"Sarajevo...as I remember it" Sarajevo by karenincalifornia

Sarajevo Travel Guide: 1,085 reviews and 2,802 photos

Bascarsija (Old Town) Sarajevo, 1986

Before the war

My husband and I honeymooned in Yugoslavia in 1986 and spent several days in Sarajevo. At that time, Sarajevo was perhaps at its height of prosperity. It had hosted the winter Olympics just two years before, and in preparation of the Olympics had done a substantial amount of improvements. Tourism was flourishing, although it had not yet caught on with American tourists as a destination spot. The city was busy and vibrant, sparkling clean, the many national monuments and historical structures were well preserved. There was no hint at all that the city would be plunged into war just a few short years later.

Many cultures in one place

Katedrala Srce Isusovo, Sarajevo

Sarajevo was an extremely cosompolitan city made up of diverse cultures and seemingly a model of ethnic harmony. Located in the same neighborhood would be a mosque, a Serbian Orthodox church, a Catholic cathedral and a Jewish Synagogue. This is what you would see in in Sarajevo.

Sarajevo has changed significantly, I know. But, this is how I remember it, 18 years ago....

Pros and Cons

Pros:Diverse culture, vibrant community, exceptionally welcoming people

Last visit to Sarajevo: Sep 1986
Intro Updated Jan 21, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (23)

National Library, Sarajevo, 1986 - Sarajevo

Vijecnica, National Library Sarajevo,... Things to Do (9)

The National Library formerly served as a government building for the Austro-Hungarian empire, then the Town Hall for... more travel advice

Pijaca Shopping (3)

The open air pijaca is a popular and busy place where residents shop for food. The food purchased in these markets was... more travel advice

Umjetnicka Akaemija, Sarajevo, 1986 - Sarajevo

Umjetnicka Akademija, Sarajevo Things to Do (9)

One of the most stunningly beautiful buildings in Sarajevo is the Umjetnicka Akademija (Academy of Fine Arts), which... more travel advice

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Sarajevo, 1986 - Sarajevo

Another View of the Serbian Orthodox... Favorites (10)

Based on news reports of the events in Sarajevo in 1992-95, it is easy to picture a city divided. On our trip to... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Fantastic cafes in Bascarsija - Before...

Been to Sarajevo?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (26)

Reply
- Report abuse
davorjm Oct 19, 2007 at 9:58 AM

Karen, I was born and raised in Sarajevo. It's amazing to see old pictures "antebellum" pictures. This one is the National Theater (Narodno Pozoriste.) It's still open and functioning. :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
1courage Feb 26, 2007 at 11:12 PM

It`s Europe`s shame that this devastation could occure in a europian city with old europian traditions. I`ve seen some recent images and it seems that the restoration is going well, but surely the pain will stay for several decades.
Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Feb 8, 2006 at 5:39 PM

To experience Sarajevo [pre-war] through your eyes was quite an experience. Thanks for the insights. Great job.
Reply
- Report abuse
lubyatoo Jan 25, 2006 at 11:35 PM

Here is what's left of Vijecnica now. Really sad and I hope improvements will be made in the future. skyscrapercity.com/showthrea...
Reply
- Report abuse
JLBG Jan 17, 2006 at 1:06 PM

A superb page ! A precious document of pre-war Sarajevo ! I feel very sorry that I did not do the detour by Sarajevo in 1975. It is now too late but hope to visit it nevertheless.
Reply
- Report abuse
nomorewars Aug 13, 2005 at 3:12 AM

Wow! I wish I could have seen Sarajevo before the war. Unfortunately, my memories were made amongst the backdrop of war.
Reply
- Report abuse
jckim Feb 4, 2005 at 6:05 AM

It's a Great memories tips and pixs of sarajevo at that time! i'v seen to the after war. thank'u bring back my sarajevo memories! :)
Reply
- Report abuse
gilabrand Jan 11, 2005 at 11:20 PM

Interesting - a hero to some, a terrorist to others. Sounds familiar.
Reply
- Report abuse
Nemorino Dec 30, 2004 at 5:26 AM

Thanks for finding and posting your before-the-war photos. My only visit to Sarajevo was 35 years ago, and I don't have any photos of it at all.
Reply
- Report abuse
Aurorae Dec 14, 2004 at 1:34 AM

The war that happened is the saddest and most tragic thing.My great-grandpa was a part of Princip's group in the attack,my grandparents and dad were born in Sarajevo,all of my relatives left it in the latest war.Homemade food is NEVER like in supermarket!