Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour (Self Guided), Sarajevo

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, and artillery. Snipers lay in wait in a region that was dubbed Sniper Alley.

Nearly 14,000 people were killed during the siege. This included over 5,000 civilians. It was estimated that an average of eight people were killed per day. Over 1,000 children were killed in the siege. Many soldiers killed during the siege were interred at Martyrs' Memorial Cemetery Kovaci. The Memorial to the Murdered Children of Besieged Sarajevo is located in Veliki Park.

Nearly every building in Sarajevo suffered at least some damage by the end of the siege. Approximately 35,000 buildings were completely destroyed. Among these was the National Library, which was fully burned to the ground. The National Library was rebuilt and now functions as the Sarajevo City Hall.

The siege finally came to an end on February 29, 1996. Reminders of this brutal piece of Sarajevo history can be found throughout the city in the Sarajevo Roses, impressions left by bombs that were later filled with red resin to symbolize the loss of life and property during the war.