Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city is the largest in the country, with 275,524 people calling it home. The metropolitan area, which includes the Sarajevo Canton, East Sarajevo and a few bordering municipalities, collectively houses over 555,210 inhabitants. The city is built in the Greater Sarajevo Valley of Bosnia, surrounded by the scenic Dinaric Alps. Locals can enjoy the Mijacks River, which runs along the city at the heart of the Balkans.

Fun Facts about Sarajevo

• Bosnia and Herzegovina are not two countries; it is the name of one country that is sometimes informally referred to as Bosnia.
• Because Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it serves as the political, financial and social-cultural center for the whole country. The city has a wide influence on media, fashion, arts and entertainment over the rest of the country.
• The city also has a diverse religious population and is sometimes called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” The city has a mosque, synagogue, Orthodox church and catholic church, all located within close proximity.
• The city first arose during Ottoman rule in the 15th century.
• In 1885 Sarajevo completed the construction of the electric tram that ran through the entire city, making it the first city in Europe to have a fully working tram.

Sarajevo sites to visit

• The Sacred Heart Cathedral: The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the largest catholic church in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is sometimes referred to as the Sarajevo Cathedral and hosts the current archbishop of Vrhbosna. It is located in the old town district.
• Avaz Twist Tower: Avaz Twist Tower is truly a marvel of modern Sarajevo. The 40-story skyscraper looks like it’s twisted. It is the headquarters of the Bosnian newspaper Dnevni Avaz.

Sarajevo Cable Car: Sarajevo Cable Car was reopened in 2018, making the commute from the old part of the city to Trebevic Mountain. It was first built in 1959.