CITY GUIDE
BIRTH DATE -
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1462 founded by Isa Bey Ishaković
POPULATION -
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608,000
AKA -
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Vrhbosna, Šeher, Saraybosna (Palace of Bosnia), Jerusalem of Europe, Jerusalem of the Balkans
MEANING -
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Turkish saray for Palace or Mansion
RIVER -
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Miljacka River it has 10 bridges the most famous one being the Latin Bridge near where Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot causing the breakout of WW1.
HISTORY -
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15th C - founded by the Ottomans.
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16th C Sephardic Jews fleeing Spain and Portugal arrive.
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1878 taken over by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
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1914 assassination of their Archduke sparks off WW1.
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After the war becomes part of Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
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In WW2 the Nazis occupied the city and then Croat fascists who sent thousands of Serbs Jews and Gypsies to the Death Camps.
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Liberated by Tito at the end of the war and became a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
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1984 hosted the Winter Olympic Games and was the first ever communist city to do this.
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In 1992 Yugoslavia fell apart and Bosnian Muslims and Croats voted for an independent Bosnia and Herzegovina but Bosnian Serbs wanted to be part of Greater Serbia.
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They blockaded the city and held Sarajevo under siege for 3 years, 10 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. It was the longest siege of any capital city in the history of modern warfare.
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The war and the siege ended in 1995 with the Dayton Accords which created a layered form of government with a power sharing agreement.
BEST TIME TO GO -
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In 1984 Sarajevo held the Winter Olympics. So it does get cold here. In fact the snow season lasts from October until April.
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May to September is the best time with July and August being the hottest months.
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February and March are good for winter activities.
TOP 10 -
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Latin Bridge and the site of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
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Sarajevo Tunnel Museum
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Baščaršija (Old Town)
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Sniper Alley
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Sarajevo Roses
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Sarajevo’s Canned Beef Monument
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House of Spite
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Sebilj Fountain
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Srebrenica Gallery 11/07/95
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Sarajevo’s Abandoned Bobsleigh Track
FUN FACT -
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Bosnia and Herzegovina has 3 Presidents and 3 official languages
AIRPORT TRANSFER - Sarajevo International Airport Butmir Airport (SJJ) 10 km
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About 30 mins to the old town.
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There are buses and taxis available.
SAFETY -
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Be careful on the roads as drivers have little care for pedestrians, watch for pick pockets in the Old Town, stay on the paths outside of town as there are still land mines planted around the place, watch your ankles on the cobblestones
FOOD -
Ćevapi is the National dish and Nune have been serving it up since 1967. Buregdžinica Bosna for savoury pies. Other dishes include Begova Corba (creamy chicken and veg stew), Baklava, Burek (filled pastry), Klepe (meat filled ravioli with a yoghurt sauce), Grah (bean and veg soup), Stuffed vegetables, Lamb on a spit, Ice cream is popular in Sarajevo and you will find many stalls and flavours in the Old Town
NIGHTLIFE -
You will find plenty of places to find a drink even though there is a high percentage of Muslims in the population. There is live music with rock bands, jazz clubs, night clubs, bars cafes. Sarajevo comes alive on Thursdays (Student night) as well as the usual Friday and Saturday nights. Places stay open until dawn.
SIDE TRIP -
Konjic - Tito's $4.5 billion $1970's Nuclear Bunker
COSTS -
Prices are pretty good here by European standards so you might be able to lash out on a little luxury here.
GETTING AROUND -
The bus and train station are near the Avaz Twist tower. The city is compact and walking is a good option. There are also trams, trolley buses and buses, as well as some of Europe's cheapest taxis.
MUST DO -
Head up to the Yellow Bastion to watch the sun set and have a few beers
SHOPPING -
Gazi Husrev Bey's Bezistan (covered bazaar), Kazandžiluk (the Oldest street in Sarajevo)
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SARAJEVO WEEKENDER 3N
HIGHLIGHTS - Past, present & future
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Centrally located Sarajevo is the ideal spot for a weekender. Only a few hours flight but worlds away when you get there. For those of us old enough it's hard to believe what was going on here in the early 90's. And it makes for fascinating exploration. Particularly the siege that lasted 1,425 days and running the gauntlet along sniper alley. Some stories tragic and some inspirational. You will still find plenty os scars from the past. Many other events have occurred in this city including the event that started WWI and threw the Continent into chaos and also led to WWII. How that went down is a pretty interesting story too and you can read about it at the museum where it took place. (It was a cafe at the time)
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Times have changed and you will now find a vibrant city getting on with life. The cable car is back up and running. There are cafes, restaurants and bars galore. Markets, fascinating museums and way more to do than 3 days will allow. Many of the sights can be seen on foot. Stay in the old part of town where you'll be spoiled for choice on where to have a coffee, shop, meal or drink.
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Sarajevo has a wonderful setting where it's surrounded by mountains. It was the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics and the abandoned bobsled track is still up in the hills above the city. It is covered in graffiti and makes for an interesting hike. Have a coffee at Tito's cafe and learn about times in the communist era. Many of the locals look back fondly on the time when Tito was in power.
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As there is so much to see and do here your itinerary needs to be balanced and make sure you are enjoying the best the city has to offer in a pleasant and relaxed way. A weekender here should whet your appetite for a longer return journey in the near future. Have a look at #114 Meet Sarajevo (and Kronjic) 10N - below.
Malak Hotel Sarajevo, Bosnia $89
Previosuly worn-torn, Saravejo is making a huge comeback and enticing curious tourists to discover its unique cultural mix.
Located directly on the Riverwalk, you’ll find the Malak Regency Hotel, a business friendly 5-star property. With a Turkish hammam, posh spa and indoor pool, and included breakfast, staying here will give you all the luxury feels you’ve been after.
Sarajevo is a big enough city to have a great vibe, but compact enough to get around almost everywhere by foot!
