WALK TO THE WHITE BASTION

This white limestone fort (Bijela Tabija) stands at 667 m above sea level, at the top of the Vratnik district, just east of the heart of the old town and above the tunnel to eastern Bosnia. It is a popular spot for Sarajevans at sunset and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Miljacka Valley. On the way there you can also see other fortifications of the old Vrtanik walls. The date of construction of the White Bastion itself is not known, but it is assumed that a first structure was erected in the late 14th century, when Sarajevo did not yet exist. The present fort was built and then modified by the Ottomans between the middle of the 16th century and the 18th century in order to control the passages to eastern Bosnia in the direction of Višegrad.

Yellow Bastion and White Mosque. The road from Baščaršija leads first to the cemetery of Kovači, then passes by the Yellow Bastion (Žuta Tabija), which already offers beautiful views. It is from this 18th century fort that, during Ramadan, a cannon shot is fired every evening to indicate the end of the fast. The place then attracts hundreds of people who come to picnic with their families. About 50 meters after the Yellow Bastion, turn right into Bijela-Džamija Street. This street runs along Jacje barracks, an Austro-Hungarian building in ruins since the last war, until it reaches the White Mosque (Bijela Džamija). Built in 1536, it houses a magnificent turbë (tomb). At the corner of the mosque, turn left into Džanin Alley, with houses still riddled with bullet holes from the last war. Shortly after the fire station, you come to the small, austere Mejdan-Vratnik square with its community café and small shops. On the right, follow Carina Street for about 350 meters until you reach the Višegrad Gate (Višegradska Kapi-kula). Built in 1739, its imposing arched stone walls pass over the road. Serving both as a defensive structure and a customs post, it was for a long time the main access to the city from eastern Bosnia. Destroyed in 1992-1995, it has been restored according to the original plans. To climb to the White Bastion, do not pass under the Višegrad Gate, but turn right onto Poddžebhana Street, which leads directly to the top for about 250 meters. On the way up, you will find the very pleasant restaurant Bijela Tabija.