Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) and Sebilj Fountain, Sarajevo

Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) and Sebilj Fountain, Sarajevo (must see)

The Old Bazaar (Bascarsija) is the historical and cultural center of Sarajevo. It was built by Isa-Bey Ishakovic, the founder of Sarajevo, at the time the city was founded in the 15th century.

The first construction of the Old Bazaar was in 1462. An inn and several shops were built in the area. Mosques were also added, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, which was constructed in 1530. In addition to the Mosques, the Old Orthodox Church was established around 1539, and the Old Synagogue was built in 1587.

There are many important, historical buildings and structures in and around the Old Bazaar. Among these are the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Sebilj Fountain.

Sebilj Fountain is a symbol of Sarajevo. The Ottoman-style wooden fountain built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753, was relocated by Austrian architect Alexander Wittek in 1891. Legend states that anyone who drinks from the Sebilj Fountain will return to Sarajevo.

The fountain is so famous that it has inspired numerous replicas around the world. There are copies of the Sebilj Fountain in Belgrade, Serbia; St. Louis, Missouri; Bursa, Turkey; and Rozaje, Montenegro.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sarajevo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) and Sebilj Fountain on Map

Sight Name: Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) and Sebilj Fountain
Sight Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (See walking tours in Sarajevo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Create Your Own Walk in Sarajevo

Create Your Own Walk in Sarajevo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Sarajevo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sarajevo Introduction Walking Tour

Sarajevo Introduction Walking Tour

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the country's largest city. This historical and picturesque city is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and rests along both banks of the Miljacka River.

The city was established by the Ottoman Empire around 1461. It was named "Sarajevo," which means "the plains around the palace." The name is derived from the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour

Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour

The Siege of Sarajevo was an extended battle in the city during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996. It is known to be the most prolonged siege of a capital city, having lasted several months longer than the early 20th century Siege of Madrid.

The Bosnian War began when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia. The city was blockaded by the Serbs and bombarded by bombs, tanks,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Ottoman Empire Landmarks Walk

Ottoman Empire Landmarks Walk

Sarajevo is a city founded by the Ottoman Empire upon conquering the region, 1461 is most often referred to as the founding year. Today, there are a number of landmarks built by the first Ottoman governor of Bosnia that endured over the centuries. Take this self-guided walking tour to see the most impressive Ottoman landmarks in the city of Sarajevo.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles