Photo. The iconic Sebilj, an Ottoman-style wooden fountain (sebil) fountain, stands proudly in the heart of Sarajevo's historic Bascarsija Square, a symbol of the city's rich heritage. © Travel Explorations.
Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of 275,524 in its administrative region (source: Wikipedia). Life in Sarajevo today is a blend of tradition and modernity. While the city’s architecture and street life reflect its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian past, Sarajevo is becoming increasingly modern.
Sarajevo is a city where East and West come together like nowhere else in Europe. Known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” it is a place where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand side by side, reflecting centuries of coexistence between Muslims, Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Jews.
Looking at Sarajevo from one of its nearby hills is a breathtaking sight. I could see tall minarets reaching toward the sky, but also church towers standing proudly beside them. This visual mix reflects the soul of Sarajevo - a city where East and West meet in perfect harmony.
The heart of the city is Baščaršija, the old town bazaar dating back to the 15th century. At its center is the iconic Sebilj Fountain, where legend says that anyone who drinks from it will return to Sarajevo. The narrow streets are filled with artisan shops, copper workshops, and bustling cafés, making it feel like a step back in time to the Ottoman era.
Walking through Sarajevo`s Old Town feels like traveling between worlds. One moment, you’re in a bustling Eastern bazaar; the next, you’re in a European café. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sound of church bells and the call to prayer from nearby mosques. It’s a place where Sarajevo’s multicultural soul truly shines.
One of my best experiences was sitting at a small café, sipping a local beer, and watching people walk by. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air, and I could hear the call to prayer from a nearby mosque, followed by the ringing of church bells. It’s moments like these that make you feel the magic of Sarajevo’s cultural blend.
It made me think about that for centuries, Muslims, Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Jews have lived together here in harmony. In just one walk, you can pass mosques, churches, and synagogues side by side - something rare in Europe.
Some of the places I found interesting in the Old Town:
- Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque (1530) – A symbol of Sarajevo’s Ottoman past, still active today.
- Sacred Heart Cathedral – Built during Austro-Hungarian times, showing Sarajevo’s multi-religious roots.
- Kazandžiluk Street – The oldest street in Sarajevo, famous for its copper workshops.
- Old Jewish Synagogue – Home to the famous Sarajevo Haggadah, a treasured Jewish manuscript.
- The Old Town bazaar, Baščaršija, feels like stepping into the Ottoman era. Wander through cobbled streets, see artisans crafting goods by hand, and hear the sounds of the busy market life.
- The lively Sebilj fountain square gave a glimpse into the city's bustling market scene and Islamic architecture. Also called the Pigeon square, which is a popular meeting place for locals.
Sarajevo City, especially the Old Town, Baščaršija, is a melting pot of cultures and history. Walking through the city's Old Town felt like peeling back layers of history and cultures, each street revealing a unique chapter of Sarajevo’s remarkable past. In addition for me, it was not just about the sights - the excellent service, warmth and hospitality of the people made my experience even more special.
Stein Morten Lund, November 2024
Additional information
Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of 275,524 in its administrative limits (source: Wikipedia). The Sarajevo metropolitan area including Sarajevo Canton, East Sarajevo and nearby municipalities is home to 555,210 inhabitants. Located within the greater Sarajevo valley of Bosnia, it is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated along the Miljacka River in the heart of the Balkans, a region of Southeastern Europe.
The city's architecture and cultural landscape are testaments to this harmonious blend, making Sarajevo a symbol of multiculturalism and interfaith unity.
In 1984, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, which marked a prosperous era for the city. However, after the start of the Yugoslav Wars, the city suffered the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare, for a total of 1,425 days, from April 1992 to February 1996, during the Bosnian War.
E-mail this
Print this
