Sarajevo City Travel Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information
Sarajevo City GuideSarajevo sightseeing Sarajevo attractions Sarajevo history Sarajevo restaurants Sarajevo nightlife Sarajevo accommodation Sarajevo hotels & Sarajevo weather
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Sarajevo History Overview
In the Sarajevo suburb of Llidza in 1893 archeologists unearthed relics from a Stone Age settlement. Between then and the 1st century several tribes ( attracted by the presence of the regions mineral wealth's such as flint ) lived in the area - the most prominent of these were the Illyrian's. During the following centuries the area was part of the Roman Empire. Detail of Sarjevo's modern origins are scarce. There is a school of thought that the Romans built a town called Aquae Sulphurae on what was Llidza. Another theory is that towards the end of the first millennium a town called Vrhbosna was developed there possibly independent Aquae Sulphurae.
Modern Sarajevo was founded by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century possibly 1461. 'Sara' was the name of the city's governor. The city flourished and during the next two centuries dwarfed Belgrade and Zagreb in importance. In 1699 the city was plundered and burnt to the ground by the Prince of Savoy, and in the 17th century its importance waned. In the 18th century it formed part of the Bosnian Rebellion against the Ottoman Empire before falling to the Austrian Hungarian Empire in 1878. From then until the outbreak of WW1 the city's industries expanded and the city was modernised.
In 1918 it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During WW2 it was invaded by the Nazis and in 1944 by the Soviet Red Army who installed a Communist government which ruled until 1991. In March 1992, after the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia (and Herzegovina) declared itself and Independent Sovereign State. Serbian dominated Yugoslav forces then laid a three year unsuccessful siege of Sarejevo. In 1995 after International Military Intervention and the Dayton Peace agreement, the independence of Bosnia's with Sarajevo as its capital was confirmed.
Sarajevo City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information
Sarajevo Sightseeing & Attractions
This city dates back to the Middle Ages. Sightseeing in Minsk is very educating as many examples of this history can be found in buildings that still exist today. For example The Gazi Husrev-Beg Hamam are the city's most impressive Turkish baths which were built in 1539. They are strictly segregated into and female areas. At certain times it is possible to be given a free tour of these premises, but these need to be booked several days in advance. The Morica Han built in 1551 was a travellers inn. It is thought that there were about 40 of these a century ago but this is the only one that remains. It has its own riding stables, store rooms that are centred around a cobbled courtyard. It is being refurbished as are the accompanying lodging rooms. Upstairs there is a local restaurant and visitors who want to look around are welcome.
Also interesting to visit is the Svrzo House which use to be the home of a Bosnian nobleman. The front part of the house is known at the public male area because this was where guest were welcomed and business was transacted. Behind this with it own courtyard is the very private female and family house. In both areas the rooms are decorated with handmade arab carpets, lavish clothes and scarves, mirrors and clocks which were regarded as symbols of wealth. Some rooms have a bathing cupboard complete with shower. It is possible to book a tour of the house which can be found by going up the steps at Na Varosi Alley. left at top, 1st right and 1st left next to the mosque.
Other places of interest in the Careva Mosque which was built in 1566 and the Clock Tower built 100 years later and furnished with a London clock. You can only view the tower. The Old Town 'Bascarsija' is made up of a central square, surrounded by dozens of streets named after the trade or craft practiced in it.
Eating Out In Sarajevo Cafes & Restaurants
Eating out in Sarajevo can take a little research as the Bosnians have a capacity for making a simple cafe as lavish looking as a well decorated restaurant.
The best cafes are to be found in The Old Town ( Bascarsija ) but most of them only sell Turkish Coffee which is very strong. Few serve cappuccino or nescafe. The menus are snacks rather meals. Some cafes are more like bars - The Central Cafe in The Old Town is worth a mention as it sells an agreeable Sarajevsko beer for € 0 .75 American style fast food outlets can be found all over Sarajevo.
Restaurants in Sarajevo
Restaurants in Sarajevo are plentiful and compared with cities like Dubrovnik they are not expensive. Inat Kuca (Veliki Alifakovac 1) is an example of this serving a range of Central European dishes and a special Bosnian Hot pot of a lamb and vegetables. Cevabdzinica Hodzic in the Turkish Quarter is an extremely clean looking mediterranean restaurant selling fresh kebabs and a good vegetarian salad. Restaurant Una Prote Lockovica 618 in The Old Town, is expensive in local terms but has a good selection of traditional Bosnian dishes - the cheese and spinach has been noted more than once!
The Basenji Restoran on the northbank of the river and 200m from The National Library has a good range of local dishes, accompanied by excellent salads and offers a few Italian dishes as well. Patrons might need to check prices on bill compared with menu. For some people one of the jewels in Sarajevo's crown is the Ragusa adjacent to the Eternal Flame. The main courses are delicious and especially recommended is the lasagna and white sauce. The crepes deserts which consist of thick cream and rich chocolate sauces apparently are amongst the best in Europe. You have been warned. 8pm Saturday then ?
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Crime and Personal Safety and Security In Sarajevo
Pick pockets operate in tourist areas especially on public transport other than this the crime level is low. However, In the last year there have been an increasing number of reports of thefts on sleeper trains to and from Sarajevo. For further information please see Travel Warnings.
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Sarajevo Travel Tips
Visas: Visas are required for entry into Sarajevo & Bosnia Herzegovina for visitors carrying UK, EU & US passports. Visas are required for all other countries. Clothing: Outside Sarajevo in particular, women are advised to address modestly as cultural attitudes are conservative. Credit Cards & Traveller Cheques: These are accepted in Sarajevo but not universally. Outside the city they are rarely accepted. Health: Visitors should consult their doctor about the current risk of rabies, hepatitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and typhoid fever. See also the Bosnia Country Profile
Sarajevo Tourist Board Leads The Way
Sarajevo has seen some dark days and It the following words on their web site are a refreshing read in these troubled times: ''For over four hundred years, mosques, synagogues, Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have been built and have stood side by side here''.
Citizens of different nationalities and religious orientations live and work together, developing their city and their own style of togetherness regardless of conquerors and foreign rulers whose identity changed over and over again, fast or slowly, depending on the historical and geopolitical situations and the great-power interests. Website.
