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Published on February 3, 2026

Sarajevo's War History: Visiting the Tunnel of Hope and Other Sites

Sarajevo, a city of profound resilience and beauty, bears the visible scars of its recent past. While its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes beckon, a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital is incomplete without understanding its harrowing four-year siege, a period that forged its unyielding spirit. Exploring these poignant sites offers a powerful testament to human endurance and a vital lesson in history.

The Siege of Sarajevo, lasting from April 1992 to December 1995, was the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare. Surrounded by Bosnian Serb forces, the city endured relentless shelling and sniper fire, cutting off its inhabitants from the outside world. Despite unimaginable hardship, the people of Sarajevo found ways to survive, resist, and maintain their spirit, creating a unique narrative of resilience.

The Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope: A Lifeline Under Siege

Perhaps the most compelling symbol of Sarajevo's defiance is the Sarajevo Tunnel, famously known as the "Tunnel of Hope" (Tunel Spasa). This secretly built underground passage, constructed by Bosnian Army soldiers and Sarajevo citizens, became the city's sole lifeline to the outside world. Running beneath the Sarajevo Airport runway, which was under UN control, the tunnel connected the besieged city with Bosnian-held territory on the other side of the airport.

The 800-meter-long tunnel was used to smuggle in food, humanitarian aid, war supplies, and allow people to enter and exit Sarajevo, providing a crucial conduit for survival. Today, a preserved section of the original tunnel, along with a museum, offers visitors a profound insight into its immense importance.

What to Expect at the Tunnel Museum

  • Exhibits:The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and video footage depicting life during the siege and the construction of the tunnel. Personal stories from those who used and built the tunnel are particularly moving.
  • Tunnel Section:Visitors can walk through a short, original section of the tunnel, experiencing firsthand the cramped, dark conditions and imagining the arduous journeys undertaken daily.
  • Guided Tours:Many visitors opt for a guided tour, which provides invaluable context and personal anecdotes from local guides, often survivors themselves. This can significantly enhance the emotional and educational impact of your visit.

"The Tunnel of Hope wasn't just a physical passage; it was a psychological one. It gave us hope that we weren't entirely cut off, that help could still reach us."- A Sarajevo siege survivor

Beyond the Tunnel: Other Poignant War Sites in Sarajevo

While the Tunnel of Hope is a cornerstone of Sarajevo's war history, several other sites across the city offer unique perspectives on the siege and its aftermath. These locations serve as solemn reminders and powerful educational experiences.

War Childhood Museum

A truly unique and deeply moving institution, the War Childhood Museum chronicles the experiences of children who grew up during the 1992-1995 conflict. Through personal objects, testimonies, and short films, the museum provides a poignant and intimate look at how war affected the most vulnerable. Each exhibit tells a story, often heartbreaking, of resilience, loss, and the enduring impact of conflict on young lives.

Gallery 11/07/95

Dedicated to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, Gallery 11/07/95 is a memorial exhibition space that uses powerful photography, video installations, and personal testimonies to document this horrific event. It serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War and emphasizes the importance of remembrance and preventing future genocides. The gallery is a somber but essential visit for anyone seeking to understand the full scope of the conflict.

Markale Market

Markale Market, a bustling central marketplace, was the site of two horrific massacres during the siege. In February 1994 and August 1995, mortar shells struck the crowded market, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the victims, and the market continues its daily life, symbolizing the city's refusal to be defeated. Visitors can reflect on the fragility of peace while observing the everyday resilience of Sarajevans.

Sarajevo Roses

Throughout the city, you may notice distinct, rose-shaped imprints in the asphalt, often filled with red resin. These are the "Sarajevo Roses," memorials marking the spots where mortar shells exploded, killing one or more people. They are stark, visceral reminders of the random violence that defined daily life during the siege, turning everyday streets into battlegrounds. Each rose is a silent testament to a life lost and a collective memory etched into the urban fabric.

Sniper Alley (Zmaja od Bosne Street)

The main thoroughfare of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne Street, became infamously known as "Sniper Alley" during the siege. Lined with tall buildings, it offered a clear line of sight for snipers positioned on the surrounding hills, making any movement across it extremely dangerous. While today it is a busy, modern street, the memory of its dangerous past lingers. You can still see bullet holes and shell damage on some of the older buildings, serving as silent witnesses to the terror once faced by pedestrians and drivers.

Experiencing Sarajevo's Enduring Spirit

Visiting these war history sites can be an emotionally taxing experience, but it is also incredibly enlightening. Sarajevo is a city that refuses to be defined solely by its past. Its vibrant arts scene, lively café culture, and the bustling energy of Baščaršija, the Old Bazaar, stand in stark contrast to the somber reminders of the siege. This duality is what makes Sarajevo so compelling – a place where history is honored, but life emphatically continues.

Understanding the resilience of its people, who endured unimaginable circumstances, provides a deeper appreciation for the city's present-day vibrancy. Sarajevo’s complex history is woven into its identity, making it a powerful destination for reflective travel.

Practical Tips for Visiting

  • Transportation:The Tunnel of Hope is located near the airport, a bit outside the city center. Taxis or organized tours are the most convenient ways to reach it. Other sites like the museums, Markale Market, and Sniper Alley are easily accessible by walking or public transport (trams) within the city center.
  • Guided Tours:Consider booking a specialized "Sarajevo Siege Tour." Many local guides are survivors of the siege themselves, offering invaluable personal insights and historical context that independent exploration cannot fully replicate.
  • Respect and Reflection:These are places of immense suffering and remembrance. Approach your visits with respect, allowing time for reflection.

Beyond the War: Discovering Modern Bosnia and Herzegovina

While Sarajevo's war history is a crucial part of its identity, the city and surrounding region offer much more to explore. From the tranquil beauty of Vrelo Bosne, the spring of the Bosna River, to the exhilarating slopes of Jahorina mountain, Sarajevo is a gateway to diverse experiences. Delving into its history provides a profound foundation for appreciating the full spectrum of Bosnia and Herzegovina's culture, nature, and hospitality.

Sarajevo stands as a living testament to human endurance, a city that has risen from the ashes with an unwavering spirit. Exploring its war history sites is not just a journey into the past, but an encounter with the profound lessons of peace, resilience, and hope that continue to shape its present.