Having explored the other cities in Bosnia (Srebrenica & Lukomir-Umoljani Trekking), I finally got to spend the fourth day of the sojourn in Sarajevo. A charming old city with painstaking history surrounded by mountains. As Tito 46 Hostel was 10 minutes walk from Bascarsija (Old town) along the tram line, we did quite a walk in Sarajevo town itself. After all, the major attractions are within walking distance except for Tunnel of Hope.
Eternal Flame
It was dedicated to the military and civilian victims of the Second World War in Sarajevo after the liberation of Sarajevo from the four-year-long occupation by Nazi Germany. It is located at the end of Ferhadija pedestrian street where it meets with Marshal Tito Street. The eternal flame dates from 1946 and continued to burn throughout the siege of Sarajevo.
Tram 2,3,1,5 | Cobanija Bridge Exit
Following the cobbled stone alley of Ferhadija Street, I walked to the Bascarsija where mixture of modern and traditional cafes are lined up. We walked past the souvenir shops and book stores. Eating is a local sports in Bosnia day and night. The smoking old town can be clearly seen from above the Yellow Fortress.
Markale
If following the Marsala Tita Street, one would pass the open markale (market) where they sell fresh fruits, vegetable, food and clothes. I love the berries. They are very cheap! Euro 1 or something like that per container. You can also get seasonal fruits and vegetables here.
The morning walk in Sarajevo old city :-
Bascarsija
Bascarsija is the heart of the old Sarajevo. In the centre of it is Sebilj designed by Czech architect Alexander Vitek. Sebilj is a public fountain in Bascarsija is now one of the most photographed monument and most famous symbols in Sarajevo. It was built in 18th century to provide water to every visitor and citizen of Sarajevo. To date, people still flock the Sebilj to drink its water.
Day in, day out – we had scoured Bascarsija which is also the most happening part of Sarajevo for food. Being a Muslim in a Muslim dominated Europe city is a blessing, I could not resist the gastronomy temptation that Bosnia has to offer from burek (filo pastry) to cevapi. Most of my time in Sarajevo was spent divulging into the good Bosnian food. Within every few hours, I found myself either in a hip coffee cafe or a local burek restaurant.
As you would already notice, the common features of traditional restaurant in Bascarsija are the low stools.
To get us powered up that morning, we chose Ascinica Bistrica, a small restaurant smacked in the middle of smoking arena Bascarsija. When I say smoking, the old town is literally engulfed with smoke from cooking and puffs from the locals whose penchant for cigarattes know no end. Back to the food, I ordered meatball in soup while Mira had Bosanski Lonac, an authentic Bosnian stew cooked in ceramic pot by layering meat and vegetables.
Rice with meatball in soup and mashed potato.
Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque
The entrance of Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque. Entrance fee of 2KM is applicable to enter the mosque.
It is the most monumental mosque of the Ottoman period and remains as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is one of legacy left by Gazi Husrev Beg.
Tram 2,3,1,5 |Latin Bridge Exit
Gazi Husrev Beg’s Bezistan
The building was built after Gazi Husrev-bey’s death between 1537 and 1557. It bears the striking resemblance to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.It was a focal point of silk, leather and cotton trade in Sarajevo. Today, the bazaar sells various souvenirs. In fact, this is where you can buy the cheapest fridge magnet in Bascarsija.
Tram 2,3,1,5 |Latin Bridge Exit
Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart
The Latin Bridge
On June 28, 1914,Franz Ferdinand, the Austro Hungarian heir and his wife, Sofia was shot near the Latin Bridge. The event triggered the First World War. On the assassination day, atleast 6 assassins were positioned to attack Franz Ferdinand and his wife. It was a nationalism movement by young Bosnians. There is a museum dedicated for the assassination of Franz Ferdinand just at the corner when Principa (the assassin) pulled the trigger of his gun that eventually killed Franz Ferdinand.
To be continued in Charming Sarajevo – Part 2
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All this spots in Sarajevo reminds me of the Malay Drama of Satu Hari di Sarajevo starring Remy Ishak and Sara Ali. The shoot the drama right on that Latin Bridge, Bascarsija where they had their coffee and lunch and many more.