Wilson's Promenade

Wilson’s Promenade was laid out during the Austro-Hungarian period, when it was called Kalajeva Promenada, after Benjamin Kalaj, who served as both Minister of Finance for the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and as an administrator of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After the break-up of the K. und K. Monarchy and the establishment of the Kingdom of SHS, Kalajeva Promenada was renamed Vilsonovo Šetalište, after U.S. President, Thomas Woodrow Wilson. It was a major turning point in the First World War when he declared war on the Central Powers in 1917.

During the Nazi-Ustaša occupation (1941-1945), this promenade was named Musolinijevo Šetalište, after the Italian fascist leader. After the war, it was again renamed Vilsonovo and then Omladinsko Šetalište in 1960. The name, Vilsonovo Šetalište, was again reinstated for this attractive walking area in 1993.

What really makes this promenade a green oasis in the center of Sarajevo is the fact that it is lined on both sides with thick rows of linden trees, which were planted at the beginning of the 20th century.

The road that runs along the promenade is closed to traffic every weekday after 5:00 p.m., as well as on weekends and holidays.

There are a few spots along the promenade that have exercise equipment, plus, there is a fenced-in play area for youngsters.

There are several cafes and eateries located along Vilsonovo and their outdoor gardens are popular outing spots during the summer months in Sarajevo.