By Jessica Pierné. A trip to the Balkan Peninsula is always charged with emotion. Thirty years after the Bosnian War, Sarajevo remains etched in our memories. The bloody landscape of the former Yugoslavia of the 90s still hangs over the city. After the fighting, the resistance, after the instinct for survival and solidarity, the inhabitants have preserved their identity and heritage. The former Ottoman heart of the Bosnian capital has become one of the most visited neighborhoods in the country. Mosques, churches, and synagogues have been restored, and the streets have regained peace and joie de vivre.
Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thirty years ago, the city of Sarajevo was besieged by the Serbs. This siege is considered the longest in modern history. For four years, the 30 inhabitants lived in inhumane conditions until the signing of the Dayton Accords on December 350, 000. Today, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains anchored in our memories as a city ravaged by war but remains a multicultural destination in the heart of the Balkans.
Sarajevo's Ottoman Bazaar in the historic Baščaršija district
Built in the 16th century, the bazaar has retained its small shops and remains a lively and very touristy district. After discovering the Bosnian houses with red roofs, we take the time to explore the "Turkish city", considered the historic heart of the city. We stop in front of the mosque of Baščaršija whose construction dates back to 1528. It is one of the oldest monuments in the city.
Sarajevo is crossed by the Miljacka River, with a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel
Beyond the stone-paved streets, Austro-Hungarian Bosnia reappears as we walk along the banks of the Miljacka. More than 20 bridges cross the river, including one designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Zuta Tabija, a former fortress transformed into a trendy guinguette
The Yellow Bastion is an ancient medieval fortress. Perched at an altitude of 600 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the city of Sarajevo and its surroundings. People come here to toast the setting sun in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Despite its tragedies, Sarajevo has retained its undeniable charm, authenticity, and diversity.
The moving War Childoud Museum in Sarajevo
This historical museum depicts childhood during wartime. It features diaries, artifacts, clothing, and, most importantly, the experiences of children growing up during the Bosnian War. Founded by "war child" Jasminco Halilović, this moving museum traces four years of conflict that cost the lives of 11500 civilians.
The "Tunnel of Hope"
It's impossible to leave Sarajevo without visiting the "Tunnel of Hope," which traces the history of the longest siege in modern history. Dug under the city's airport by the Bosnian army in 1993, this 800-meter-long tunnel was the only way in and out of Sarajevo.
The “Jerusalem” of Europe
Sarajevo is known for its religious diversity. The majority of Bosnians are Sunni Muslims. The city has many historic mosques, such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. Christianity is represented by Catholicism, especially among Bosnian Croats, and Orthodoxy, mainly among Bosnian Serbs. Finally, Sarajevo's Jewish community, although small, has a long history and is one of the oldest in the Balkan region.
Sarajevo is sometimes called the "Jerusalem of Europe" because of this coexistence of different religions in the same city.
PRACTICAL NOTEBOOK:
GO
Direct flights from Paris to Sarajevo from €54 return with Ryanair.
www.ryanair.com/fr/fr
OR SLEEP ?
In the heart of the old town at the Sana Hotel
sana.bosnia-herzegovina.info/fr
Sarajevo Tourist Office:
www.visitsarajevo.ba
