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Butmir Archaeological Site

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Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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The archaeological site of Butmir, located near the modern Sarajevo suburb of Ilidža, is one of the most important prehistoric discoveries in Southeast Europe. It gave its name to the Butmir culture, a significant Neolithic society that flourished in this region between 5100 and 4500 BC. The site was discovered accidentally in 1893 during the construction of an agricultural college during the Austro-Hungarian period. International archaeologists quickly uncovered the remains of semi-subterranean huts (pit-houses) that were typical of this culture. However, what made Butmir world-famous is the exceptional quality and diversity of the ceramics found there. The vessels are richly decorated with spiral and geometric patterns. In addition, numerous expressively shaped clay figurines depicting human and animal forms were discovered. These findings provided valuable insights into the daily life, art, and religious beliefs of the Stone Age inhabitants of the Balkans.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-127121618181394-1
Rain mm6364696999103756177717473

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Butmir archaeological site is an open-air area with excavated foundations, visitable at any time. Access is free and unrestricted.
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Typical hours
Being an unguarded open site, it is accessible at any time during the day. A visit in daylight is recommended to make out the details of the excavations.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted; the exposed stone rows and pottery fragments make interesting subjects. A tripod is recommended for macro shots of ground finds.
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Time needed
Visiting the site takes about 20 to 30 minutes as the area is not very large. Those interested in prehistory should allow more time to study the finds.
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Combine with
Nearby is the Museum of Sarajevo, which displays finds from Butmir. Sarajevo's old town and the Zemaljski Muzej are also worthwhile destinations.
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Getting there
The site is in the suburb Butmir southwest of Sarajevo, easily reachable by bus or car. Parking is available right on the road.
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Insider tip
Combine the visit with a detour to the Butmir golf course if you want to relax. Early morning has the best light for photographing the excavations.

Geography

Coordinates
43.81890, 18.33080

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tunnel of HopeTunnel of Hope<1 km · NEExplore →
IlidžaIlidža2 km · WExplore →
LukavicaLukavica3 km · SEExplore →
BriješćeBriješće3 km · NExplore →
East SarajevoEast Sarajevo4 km · EExplore →
Krupac NecropolisKrupac Necropolis4 km · SEExplore →
Vrelo BosneVrelo Bosne5 km · WExplore →
Vraca Memorial ParkVraca Memorial Park6 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Butmir Archaeological Site (10)

Tunnel of Salvation🏛 museum

Museum in the Sarajevo war tunnel, commemorating the 1992-1995 siege.

🕒 Jan 1-Mar 31,Nov 1-Dec 31 09:00-16:00; Apr 1-Oct 31 08:30-17💶

Terme Ilidža

Thermal spa in Ilidža, used since Roman times.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-22:00

Roman domus

Archaeological site of a Roman house in Ilidža.

Rimske iskopine

Roman baths, archaeological excavations in Ilidža.

Crkva Sv. Vasilija Ostroškog

Orthodox church in Ilidža, dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog.

Gradac na Ilinjači🏰 castle

Archaeological site Gradac in Gornji Kotorac, castle ruins.

Spomenik Gavrilu Principu

Monument to Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, a controversial historical marker.

Mojmilo

Viewpoint overlooking Sarajevo and the surrounding hills.

Stara željeznička stanica na Ilidži🏛 museum

Former railway station in Ilidža, now a museum of railway history.

Spomenik porodici

Monument dedicated to the family in Sarajevo.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Butmir culture?
A Neolithic culture (ca. 5100-4500 BC), famous for its unique ceramics.
Where is the archaeological site located?
It is located in the suburb of Butmir, very close to the Sarajevo airport.
What was found here?
Tools, ceramics with spiral motifs, and anthropomorphic figurines.
Can you see the findings?
The main findings are displayed in the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
Are there on-site reconstructions?
There were projects for an open-air archaeological museum, implementation is partly limited.
Butmir Archaeological Site: where is it located?
Butmir Archaeological Site is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Butmir Archaeological Site: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tunnel of Salvation, Terme Ilidža, Roman domus.
Butmir Archaeological Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Butmir Archaeological Site: why is it worth visiting?
The archaeological site of Butmir, located near the modern Sarajevo suburb of Ilidža, is one of the most important prehistoric discoveries in Southeast Europe.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

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Lukavica — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.
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Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
East Sarajevo — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.
Roca — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Ilidža — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Kakanj — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Novi Travnik — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Kiseljak — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Fojnica — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Vogošća — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Tihovići — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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More places

Old Town Visoki — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Visoki was a royal castle and the capital of the medieval Bosnian state.
Sarajevo City Hall — Butmir Archaeological Site (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Built in the Pseudo-Moorish style, the Vijećnica is one of the most magnificent buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period in Sarajevo.