Sarajevo

Sarajevo sits in a narrow valley at 518 meters (1700 feet) altitude, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps mountains and crossed by the Miljacka River. The city stretches along the river from east to west, with the historic old town in the east and newer districts in the western part.

The city emerged in 1462 as an Ottoman fortress and grew into an important trade center on the Balkan routes. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place here in 1914, sparking the First World War.

In the Baščaršija quarter you see locals drinking Turkish coffee in small cafes and smoking water pipes, while craftsmen work in open workshops. The streets fill at midday with the smell of ćevapi and freshly baked somun bread prepared in the many grill restaurants.

Trams connect the main city districts and run through the valley from early morning until late evening. The international airport sits about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest from the center and serves multiple European destinations.

Copper craftsmen in Kazandžiluk street work with traditional methods from the Ottoman period and make decorative items in open workshops. Visitors can watch the artisans hammering and engraving while the rhythmic tapping echoes through the narrow lanes.

Location: Sarajevo Canton

Inception: 1462

Elevation above the sea: 527 m

Website: https://sarajevo.ba

GPS coordinates: 43.85198,18.38669

Latest update: December 2, 2025 21:54