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Sarajevo City Hall

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Sarajevo City Hall (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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The Vijećnica in Sarajevo is one of the city's most distinctive and magnificent structures, standing as a masterpiece of Austro-Hungarian architecture. It was constructed between 1892 and 1896 in the Pseudo-Moorish style, designed to seamlessly blend Islamic art elements with Western architectural traditions. Originally serving as the city hall, it later became the home of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1949. Its elaborately decorated facade, striking horseshoe arches, and lavish interiors featuring stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings make it a true architectural gem. During the siege of Sarajevo in August 1992, the Vijećnica was severely damaged by shelling, and the resulting fires destroyed millions of invaluable books and manuscripts. After nearly two decades of careful and meticulous reconstruction, the building was officially reopened to the public on May 9, 2014. Today, it serves as a venue for city council meetings, museum exhibitions, and cultural events.

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
Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) is a public building now serving as the National and University Library, partially open to visitors. The courtyard and ceremonial halls are accessible, often with guided tours.
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Typical hours
The building typically has fixed opening hours that may vary seasonally. On weekdays it is usually open from 10 am to 6 pm, shorter on weekends - check ahead online recommended.
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Photography
Photography without flash is usually allowed in the courtyard and public areas. In the library halls, photography may be prohibited to protect the books.
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Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for visiting the city hall and its exhibitions. The interior architecture with its magnificent ceiling paintings is a sight in itself.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Latin Bridge and the Museum of the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand. The old town Baščaršija is also a short walk away.
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Getting there
The city hall is on the banks of the Miljacka River, about a 10-minute walk from Baščaršija Square. By tram, take the 'Vijećnica' stop directly in front of the building.
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Insider tip
Book a guided tour in advance to see the historically significant rooms otherwise inaccessible. The best time of day is the morning when the building is still quiet.

Geography

Population
3,666 (2012)
Coordinates
43.85920, 18.43320

Facts

  • Construction began in 1892 and was completed in 1896.
  • The lead architects of the project were Alexander Wittek and Ćiril Iveković.
  • From 1949, it became the center of the National and University Library.
  • An estimated 2 million books were burned in the fire of August 25, 1992.
  • The restoration of the building took more than 18 years.
  • The Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra played at the 2014 reopening.
  • The facade and shape of the building were inspired by mosques in Cairo and Córdoba.

Explore nearby

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SarajevoSarajevo2 km · WExplore →
Sarajevo ZooSarajevo Zoo2 km · NWExplore →
TrebevićTrebević3 km · SEExplore →
Vraca Memorial ParkVraca Memorial Park3 km · SWExplore →
East SarajevoEast Sarajevo6 km · SWExplore →
LukavicaLukavica8 km · SWExplore →
BriješćeBriješće8 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Sarajevo City Hall (10)

City Hall

City hall in Sarajevo, a landmark of the city.

Ars Aevi

Contemporary art center in Sarajevo, with rotating exhibitions.

♿

Cat Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Sarajevo, dedicated to cats and their history.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-22:00

Inat kuća

Spite house and restaurant in Sarajevo, known for its story.

Čekrekčijina

Mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a place of worship.

Hadžijska džamija

Mosque in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a place of worship.

Baščaršijska džamija

Mosque in Sarajevo, located in the old town center.

The Brusa Bezistan🏛 museum

Former market hall in Sarajevo, now a museum.

Careva ćuprija

Bridge over the Miljacka in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Museum of the Old Serbian Orthodox Church Sarajevo🏛 museum

Museum in Sarajevo, displaying religious art and history.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Vijećnica?
The former city hall and national library of Sarajevo.
When was the building built?
It was opened in 1896 in Pseudo-Moorish style.
Was it destroyed in the war?
Yes, it was severely damaged in 1992 and fully restored in 2014.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a fee is charged for visiting the interior.
What can you see inside?
Grand stained-glass windows, exhibitions, and the impressive main hall.
Sarajevo City Hall: where is it located?
Sarajevo City Hall is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo City Hall: what is there to see?
Highlights include City Hall, Ars Aevi, Cat Museum.
Sarajevo City Hall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sarajevo City Hall: why is it worth visiting?
The Vijećnica in Sarajevo is one of the city's most distinctive and magnificent structures, standing as a masterpiece of Austro-Hungarian architecture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

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