The Old Jewish Cemetery
The cemetery was founded in 1630, and its oldest preserved tombstones mark the graves of the first rabbi of Sarajevo, Samuel Baruch, and his contemporary, Machah Mučačon.
What makes this cemetery unique the world over is that the shape and motifs of the tombstones very closely resemble the medieval Bosnian stećci. This is due to the fact that the cemetery was founded in the vicinity of the medieval necropolis in Borak, where many stećci used to stand.
On the highest point of the cemetery grounds there is a white pyramid, a monument dedicated to the Jews who fell fighting during World War II and the victims of Fascism who perished in concentration camps.
LOCATION / AREA
Center, Midtown
PRICE RANGE
Budget
SIGHTSEEING LABEL
Cemetery / Mausoleum
DISTANCE FROM AIRPORT
6.3km
DISTANCE FROM SARAJEVO BUS STATION
1.2km
Distance from the center
758m
NEAREST PUBLIC TRANSPORT STATION
Trolleybus station Kovacici - 317m
Google reviews
Really interesting place to visit. One grave had writings in Hebrew, Bosnian and Arabic. This gives you an idea of how multicultural Sarajevo was and still is. There is trash lying around everywhere sadly.
A somewhat hidden gem in Sarajevo. This Jewish cemetery dates back to the 16th century and is the second-largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Despite its historical significance, it seems to be visited by relatively few people. The cemetery is situated on a hillside overlooking the city, offering a beautiful view and especially during a sunset. The somewhat overgrown path leading through it is lined with fruit trees. During the Siege of Sarajevo, the cemetery was located on a heavily contested frontline and was mined. It has since been completely cleared, but traces of the fighting can still be seen on many of the tombstones and monuments. Reaching the cemetery on foot was not easy, and Google Maps did not show the best route. (I recommend turning left after crossing the street at Most Suade i Olge – Vrbanja, then turning right up the stairs to Borak Street. Follow the street until you reach the M5. Cross the M5 at the traffic light, then turn right onto the road leading up to the cemetery.) When we visited, there was also quite a bit of litter, and some of the graves and many tombstones were in disorder. However, this seems to reflect the effects of time, war, and the cemetery's difficult history rather than a lack of significance and didn't disturb the overall deep and serene atmosphere. Overall, a remarkable place for anyone interested in Sarajevo's history, Jewish heritage, or simply looking for a quiet spot with a beautiful view over the city.
Stopped here during a Siege of Sarajevo tour with a war veteran (highly recommended). Both Serbian snipers / artillery and Bosnian defence forces held positions on this graveyard within a few dozen meters. The Bosnians took position so close to the enemy as to be safe from artillery and mortars. It is the irony of history that Jewish tomb stones saved the lives of the mostly muslim Bosnians, who had to fight for their lives against the Serbs. On some of the stones, behind which the Bosnians took cover, you can still see the bullet holes.
