities has the population of 297,416.
Downtown Sarajevo, at just a hundred meters away, is a home to many sacred buildings of four world religions – mosques from the Ottoman times, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Evangelical churches, the synagogue and other cultural and historical landmarks.
Ottoman era begins in 1461 when the city was founded by the first Bosnian governor Ishak-beg Isaković (Ishak Bay Isaković), a pioneer in planned construction. He had the Careva džamija (Emperor’s Mosque) built first; followed by Tekija (Khanqah), lodgings, administrative center and housing court he named Saraj, which is how Sarajevo got its name. In Baščaršija, he builds Kolobara Han (Kolobara Inn), a hotel in modern terms, which was soon surrounded by a multitude of shops creating the economic basis for the development of the city.
During the 15th and 16th century, like many Levant cities at the time, Sarajevo was divided on Čaršija – a commercial area and the peaceful residential areas – Mahala. Mahalas were built on the surrounding slopes from the center towards the outskirts. People lived in mahalas and they did their business in čaršija. The commercial center of the city is Baščaršija. There are over 1000 shops located there. The streets of Čaršija bare names of old crafts: Kazazi (button makers), Kujundžiluk (jewelers), Kazandžiluk (copper smiths), Sarači (sewing quilts and rugs), Mudželiti (bookbinders), Kovači (blacksmiths), Sarači (leather workers), Bazerdžani (head of trade), Ašćiluk (restaurants), while the streets of residential areas had names like Behar (buds), Cvijetna (flower), Karanfil Mahala (coronation mahala), Pod Trešnjom (under the cherry tree), Višnjik (black cherry), Podhrastovi (under the oak tree), Sedam šuma (seven woods).
Sarajevo is also famous for its large number of public taps, shadirvans and fountains (sebilj), which supplied the city with water, as well as decorating it. Sarajevo had water supply system as early as mid-15th century which was not the case in many European cities at the time.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the population of Sarajevo was almost entirely Muslim. But that was not always the case, nor will it be in times to come. This area is the borderline between Eastern and Western Roman Empire and the Romans were never able to Romanize ancient Illyrians. The Slavs managed to impose their language and culture between 5th and 11th century. Between 11th and 15th century, a multireligious state was created and is still remembered for not belonging to anyone but its own people.
Bascarsija and Sebilj Fountain (Old Town)
Bascarsija (tur. – the main market) was established in the 15th century by Isa-Bey Ishakovic, the founder of Sarajevo, and Ghazi Husrev-Bey who left an exquisite endowment as a legacy to the city.
City Hall (Old Town)
The need to construct a new building for the city administration came along with the Austro-Hungarian conquerors. The area of a medieval village (Brodac), where Isa-Bey’s Ishakovic established the city itself in the 15th cwas identified as ideal for the new government.
Museum of Sarajevo Assassination and Latin Bridge (Old Town)
At the junction of the Apel key and Franjo Josip streets (today Obala Kulina bana and Zelenih beretki streets), Gavrilo Princip, a high school student and a member of Mlada Bosna, a secret organization established by the Black Hand movement completed the organization’s gloomy plan on June 28th, 1914. Gavrilo assassinated the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy considered Serbia to be involved and sent their ultimatum on July 23, 1914. The First World War commenced soon after.
Monumental Complex ˝Tunnel of Salvation˝ (Ilidza & Airport Area)
The war tunnel was constructed during the 1425-day long siege Sarajevo (1992 to 1995 siege) to connect two free territories. The entrance and exit of the tunnel are two houses situated at the opposite sides of the airport.
European Jerusalem (Old Town)
For over four centuries, Sarajevo has been the city of multiculturalism. In one single street, one can step into a mosque, synagogue, Catholic or Orthodox church.
Bijambare Caves (Natural Sites & Mountains)
Bijambare Speleological Area is a protected natural site located northeast of Sarajevo on Sarajevo-Tuzla Highway (approximately 40 km from Sarajevo).
Bjelasnica and Igman (Natural Sites & Mountains)
Bjelasnica and Igman mountains are very popular winter resorts located only 25 km from Sarajevo.These two mountains were the host of the 14th Winter Olympic Games in 1984, featuring Alpine and Nordic skiing and ski jumping competitions.
Skakavac Waterfall (Natural Sites & Mountains)
Skakavac Waterfall is located 12 km north of Sarajevo, above the Nahorevo Village. It is a 98-m high waterfall, the second tallest in Europe.
Vrelo Bosne (Ilidza & Airport Area)
A three-kilometer long plane-tree and chestnut tree alley which runs from Ilidza will take you to a beautiful natural monument – Vrelo Bosne. The alley has 726 trees planted in 1894 and it is ideal for family day out long walks, bicycle and roller skate rides, jogging…
Lukomir Village (Natural Sites & Mountains)
There is no better way to experience how the locals lived in the old times than the Lukomir Village (1496 m). This living museum which portrays day-to-day life of the Lukomir people is only 42 km from Sarajevo.
Sarajevo restaurants are characerised by a high level of service, and most of them offer a diverse and so-called "international" cuisine.
