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Eternal Flame
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monument
The Eternal Flame (Vječna vatra) is one of the most famous and iconic monuments in Sarajevo. It is situated in the very heart of the city, at the intersection of the bustling Ferhadija pedestrian zone and Tito Street (Titova ulica). The memorial was inaugurated on April 6, 1946, exactly on the first anniversary of Sarajevo's liberation from fascist occupation during World War II. It is dedicated to the military liberators of the Yugoslav Partisan army, as well as to the civilian victims of the city. The text on the memorial plaque features the blue, white, and red colors of the former Yugoslav flag. The copper fire basin, from which the open flame continuously burns, is embedded into a niche in the facade of the former Grand Hotel. With very few exceptions, such as brief outages during the 1990s siege or for essential maintenance work, this fire burns uninterruptedly as an eternal symbol of remembrance and freedom.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Eternal flame · Kamerni Teatar 55 · Gradska tržnica Markale
- Nearby: East Sarajevo (5 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
Visiting
The Eternal Flame is a public monument that can be visited at any time. It is located on the main street and is freely accessible.
Typical hours
Being an outdoor sculpture, there are no opening hours. The flame burns continuously and is visible day and night.
Photography
Photography is possible at any time without restrictions. Especially at night, the flame stands out in the darkness.
Time needed
A short stop of about 10 to 15 minutes is enough to appreciate the monument. It is a quick stop on a city tour.
Combine with
The monument is on Ferhadija Street, one of Sarajevo's main pedestrian streets. Combine it with a walk to the cathedral and the market square.
Getting there
The Eternal Flame is centrally located at the intersection of Ferhadija and Marshal Tito Street. It is easily reachable on foot from the old town.
Insider tip
Visit the monument in the evening when the flame looks especially striking against its surroundings. Pause briefly to pay respects to the memorial.
Geography
Facts
- Unveiled on April 6, 1946, the first anniversary of Sarajevo's liberation.
- It honors the military and civilian victims of World War II.
- The memorial is located at the end of Marshal Tito Street.
- The flame was extinguished only for a short time during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996) due to fuel shortages.
- It was designed by architect Juraj Neidhardt.
- The inscription reads: 'With courage and the jointly shed blood...'
- It is a popular meeting point and a symbol of the city.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Eternal Flame (10)
Olympic Museum🏛 museum
Tito Sarajevo - Yugoslavia🏛 museum
Trg oslobođenja - Alija Izetbegović🌳 park
Bosanski kulturni centar
Francuski institut
Kalin hadži Alijine džamija
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the Eternal Flame symbolize?
It commemorates the military and civilian victims of World War II in Sarajevo.
Where exactly is it located in Sarajevo?
At the intersection of Titova and Ferhadija pedestrian streets in the city center.
Does the flame ever go out?
Only rarely for maintenance or due to vandalism; it normally burns permanently.
When was the memorial inaugurated?
The memorial was unveiled on April 6, 1946, the first anniversary of Sarajevo's liberation.
Is there a cost to see the memorial?
No, it is a public memorial on a street corner and freely accessible at any time.
Eternal Flame: where is it located?
Eternal Flame is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Eternal Flame: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eternal flame, Kamerni Teatar 55, Gradska tržnica Markale.
Eternal Flame: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Eternal Flame: why is it worth visiting?
The Eternal Flame (Vječna vatra) is one of the most famous and iconic monuments in Sarajevo.
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