Now the capital city of an independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is an old city that has seen its fair share of historic events. It saw the defining moment that sparked the outbreak of the First World War, years of communist rule as part of former Yugoslavia, and its bloody civil war in the early 1990s.

It’s known as a city tolerant of diversity and celebrates the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Check out our list of the top things to see and do in this city.

One of Sarajevo’s most recognizable landmarks is its main cathedral. This is also the largest cathedral in the country. Construction of the cathedral finished in 1889, and it’s in the Neo-Gothic style common to eastern Europe. Its interior features delicate patterned arches and wood carvings, as well as typical Catholic paintings of saints and other important Catholic figures.

The rood screen in particular features some paintings, surrounded by wood painted gold. The cathedral is in the old town area of the city, making it a central feature of the main tourist district, and it’s open to look around for free.

Address: Trg Fra Grge Martića 2

One of the oldest churches in the city, still in its near-original condition, is this Orthodox church dating from the early 16th century. It’s less extravagant than many Orthodox churches, which gives it a unique charm. The church features the usual Orthodox church tower, but apart from that it is almost unrecognizable as an Orthodox church. It has grey stone walls, a tiled roof, and a humble entrance.

Interior

Inside, the decor is more luxurious but still much more historic than other Orthodox churches in the country. The ceiling has simple painting, and there’s minimal gold detailing. Around the church is a lovely courtyard, made shady thanks to climbing plants and hanging flowers. The church is open to visitors and is in the old town quarter.

Address: Mula Mustafe Bašeskije 59

One of the most stunning examples of architecture from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Sarajevo is the town hall. Known as the Vjećnica, it’s from 1898 but underwent much recent refurbishment as it was a target for the Serbs during the war.

During refurbishment, each detail was copied from the exact original specification. Inside are intricate carvings and painted patterns, beautiful stained glass, as well as archways, windows and staircases featuring exquisite geometric detailing. The building is open to look around, and includes exhibitions about the war and a photo and art gallery.

The first mosque built after the Ottoman invasion in the mid 1400’s was the Emperor’s Mosque in Sarajevo. The building is from 1457, which makes it the oldest mosque in the city, and is still in regular use today. Dedicated by its architect to the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople, it’s the largest single dome mosque in the country.

It features a small central courtyard surrounded by traditional covered walkways, while the interior is large. Inside there are usual features of mosques, such as intricate rugs, walls decorations and domed ceilings. It’s open to look around, but, since it is still in use, tourists can’t enter during services. Visitors should wear clothing which respect the religious function of the building.

Address: Obala Isa-bega Ishakovića

One of the most well-known events that took place in Sarajevo was Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination. This event sparked the outbreak of the First World War. The assassination took place by the Latin Bridge, one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in the city thought to have been built sometime in the mid-16th century.

The bridge itself is small, with three archways and a pointed peak at the center. At the northern end of the bridge, where the assassination took place, is a plaque marking the event, which is rather understated.

Sarajevo’s main synagogue is the Ashkenazi Synagogue, constructed in 1902. An older synagogue is next door, which now houses the Jewish Museum, while the Ashkenazi Synagogue still functions today as a place of worship. Sarajevo has historically been a place that welcomes the Jewish community, although, after the Second World War and the more recent civil war, there is not a large Jewish community still living in the city.

Architecture

The synagogue itself is in a Neo-Moorish style. It features an amazing painted ceiling inside as well as ornate stone carvings on the exterior. The synagogue and museum are good places to learn more about Sarajevo’s historic Jewish community.

Address: Hamdije Kreševljakovića 59

Completed in 1532, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque Old Town is the largest historical mosque in the Bosnia Herzegovina and is the center of the city’s Islamic community. It is exemplary of the Ottoman architecture for which the city is well-known, and is open for tourists to look around.

Outside is a beautiful open courtyard with a fountain for ceremonial washing, and intricate Islamic designs and patterns decorate the main entrance.

It has some domes, which are a typical feature of Ottoman mosques and not Middle-Eastern architectural designs. Although much of it was damaged during the civil war, in 1996 reconstruction of the mosque began, given its centrality to the culture of the city.

Constructed in the 1560’s for an important local governor, this mosque is one of the oldest in Sarajevo. The Ottomans built it in a style typical of Turkish mosques at the time.

It’s small, but also features a pretty graveyard garden. It sustained significant damage during the civil war, especially to the dome, but has since been restored and declared a protected national monument due to its importance as a symbol of Bosnia’s Ottoman heritage.

After years out of action, Sarajevo’s beloved cable car is once again transporting people to and from Mount Trebevic, the city’s best vantage point at 1,627 meters. The landmark, which first opened in 1959, closed during the Bosnian war, but underwent a 6,7 million euro renovation.

Now, visitors to the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina can enjoy the 9-minute, 2 km journey from the old town neighborhood of Bistrik to the top of Trebevic, which was the location for the bobsleigh course at the 1984 Winter Olympics and offers incredible views of the city below.