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Old Orthodox Church

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Old Orthodox Church (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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The Old Orthodox Church in Sarajevo, officially dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, is one of the city's most remarkable and oldest religious buildings. Although first mentioned in Ottoman tax registers in 1539, historians believe its foundation dates back to the early Middle Ages. Hidden within the bustling Baščaršija district, the stone building stands out due to its unusual square ground plan and its partially sunken structure, an architectural compromise designed to comply with strict Ottoman height restrictions for non-Islamic buildings. The interior of the church is celebrated for its remarkable 17th-century wooden iconostasis, masterfully carved by artisans from the Serbian and Cretan schools. Located right next to the church is a highly acclaimed museum, which houses one of the most valuable collections of Byzantine, Russian, and local icons in the Balkans, alongside ancient manuscripts and liturgical vestments.

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 Old Orthodox Church is an active church and a museum. Visitors can attend services or explore the icon collection inside.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open for services and visiting hours. Check for specific times, as it may close during services.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash, out of respect. Icons are rarely allowed to be photographed with flash.
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Time needed
A visit to the church and icon museum takes about 20-30 minutes. The museum is small but rich in religious art.
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Combine with
Located in the Baščaršija district, near the Clock Tower and Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. Combine with a walk through the old bazaar.
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Getting there
In the heart of Sarajevo's old town, easily reachable on foot. Bus stops are nearby.
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Insider tip
Dress modestly as it is a functioning church. The icon museum requests a small donation.

Geography

Coordinates
43.86040, 18.43000

Facts

  • First mentioned in Ottoman sources in 1539.
  • The current form of the church dates back to 1726 after a fire.
  • The church is dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
  • The Baroque-style bell tower was added in 1883.
  • The iconostasis was carved by local masters in 1734.
  • The church's museum houses a collection of icons from the 13th to 19th centuries.
  • The outer walls are over a meter thick.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gazi Husrev-beg MosqueGazi Husrev-beg Mosque<1 km · SWExplore →
Istočni Stari GradIstočni Stari Grad2 km · EExplore →
Sarajevo ZooSarajevo Zoo2 km · NWExplore →
National Museum of Bosnia and HerzegovinaNational Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina2 km · WExplore →
TrebevićTrebević3 km · SEExplore →
East SarajevoEast Sarajevo6 km · SWExplore →
LukavicaLukavica8 km · SWExplore →
BriješćeBriješće8 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Old Orthodox Church (10)

Old Orthodox Church

16th-century Serbian Orthodox church in Sarajevo's old town.

Museum of the Old Serbian Orthodox Church Sarajevo🏛 museum

Collection of icons, liturgical objects, and manuscripts.

💶

Gazi Khusrev-beg's Khanqa

Former dervish monastery from the 16th century in Sarajevo.

Gazi Husrev Bey's (Kuršumli) Madrasa

Ottoman Quranic school built in 1537, now a cultural monument.

Bakijska džamija

Mosque in the Bakići neighborhood, dating from the Ottoman period.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Large mosque from 1530 in central Sarajevo, the city's main mosque.

Sarajevo Clock Tower

Freestanding clock tower from the 17th century next to Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

The Brusa Bezistan🏛 museum

Historic market hall from the 16th century, now a museum.

Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina🏛 museum

Synagogue and museum about the history of Bosnia's Jewish community.

Galerija Novi Hram

Art museum in a former synagogue, showcasing contemporary art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this church so special?
It is one of Sarajevo's oldest churches and houses a valuable collection of icons in its museum.
Is there a museum at the church?
Yes, the adjacent museum houses one of the most significant collections of Orthodox art in the world.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
About 45 to 60 minutes are sufficient for both the church and the museum.
Can I light candles in the church?
Yes, it is customary to light candles for the living and the deceased in the narthex.
Where exactly is the church located?
It is located on the eastern edge of Baščaršija, near Mula Mustafa Bašeskija Street.
Old Orthodox Church: where is it located?
Old Orthodox Church is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Old Orthodox Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Old Orthodox Church, Museum of the Old Serbian Orthodox Church Sarajevo, Gazi Khusrev-beg's Khanqa.
Old Orthodox Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Old Orthodox Church: why is it worth visiting?
The Old Orthodox Church in Sarajevo, officially dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, is one of the city's most remarkable and oldest religious buildings.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

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