Sniper Alley, Sarajevo

Sniper Alley, Sarajevo

Sniper Alley is an informal name for a portion of the main boulevard in Sarajevo. The streets of Zmaja od Bosne (Dragon of Bosnia) and Mesa Selimovic Boulevard were once highly dangerous for civilians. A large number of high-rise buildings provided excellent perches for the snipers that populated the city.

Sniper Alley connected the industrial parts of the city to the Old Town's historical and cultural sites, where many citizens lived. Locals needed to travel these streets despite the danger posed by the numerous snipers. The area had a large number of hand-painted signs warning of the presence of snipers to encourage citizens to find new walking routes.

It is estimated that about 225 people were killed by snipers. More than 1,000 others were wounded by sniper bullets.

Today, the region that was called Sniper Alley just a few decades ago is now home to the Sarajevo University campus, several government offices, the Botanic Gardens, and major museums.

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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Sniper Alley on Map

Sight Name: Sniper Alley
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.
Ottoman Empire Landmarks Walk

Ottoman Empire Landmarks Walk

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One such is the Old Bazaar, a bustling market square dating back to the 15th century. Here, one can immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional crafts, authentic...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour

Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour

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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
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