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Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart
The Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart (Katedrala Srca Isusova) is the largest and most significant Catholic church in Bosnia and Herzegovina, standing as a central landmark of Sarajevo. The imposing structure was constructed between 1884 and 1889 following the designs of the renowned architect Josip Vancaš, utilizing a Neo-Gothic style interwoven with Romanesque elements. The building's design was heavily inspired by Notre-Dame in Paris and the Cathedral of Dijon. Its distinctive facade features two striking 43-meter-high bell towers, between which sits a brilliantly colored rose window. Inside, the cathedral captivates visitors with its masterfully carved wooden altars, sweeping stained glass windows, and intricate frescoes. Although it suffered damage during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the cathedral survived as a powerful symbol of interfaith peace and the city's remarkable resilience. Today, it welcomes worshippers and tourists alike, representing the deep religious diversity of Sarajevo.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Gallery 11/07/95 · Sacred Heart Cathedral · Museum of Crimes against Humanity and Genocide 1992-1995
- Nearby: East Sarajevo (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 64 | 69 | 69 | 99 | 103 | 75 | 61 | 77 | 71 | 74 | 73 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Built between 1884 and 1889 according to the plans of architect Josip Vancaš.
- The two front towers are 43.2 meters high.
- A 5-ton bell is housed in the towers.
- The cathedral was built in the Neo-Gothic style with Romanesque elements.
- Construction was supported by the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I.
- Severely damaged during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s.
- The tomb of Archbishop Josip Stadler, who initiated the construction, is inside.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart (10)
Ferhadija Mosque
16th-century Ottoman mosque in the center of Sarajevo.
Sarajevo 80s Museum🏛 museum
Everyday objects and memorabilia from Yugoslavia in the 1980s.
Orthodox Cathedral in Sarajevo
Serbian Orthodox cathedral built 1863-1868 in historicist style.
Galerija Novi Hram
Art museum in a former synagogue, showcasing contemporary art.
Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures
Pavement marker where Eastern and Western cultures once met.
Trg oslobođenja - Alija Izetbegović🌳 park
Central square with park, named after Bosnia's first president.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What architectural style is the cathedral?
When is the cathedral open?
Is there an entrance fee?
Whose statue stands in front of the cathedral?
Are there masses in English?
Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart: where is it located?
Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart: what is there to see?
Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart: when is the best time to visit?
Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
