TOURIST INFORMATION

Sarajevo

This city is known for history, art, famous religious sites of all confessions, beautiful mountains surrounding it, and many, many more things. For over four hundred years, mosques, synagogues, Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have been built and have stood side by side amidst Sarajevo city, giving the city its unique feel and adding to the Sarajevo image of being the "European Jerusalem". Aside historical sites, Sarajevo has become one of the main regional tourism factors when speaking of modern tourism offers.

Baščaršija (Bashcharshiya)

Baščaršija is the heart of old Sarajevo. The word Baščaršija derives from Turkish language. The word "baš" which is "baş" in Turkish means "primary", "main", "capital" and "čaršija" which is "çarşı" in Turkish means "bazaar" or "market". Baščaršija was built in 16th century.

Coppersmith street at Baščaršija in Sarajevo: Walking through the Baščaršija brings you back in time and gives you a glimpse into Ottoman Sarajevo as each street in Baščaršija is dedicated to another craft, the most interesting being the traditional metalwork, jewelry, and pottery shops. One of the oldest streets in Baščaršija is the Kazandžiluk street (Coppersmith street), which was once a part of a larger copper craft guild and today is the place to buy a traditional souvenir, copper products decorated using special techniques passed down through generations.

Eternal flame

The monument is comprised of tiles that are inscribed with text in the colors of the flag of former Yugoslavia – blue, white and red – and there is a copper receptacle in the shape of a wreath of bay leaves which contains an open flame that is always burning. The flame symbolizes that Sarajevo’s liberators and the coat of arms of former Yugoslavia will be forever remembered.

This simple yet beautiful monument is the work of architect, Juraj Neidhardt. It was installed at the front of one building in the heart of Sarajevo’s walking zone, at the junction of Mula Mustafa Bašeskije, Titova and Ferhadija Streets.

The building itself was designed by Josip Vancaš and Karl Paržik. First the home of Grand Hotel, it later became the seat of the National Bank and then the Social Accounting Services and is currently the home of the Payment Bureau.

The Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart

Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart stands on a small square down the Ferhadija Street just outside Baščaršija, old Ottoman bazaar area of the city. The cathedral was built in 1889, according to the design of Josip Vancaš, in the new Gothic architecture style with new Romanesque elements. It is similar to the cathedral Notre Dame in Dijon. The cathedral has three naves and the middle one ends with a polygonal apse. The church rosette on the entrance facade above the profusely decorated portal is

enriched with precious stained-glass windows. The Viennese sculptor A. Hausmann made the statue of the Jesus' Heart that stands on the entrance facade. According to the design of Alexander Maximilian Seitz, a relief of the Most Holy Trinity was formed by the Zagreb's sculptor Dragan Morak and carved by Ivan Novotny in the portal gable. The facades are made of two types of stone, yellow sandstone and reddish lime-stone. Stained-glass windows are made according to the design of Vancaš in Innsbruck and Vienna. The cathedral was originally decorated with paintings by Josip Volini and Ivan Betizz, as well as by Alexander Maximilian Seitz and his son Ludovic, who did the paintings in Strossmeier's Cathedral in Đakovo in 1875. Ludovic Seitz has painted eight cylindrical portraits with the bust of the church teachers that are the most precious painted part of this church. The statues were modeled by Dragan Morak, and carved by Ivan Novotny. The portrait of the archbishop Stadler above his grave is the work of Marin Studin. During the

reconstruction of the Cathedral in 1929, another layer of ornamentation was painted by the painting work-shop from Stuttgart. This layer, as well as parts of the original paintings, were removed during the church reconstruction from 1987 to 1989, when the painter Ante Martinović made copies of the large wall compositions in oil-painting technique in 1:1 and fixed them on top of the damaged originals. On the entrance side of the Cathedral there are two church-towers, one with a bell inside, and the other with five smaller bells. The cathedral can receive 1200 people. The building was almost completely reconstructed after being damaged in the war 1992/95.

The Jewish Museum of B&H

The Jewish Museum of B&H is an annex of the Museum of Sarajevo and is housed in the Old Jewish Temple, which is considered one of the loveliest exhibit spaces in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The museum’s holdings testify to the centuries that Jews have been living in B&H, as well as to the enormous contributions they have made to the development of Bosnia and

Herzegovina.

This modest, but very attractive collection contains engraved items used during worship, silver-plated prayer book holders, scrolls in silver holders, candelabras and menorahs.

There are also manuscripts, marriage agreements, prayer books and items which attest to the legacy of the many prominent Jewish scientists and artists from B&H, such as Kalmi Baruh, Danijel Ozmo, Marsel Šnajder, Isak Samokovlija….

There is a special section dedicated to the great losses that the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered during World War II.

Sebilj

There used to be hundreds of sebiljs (kiosk-shaped public fountains) in Sarajevo, but today the last one is found on Baščaršija Square, where it serves as a major symbol of the city.

The origins of these fountains can be traced back to the Arabian Peninsula and the custom of building sebiljs was brought to Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Ottomans. Sebiljdžija, workers who received wages from the state or a vakuf (endowment), manned the kiosks and dispensed free water to hungry passersby.

This sebilj in Baščaršija dates back to the Austro-Hungarian period. The original one, built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica, was several meters away from where Sebilj now stands, but was knocked down after being damaged during a fire.

Alexander Wittek’s design for Baščaršija’s Sebilj is in the Pseudo Moorish style and was installed in 1913. It underwent renovation before the XIV Winter Olympic Games were held and again after the last war.

Sarajevo City Hall

The project was overseen by Alexander Wittek, who had proposed his Pseudo Moorish design – the perfect architectural unity of East and West – for the future seat of the city’s government.

Since it first opened on April 20, 1896, the building has become the most important symbol of Sarajevo and is featured as an iconic motif in many photographs of the city.

After II World War, Vijećnica became home to the National and University Library of B&H. On the nights of August 25-26, 1992 during the last war, Vijećnica was set ablaze. Nearly 90% of the library's collection went up in flames and the building became a symbol of the Siege and tragedy of Sarajevo.

Vijećnica’s reconstruction got underway in 1996 and the official opening took place on May 9, 2014, the same day that Europe Day and the Day of Victory over Fascism are observed.

Vječna Vatra is a memorial to those who liberated Sarajevo during II World War and was first unveiled during a commemorative event held on April 6, 1946 for the first anniversary of the liberation of Sarajevo.

Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque

Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque (1530/31) is the most significant Islamic building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is distinguished by its architectural values, varied base, multi dome system and courageously constructive solution from all other sub-dome mosques built in this country. The prayer area of Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque is covered by a dome (13m - 43ft span and 26m - 86ft height), whilst the side extensions are covered by small domes. These extensions are called tetims and have separate entrances, and were used for giving shelter to the travelling dervish orders. The alter (mihrab) is covered by a semi-dome.

The architect was Persian, Adžem Esir Ali, the main architect of the Ottoman Empire at that time. In the construction of this mosque he applied the early Istanbul style that gives a recognizable mark to the whole achievement. Stone plastic and stalactite ornaments are an integral part of the universal values of the mosque. The arabesque was destroyed after the descent of the Eugen Savojski (1697). It was restored in 1762, but burned down in 1879, and was restored again in 1886.

Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque including the fountain (šadrvan), Moslem primary school (mekteb), the room for ritual washing (abdesthana), domed burial sites (turbeti), Gazi Husrev-beg's and Murad-beg Tardić's harem, abode for the prayer caller (muvekithana), 45 m high minaret and tower-clock, dominates Tower clock of Sarajevo, the market-place and makes its central and largest complex.

With its presence through the ages this complex affected the construction activities of the surrounding areas, streets and wards (mahalas). Extensive restoration works have been executed from 1995 to 1997 since the mosque was damaged during the war 1992/95.

Due to the necessities of having five daily prayers, in the Ottoman Empire the construction of tower-clocks began. Sarajevo's tower-clock (Sahat-kula) was one of the highest but also the most beautiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built in the XVII century, and was reconstructed after the fire in 1697, as well as in 1762. After the Austro-Hungarian occupation upper zones of the building were added, and the clock was brought by Sarajevo's traders from London.

In Baščaršija you will also see Havadža Durak Mosque, better known as Baščaršija Mosque.

Gazi Husrev Bey's Bezistan

Gazi Husrev Bey's Bezistan was built in the first half of the 16th century. Rectangular in shape, Bezistan has a 109 meters passage running through its middle. The Bezistan is 19,5 m wide, with 52 shops, vaulted with a semi-circular ceiling. It was built by Dubrovnik masters. In its shape and size, Bezistan reminds of Istanbul's Misir čaršija and covered bazaars found in Arabic cities. Today Gazi Husrev Bey's Bezistan is called "Dugi Bezistan" in Sarajevo (Long market place) and it serves as a market place.

The Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918

The Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918 is an annex of the Museum of Sarajevo and its permanent exhibit shows Sarajevo during the time of Austro-Hungarian rule (1878-1918).

The Sarajevo Assassination was carried out on June 28, 1914 right in front of what was then a shop named “Schiller's”, in the building that now houses the museum. The assassination of the Austro- Hungarian heir apparent, Franz Ferdinand, and his wife, Sophie, was carried out by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the revolutionary organization, Young Bosna.

The museum’s exhibit is laid out chronologically and starts with events which paved the way for the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy to receive its mandate during the Berlin Congress to occupy Bosnia and Herzegovina and ends with the First World War, whose outbreak was caused by the Sarajevo Assassination.

The exhibit can be divided into eight distinct sections: Resistance to Occupation, New Administration, Cultural Life, Cultural-Religious Educational Societies, Printing Presses and Publishing; Industry and Architecture; Annexation

and the Bosnian Diet; The Assassination of the Heir Apparent, Franz Ferdinand, and His Wife, Sophie and The First World War.

The life-size models of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie are among the most interesting items on display.

Latin Bridge

A ledger from 1541 makes the first mention of a bridge located on the spot where the Latin Bridge is found today, stating that it was built by one sarač (leather worker) named Husein, the son of Širmed.

One can conclude from a later document that this initial wooden bridge was soon destroyed and a stone bridge was built in its place by Ali Ajni Bey, a prominent Sarajevan.

This stone bridge was later washed away by a great flood in 1791, but in 1798 a wealthy trader from Sarajevo, Abdulah Briga, donated funds for the construction of the Latin Bridge that can be seen today.

The bridge took its name from the neighborhood on the left bank of the Miljacka, where Sarajevo’s Catholics resided.

From 1918 to 1993 the structure bore the name, Principov Most (bridge), after Gavrilo Princip, who was only a few meters from this bridge when he assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sofie. This incident, known as the Sarajevo Assassination, led to the beginning of the First World War.

Vijećnica is the most extravagant building constructed in Sarajevo during Austro-Hungarian occupation and serves as a symbol of the meeting of world civilizations.

Despić House

Despić House, the oldest part of which was built during the 17th century, was bequeathed to the city of Sarajevo at the end of the 1960s by Pero Despić.

As a descendent of this prominent Sarajevo family, it was Pero’s wish that Despić House, now an annex of the Museum of Sarajevo, serve as an exhibit that would show the way of life for one old Serbian family. It was also a way to preserve the memory of the Despić family, which left an indelible trace on one period of Sarajevo history.

The Despićs, who made their fortune as artisans and traders, were members of the Sarajevo elite

at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Despić House even served as a precursor to the city’s modern theater, with the first theatrical performances given in the drawing room of the home.

The house contains many interesting items which belonged to members of the family, including the will made by the most famous and influential Despić, Haji Makso, as well as the piano that belonged to his Austrian daughter-in-law, Wilhemina “Mina” Despić, which was produced by a family-run company, Neubauer, in Vienna.

"Walter the Hero," which has been installed in Despić House as part of its permanent exhibit, looks at Vladimir "Valter" Perić, leader of Sarajevo's underground resistance movement during Nazi occupation. The exhibit includes some of his personal items and also looks at Sarajevo and surrounding areas during World War II. Igor Radovanović has created the exhibit. The Despić family also donated another house to the city of Sarajevo, which is now the Museum of Literature and Performing Arts of B&H.

The Congregational Church of the Holy Mother

The Orthodox Church consecrated to the Holy mother, was built in 1868 in the new baroque style with elements of the Serb Byzantine architecture. It is a triple nave basilica with five new Byzantine domes on the high tambours. The church-tower was built in 1872 by Andrija Damjanov, who also built the Military barracks for which he was decorated by the sultan Abdul Aziz, who like the prince of Serbia, gave a contribution in the amount of five hundred ducats for the construction of the church. As it was damaged in the war 1992/95 the Greek government made provisions for the reconstruction of the church in 1999.

Nearby you can see the old Orthodox Church of Saint Archangel Mihail and Gavril in Varoš. It has typological characteristics of the Orthodox Churches that have been built from the XII to XIV century in this area but the first mention of the church is from 1539.

The National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina (UG B&H) is the most important gallery-institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Founded in 1946, its initial core collection consisted of 600 pieces which belonged to the Gallery of the National Museum of B&H.

Since 1953, the gallery has been housed in the same building, which was most likely designed by the famous Josip Vancaš in 1912. Up until then it had been used as a department store that was owned by the Jewish merchants, Ješua and Mojca Salom. The Gallery opened to the public in 1959, with the installation of its first permanent exhibit.

The UG B&H's collection currently contains more than 6,000 works which can be divided into several collections: the B&H Art Collection, the Ferdinand Hodler Collection, the Icon Collection, the Yugoslav Art Collection, the International Donations Collection, the Photography and New Media Collection and the "NADA" ("HOPE") Art Archive.

The Gallery also works on documentation and has a library, plus departments for restoration and carpentry; a goldsmith's workshop, a photo studio and archive, as well as a department that is involved in pedagogical work.

Since its founding, the Gallery has hosted over 900 exhibitions and was even in operation during the war (1992 to 1995), when it organized 42 exhibitions.

Ashkenazi synagogue

Ashkenazi synagogue in Sarajevo was built in 1902 according to the design of Karlo Paržik as the first religious object to be constructed in the pseudo-Moorish style. The synagogue is located on the left bank of the river Miljacka and it is the only active synagogue in Sarajevo.

The Old jewish temple (II Kal Grandi) was built in 1581, but it was on fire twice (1697 and 1768). It was restored at the beginning of the XIX century. Due to an increased number of believers the New temple was built in 1821. The interior of the Old temple is divided into three naves. Its front part is the blessed area and it is used for sermons. Two lateral temple naves, as well as the part on the North side, used to have two floors each, which was a stipulation for worship. The first floor was intended for women, whilst the men were on the ground floor. It was completely reconstructed in 1909 when electrical lighting was installed, the stone facade was plastered with mortar and a new roof was made. In World War Two it suffered severe damage by the Nazis. Today, the Jewish museum is there. Sarajevo Haggadah was written in the 14th century and is believed to be brought to Sarajevo from Spain by the Sephardi Jews. Today, the Haggadah is kept at the National museum in Sarajevo.