Feb 8, 2025

Sebilj Sarajevo

Famous Sarajevo fountain

""Sebilj" in Sarajevo is one of my favorite iconic spots in the city. I'm very upset that they've put the iron spikes on it, and I will not give up..."

Sebilj is a pseudo-Ottoman-style wooden fountain in the centre of Baščaršija square built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753.

During the '92-'95 Sarajevo war it was damaged and restored in 2005.

Till 2015, the square used to be synonymous with the traditional look, with cobblestone all around, representing the divine old city, but then the mayor decided to take off the cobblestones and put ordinary stone tiles, which took away the square's identity.

Sebilj is also known as the main habitat of the pigeons of Baščaršija, they had stood on its roof for decades, and the photos of pigeons standing on the roof of Sebilj used to be a synonym for Sarajevo touristic booklets.  

I say used to, because the same (idiot) mayor decided to put iron spikes on the roof of a national monument to "preserve" it from the pigeons forgetting that they are like as one, inseparable. They give each other meaning.

I was so disappointed and sad that I spent 5 days in front of Sebilj collecting signatures for a petition for the spikes to be removed, but 5000 signatures and hundreds of arguments did not help in fighting against the corrupt politicians.  

You can check my frustrated text here.

Sarajevo has a very bad government. It's a mockery, a shame, but one day they will be history. And I will not give up.

A GREAT song (Youtube) says: "Sarajevo will (always) be, and all else will just pass". It gives me strength. 

Sebilj is worth it, Sarajevo is worth it!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Baščaršija

BAM

free

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Sarajevo guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Sarajevo

MilkMan-House

MilkMan House – Unique Sarajevo restaurant

"Milkman House" in Sarajevo has traditional and modern cuisine, perfect for every occaasion. I like their sutlija, the rice pudding...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Naida

Kurdija

Feb 9, 2025
Burger-Bar

Burger Bar – Rules!

"Burger Bar" has become one of my favorite places to eat in Sarajevo. It's really an almost perfect restaurant - and I didn't like burgers so much before!

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Aida

Omanović

Feb 9, 2025
Mrvica-Old-Town

Mrvica Old Town – Pleasure to the last crumb

"Mrvica Old Town" Sarajevo (it means crumb in Bosnian) really is a suitable name for this bakery as you are to eat their cakes till the last crumb...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Aida

Omanović

Feb 9, 2025
Druga-Kuca

Druga Kuća – Your second home

"Druga Kuća" Sarajevo is a pretty popular bar/restaurant with the locals, especially because of its delicious, gluten-free Tačkica cake. And the steak...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Aida

Omanović

Feb 9, 2025
mr-mrs-cue-sarajevo-by-aida-omanovic-

Mr. & Mrs. Cue – Pool & darts

"Mr. & Mrs. Cue" is one of these positive novelties in Sarajevo -- I love it on Sunday afternoons for a round of billiards, cause it's the least crowded...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Aida

Omanović

Feb 9, 2025
Connect-Arena

Connect Arena – Where noobs are owned

"Connect Arena" is my go-to gaming spot in Sarajevo. With its 26 cool high-end gaming PCs and PS4s, here you can play all the new games, even the VR ones!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alan

Dardagan

Feb 9, 2025
Lovers-Park

Lovers Park – Love is in the park

"Lovers Park" in Sarajevo is a famous park which is said to help people fall in love... I also love it because my aunt helped in creating it!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alan

Dardagan

Feb 9, 2025
Samon-HoReCa-shop-market

Šamon HoReCa shop & market – Everything you need!

"Šamon HoReCa shop & market" in Sarajevo is THE drink source that's open 24/7. It may take you a while to find something, but the offer is just amazing...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Aida

Omanović

Feb 9, 2025
Pekara-AS

Pekara AS – The ace of bakeries

"Pekara AS" is a bakery in Sarajevo that's so popular and iconic, it has become a meeting place. I'd wrestle with a bear for one of their apple strudels...

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Alan

Dardagan

Feb 9, 2025
Vrelo-Bosne

Vrelo Bosne – A place with a soul!

"Vrelo Bosne" in Sarajevo is a natural monument with great value for our city and country. Thick vegetation, crystal clear waters... I go there on my bike!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alan

Dardagan

Feb 9, 2025
Statues-of-Writers

Statues of Writers – Richness of literature

There are many statues of writers in several Sarajevan parks. One of the most interesting ones is the one of Ivo Andrić just next to the Multicultural Man

002-building
Art & culture

By

Alan

Dardagan

Feb 9, 2025
Golf-Klub-Restaurant

Golf Klub Restaurant – Meal with a view!

"Golf Klub Restaurant" in Sarajevo is great for golfers or just to have a meal in a nice ambience. I recommend trying their typical Bosnian dishes...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Aida

Omanović

Feb 9, 2025

Heading to Sarajevo?

87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Just €9.99

Heading to Sarajevo?

87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

Our team loves Sarajevo

Get to know our other Spotters from Sarajevo

As featured on: