Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame) 

Address: Ferhadija
Entrance fee: FREE

Vječna Vatra is a memorial to those who liberated Sarajevo during World War II and was first unveiled during a commemorative event held on April 6, 1946 for the first anniversary of the liberation of Sarajevo. The monument is comprised of tiles that are inscribed with text in the colors of the flag of former Yugoslavia – blue, white and red – and there is a copper receptacle in the shape of a wreath of bay leaves which contains an open flame that is always burning. The flame symbolizes that Sarajevo’s liberators and the coat of arms of former Yugoslavia will be forever remembered. This simple yet beautiful monument is the work of architect, Juraj Neidhardt. It was installed at the front of one building in the heart of Sarajevo’s walking zone, at the junction of Mula Mustafa Bašeskije, Titova and Ferhadija Streets.

Bijela tabija (White Fortress)

Entrance fee: FREE

The White Fortress, which is situated atop a hill that offers a fantastic view of Sarajevo and its surroundings, is one of the five fortifications that were built as part of the defensive wall around the old town of Vratnik. It is believed that the White Fortress, which overlooks the eastern entrance to the Sarajevo Valley, takes its name from the white rocks that were used in its construction. The White Fortress is a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina and, given the incredible view, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sarajevo.

Žuta Tabija (Yellow Fortress)

Address: Jekovac
Entrance fee: FREE

The Yellow Fortress is one of the fortifications that made up the defensive wall of the old town, Vratnik. Since it is positioned up on Jekovac Cliff, it is also known as Jekovac Fortress. Five bastions were placed at points along the fortified wall, including the Yellow Fortress, which takes its name from the yellow rock that was used in its construction. The fortress lost its original function once the Austro-Hungarians took over Sarajevo. Today, it offers a fantastic view of the city and is one of Sarajevo’s most popular vantage points. This is also the spot where a cannon is fired at sunset during the Islamic month of Ramadan to mark the time for breaking the fast.

Sebilj

Address: Baščaršija 
Entrance fee: FREE

There used to be hundreds of sebiljs (kiosk-shaped public fountains) in Sarajevo, but today the last one is found on Baščaršija Square, where it serves as a major symbol of the city. The origins of these fountains can be traced back to the Arabian Peninsula and the custom of building sebiljs was brought to Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Ottomans. Sebiljdžija, workers who received wages from the state or a vakuf (endowment), manned the kiosks and dispensed free water to hungry passersby. This sebilj in Baščaršija dates back to the Austro-Hungarian period. The original one, built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica, was several meters away from where Sebilj now stands, but was knocked down after being damaged during a fire. Alexander Wittek’s design for Baščaršija’s Sebiljis in the Pseudo Moorish style and was installed in 1913. It underwent renovation before the XIV Winter Olympic Games were held and again after the last war.

Vijećnica (City Hall)

Address: Obala Kulina bana
Entrance fee: 10 BAM

City Hall is the most extravagant building constructed in Sarajevo during Austro-Hungarian occupation and serves as a symbol of the meeting of world civilizations. The project was overseen by Alexander Wittek, who had proposed his Pseudo Moorish design – the perfect architectural unity of East and West – for the future seat of the city’s government. Since it first opened on April 20, 1896, the building has become the most important symbol of Sarajevo and is featured as an iconic motif in many photographs of the city. After World War II, City Hall became home to the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the nights of August 25-26, 1992 during the last war, City Hall was set ablaze. Nearly 90% of the library’s collection went up in flames and the building became a symbol of the Siege and tragedy of Sarajevo. Reconstruction of the City Hall got underway in 1996 and the official opening took place on May 9, 2014, the same day that Europe Day and the Day of Victory over Fascism are observed.