[2025 Stari Grad Attraction] Travel Guide for Sacred Heart Cathedral (Updated Jul)

✨ Discover a lesser-known but stunning destination in the Balkans—Kotor! Nestled in Montenegro, this small town is truly a "hidden gem" of Europe! 🏞 🏰 Surrounded by azure fjords and mountains, with ancient walls covered in ivy and cobblestone streets bearing medieval footprints, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. 🏰✨ 📍 Kotor Old Town Step into the old town and feel transported back to the Middle Ages! 🏰 Cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and weathered walls make every photo Instagram-worthy! 📸 Don’t miss the St. Tryphon Cathedral with its unique twin towers—it’s a must-see! 📍 Kotor Bay Known as "Europe’s southernmost fjord," this place is absolutely breathtaking! 🌊 The azure waters surrounded by mountains are best explored by boat. 🚤 Visit during sunset for a romantic view as the golden light reflects on the water. 📍 Lovćen Mountain For hiking enthusiasts, this is a must-visit! 🏞 From the summit, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the entire Kotor Bay. 🏔 Though the climb is challenging, the stunning scenery makes it all worthwhile! 📍 Food Recommendations When in Kotor, seafood is a must! 🦐 Check out "Galion," a seaside restaurant with amazing views and fresh seafood platters. 🍤 Don’t forget to try Montenegro’s signature roasted meat dishes as well! 🗺 Three-Country Itinerary 📍 Day 1: Departure 📍 Day 2: Belgrade Highlights: Museum of Yugoslav History, Danube River Cruise, Tesla Museum, Former Chinese Embassy Site, St. Sava Cathedral 📍 Day 3: Belgrade to Sarajevo Highlights: Latin Bridge, Sebilj Fountain, Sarajevo Mosque, Copper Alley, Sacred Heart Cathedral 📍 Day 4: Sarajevo to Mostar Highlights: Buna Spring, Mostar Old Bridge, Mostar Old Town 📍 Day 5: Mostar to Kotor Highlights: Kotor Old Town, Kotor Bay Boat Tour 📍 Day 6: Kotor to Budva Old Town to Žabljak 📍 Day 7: Žabljak to Durmitor National Park to Tara Bridge to Wooden Village to Zlatibor Highlights: Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, Tara Bridge, Wooden Village 📍 Day 8: Zlatibor to Belgrade 📍 Day 9: Belgrade to Return

#postandearn Visiting Sarajevo was a deeply moving and eye-opening experience. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, the city offers a fascinating blend of East and West — where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand just streets apart, and where the echoes of history are present on every corner. I began my visit in Baščaršija, the old Ottoman bazaar, where narrow stone streets are filled with the sounds of clinking copper, the smell of fresh burek, and the call to prayer from nearby minarets. Sipping traditional Bosnian coffee in a small café felt like stepping into another time — slow, rich, and full of atmosphere. Walking across the Latin Bridge, I paused at the spot where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914 — a moment that changed world history. Nearby museums helped bring that complex story to life. But Sarajevo’s more recent history was just as powerful. I visited the Tunnel of Hope, built during the siege in the 1990s, and heard stories of survival, resilience, and strength that stayed with me long after I left. In the evening, I watched the sun set over the city from the Yellow Fortress, where a panoramic view revealed the true beauty of Sarajevo — a city that has endured, rebuilt, and never lost its spirit. Sarajevo touched me in a way few cities have. It’s not just a place you visit, but one you remember. #travel #thingstodo #bosnia

#citypassguide #sarajevo Getting to the City Center Exchange around €10 per person at the airport, just enough for transport. Currency exchange rates are better in the city. Airport shuttle bus is available (5 EUR), but we ended up sharing a taxi with 2 other travelers for €7.5 per person (12.5 KM each). Day 1 – Old Town Highlights Sebil Fountain – Iconic wooden fountain, more symbolic than spectacular. Sacred Heart Cathedral – Beautiful stained glass & Sunday masses. Serbian Orthodox Cathedral – 19th-century church with classic architecture. Latin Bridge – Near the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. Eternal Flame Monument – A WW2 memorial, usually lit (except on snowy days). Day 2 – Modern Views & Scenic Spots Avaz Twist Tower – Amazing 35th-floor city view, free entry; drinks available at regular prices (beer ~5 KM). Trebević Cable Car – Takes you up for panoramic views and a peaceful café break. (~20 KM roundtrip). War Museum 1992 – Small museum near the cable car. Interesting but not outstanding (10 KM entry). ⛪ Places We Missed (Due to Snow or Time) Tunnel of Hope – A must for history lovers; near the airport. Vrelo Bosne – Nature park, better suited for longer stays. White Fortress (Bijela Tabija) – Great views, especially at sunset.

🫶🏻 Sarajevo, I’m in love! Your warm spirit, rich history, and beautiful mix of cultures have truly captured my 💓. From the lively charm of Baščaršija to the quiet reverence of your memorials, every corner tells a story that draws me in and leaves a lasting emotional connection. 🧐 Why Sarajevo? Sarajevo is undoubtedly one of the most captivating cities in the world—beautiful, walkable, and full of character. Nestled among majestic mountains, it buzzes with cozy cafes, lively streets, and a charm that blends nostalgia with a sense of hope. What truly makes it unforgettable, though, are the people—Bosnians are genuinely some of the warmest and most welcoming I’ve encountered in all my Balkan travels. 📌Essentials 📱 Get an e-SIM that covers the Balkan region 🗺️ Google Maps works perfectly for navigation. 💳 An international bank card is all you need—I didn’t have to exchange any money during my 3-day stay. 🚃 Trams are affordable—you pay a single fare to the driver and can ride as long as you like, as long as you don’t get off before your destination. 🛬 How to get here: ✈️ By Air – Flying is the fastest option, with Sarajevo well-connected to major cities across Europe and the Balkans. 🚌 By Bus – Direct buses run from nearby cities like Dubrovnik, Zagreb (Croatia), and Belgrade (Serbia), making it an easy and budget-friendly option—just keep in mind that it may take a bit longer. 🚘 By Car – Driving offers flexibility and scenic views, but be prepared for possible challenges at border crossings, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local languages like Bosnian or Serbo-Croatian. 🏨 Where to Stay: 🏙️ For a short stay – Choose a hotel in the city center, close to Sarajevo’s iconic spots like Baščaršija and the Miljacka River, for easy access to the heart of the action. 🏡 For a longer stay – Airbnb offers a wide range of apartments to suit any budget, giving you a more local and comfortable experience. 🗓️ Best time to visit: According to the locals, ☀️ Late Spring (May–Jun) and 🍂 Early Autumn (Sep–Oct) are ideal times to experience Sarajevo’s beauty, with mild weather and fewer crowds. We visited in late April—it was stunning, but quite windy. The cable car was shut due to strong gusts, and our flights in and out of Sarajevo were affected by the wind as well. 🤩 Must see 🆓 attractions on foot 0️⃣1️⃣ Baščaršija 0️⃣2️⃣ Sebilj 0️⃣3️⃣ Baščaršija Mosque 0️⃣4️⃣ Sarajevo City Hall 0️⃣5️⃣ Šeher-ćehaja Bridge 0️⃣6️⃣ Vijećnica 0️⃣7️⃣ Sarajevska žičara (the cable car ride is not free 15KM for one way or 20KM for a return, children under 7 are free) 0️⃣8️⃣ Emperor's Mosque 0️⃣9️⃣ Latin Bridge or Latinska Ćuprija 1️⃣0️⃣ Music Pavilion - At Mejdan 1️⃣1️⃣ Ćumurija most 1️⃣2️⃣ Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos 1️⃣3️⃣ Sacred Heart Cathedral 1️⃣4️⃣ Pijaca Markale food market 1️⃣5️⃣ Ferhadija Street #travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #familytravel #myitinerary #citydaytours

In Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina is like a lost pearl, exuding a unique charm. Not only does it offer visa-free entry to China, but it also offers an unforgettable travel experience with its rich history and culture, magnificent mountains and rivers, and tempting food. As you step into Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, you are overwhelmed by the weight of history. The Latin Bridge may look ordinary, but it was the place where the fuse of World War I was ignited. Standing on the bridge, the bullet holes on the bridge tell of the cruelty of past wars and make people deeply realize the preciousness of peace. In the old town of Baščarshia, the cobblestone roads have been polished smooth by time, and on both sides of the streets are Ottoman-style buildings with exquisitely carved doors and windows. Coppersmith Street is bustling with people working on copperware. This ancient skill has been passed down for hundreds of years. Visitors can buy special souvenirs and feel the warmth of history. The Old Bridge in Mostar, built in the 16th century, is an outstanding representative of Ottoman architectural art. It was bombed during the war and rebuilt after the war, carrying the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina's adherence to history and culture. Standing on the bridge and looking down, the river water is clear, the streets are full of life, and locals jump into the water from the bridge, adding modern vitality to the ancient bridge and perfectly blending history and reality. The natural beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina is equally stunning. Jajce Waterfall is the only waterfall in Europe located in the city center. The 30-meter-high waterfall is majestic, and the water splashes to form a rainbow. The medieval city next to the waterfall is looming, like a fairyland. The lakes and forests deep in the mountains are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Walking along the mountain trails, you will see lush trees and fresh air. Climbing to the top of the mountain and looking down, you will see the continuous mountains and mirror-like lakes, which will make you awe-inspiring and all your fatigue and worries will disappear. Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide Visa Information Chinese citizens holding a valid passport can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. Best time to travel From May to October, the climate is warm and rainy, with an average daytime temperature of around 25°C, which is suitable for hiking and roaming. In December, during the Christmas season, the city markets are lit up with romantic lights, but the mountains are cold, so you need to keep warm. Transportation External transportation requires transfers in other European cities, such as Istanbul, Vienna, etc. You can book air tickets in advance on the official website or travel platform. For internal transportation, the bus network is well developed and tickets can be purchased at bus stations, newsstands or from the driver; renting a car and driving yourself gives you more freedom, but there are many mountain roads and bends, so you need to install anti-skid tires or anti-skid chains in winter and bring all your documents. Classic attractions Sarajevo has the Latin Bridge, the Old Town of Baščarhia, the Yellow Fort, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Gediz Husserl Beg Mosque; Mostar has the Old Bridge and the Old Town, and the Buna Fountain. Food Recommendations The ćevapi grilled sausage with onions and naan is tender and juicy; the Bosnia and Herzegovina stew is slow-cooked with meat, vegetables and spices, with a rich flavor; the Bosnian coffee is slow-brewed in a copper kettle and paired with Turkish delight, which is full of ritual; the Tufahije stewed apple and walnut dessert is soft, tender and sweet. Accommodation suggestions In Sarajevo, it is recommended to stay near the old town for convenient transportation; in Mostar, it is recommended to stay near the old bridge for easy viewing of the night view and convenient surrounding life. Precautions The overall public security in Bosnia and Herzegovina is good, but you should be aware of theft prevention in crowded places such as airports and markets, keep your personal belongings safe, do not carry valuables, and do not leave valuables in the car. When taking a taxi, choose a regular company vehicle, negotiate the price before getting in and ask for the meter.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #FebruaryTravelSupportEvent #OverseasTravel Located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town, **Sacred Heart Cathedral (Katedrala Srca Isusova)** is a representative neo-Gothic building that was completed in 1889 during the Bosnian-Hungarian Empire. This cathedral, with its impressive 43m-tall twin towers and rose window decorations, was designed by architect Josip Bankas, modeled after Notre Dame in Dijon, France. It is the largest Catholic cathedral in Bosnia, and the interior features gorgeous stained glass and a gold-leafed altar, adding to its religious grandeur. Key attractions🙃 Frescoes: Ceiling murals reproducing original paintings by Alexander Seitz Marble altar: The main altar and saints made of Grisignano marble Historical relics: Tomb of Josip Stadler, the first archbishop of Sarajevo Visit tips😉 Free admission (09:00-17:30, closed on Mondays) Night lighting: Magnificent Gothic façade illuminated by golden lights Connected with nearby Bašcarcija Market and Latin Bridge It was partially damaged during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, but has been restored and is now an iconic landmark of Sarajevo. Some travelers say that the interior decoration is "simple," but it is enough to feel the essence of 19th-century European religious architecture. It is also easily accessible, a 15-minute walk from Sarajevo Central Station! #BosniaHerzegovina