Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October 1991 was followed by a declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Peace Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most government functions. The Office of the High Representative (OHR) was established to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities. European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December 2004; their mission is to maintain peace and stability throughout the country. EUFOR's mission changed from peacekeeping to civil policing in October 2007, with its presence reduced from nearly 7,000 to less than 2,500 troops.

Sarajevo - capital

City tour

The local tourist information (Zelenih beretki 22a, +387 33 220 724) has a free brochure called 'A day in Sarajevo', it offers a city tour route and decriptions along that route.

Old Town

The cobbled streets, mosques and Oriental style shops at the heart the city are a world away from Europe, and when the call-to-prayer starts, one could be forgiven for thinking that they were actually in the Middle East. The most interesting thing (you call it the most amazing thing as well) is that you could actually be walking by a Catholic church, Orthodox church and a Synagogue and hear the Islamic call to prayer at the same time.

Latin Bridge

This bridge bears a plaque commemorating the assassination of Archduke of the Austrian Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand, the event that sparked the beginning of World War I. On the Bridge itself was a memorial to the assassin Gavrilo Princip, but this was removed during the 1992-1995 War. Bosnia was at the end of World War Two the biggest haven for Balkan and European Jews who found a perfect environment to build their society back.

Bosnian Historical Museum

The moving display on the siege of Sarajevo is a must-see - if you are able to cope with the pictures of the maimed citizens after shelling of markets. Wonder at the photos of an ineffective UN providing armored vehicles citizens could wait behind before risking sniper fire to cross the street. And you will be heartbroken by the pictures drawn by children.

National Museum

Statistic displays of the natural and human history of Bosnia and Herzegovina - most interesting is the traditional Turkish style homes of Sarajevo prevalent in the nineteenth century.

Sarajevo Tunnel Museum

This museum shows the tunnel which was used to ferry supplies into the besieged city during the conflict and is next to the airport. Taxi from the center city costs around 17KM one way. Entrance to the museum is 5KM. It is open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. Get the number three (3) tram to the end of the line from the city center. Then get a taxi to the Tunnel Museum and walk back to the tram station if it's a nice day (takes about half an hour). The tunnel itself is in the garden of a house so don't be worried if you think you're headed into suburbia! Alternatively, the tourist office in the city center offers Tunnel tours for €12 or 24KM, with transportation to and from the city center included. After seeing the tunnel, they also take you on a drive through the part of the city that is in the Republika Srpska, which you can't get to via the tram.

Svrzina kuca (Svrzo house)

Glođina ulica 8 (200m north of the old town). A beautiful old Ottoman house built in the 18th century shows how Svrzo family lived there 3 KM.

Stara pravoslavna crkva (Old Orthodox Church)

Mula Mustafe Baseskije (Old town).

Careva dzamija (Emperor´s Mosque)

Obala Isa bega ishakovica.

Vijecnica (City Hall)

Obala Kulina Bana.

Crkva Sv. Ante (St. Anthony´s Church)

Franjevacka. Modern Catholic church with beautiful stained glass windows

Morica han (Morica Inn)

Saraci (Old town). The only preserved Ottoman Inn in Sarajevo. The first floor used to contain 43 rooms for travellers, mostly traders, houses nowadays a carpet shop and a traditional restaurant with engravings of Rubaiyat of Umer Khayam, the famous 12th century Persian poet.

Sebilj (Fountain)

Bascarsilja (Old town).

Banja Luka

Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure

Built in 1887, a 1969 earthquake leveled the church. The current cathedral was built in 1974.

Banski Dvor (Governor’s Palace)

Banski Dvor (Governor’s Palace) in center of the city. Built in 1930's. A concert hall, gallery and restaurant. This is the main cultural center.

Monastery of Gomionica from 16th century near Banja Luka. Monastery has the collection of ancient icons from 18th century.

Ferhat-Pasha Mosque

Ferhat-Pasha Mosque (Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian: Ferhat-pašina džamija), (also called Ferhadija mosque) This example of Islamic 16th century architecture was built during the time of the Ottoman occupation. Built in 1579 it has a central fountain called Shaderwan, stone and iron fence. It is built in the classical Ottoman style. Ferhadija was listed as a cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1950. Later it was protected by UNESCO until destroyed in 1993. The site and the remains of the mosque today are a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is now under erection, therefore remains are not easly visible.

Kastel

Kastel fortress with history up to Roman ages.

Gospodska street

Actually Veselin Masleša street, is the main street of city with shops, offices and cafes (on bottom) alongside. Recommended time to visit, because of its liveliness, is during day on Saturdays whole day, and between 12h and 14h on workdays. During evenings visit on Fridays and Sundays or each day in the case of nice weather.

Doboj

Doboj fortress is now one of the main touristic attractions in Bosnia and Hezegovina. Enhanced by the Bosnian aristocracy Kotromanic (13th century)and the Ottomans when they arrived in Doboj in the 16th century. Much of it is still intact and the view from the fortress's hilltop position is worth the climb.
One of the attractive spots nearby is Mount Ozren, the mountain right next to Doboj.
There are a few 13th century monasteries, St. Nichola’s Monastery near Petrovo being the most interesting among them.
Goransko lake-beautiful place 7 km from Doboj with good touristic offer: camping place, swimming, grill places, banches, natural creak, parking, restoran, children playground...
Preslica - part of Ozren mount. Restoran, good natural resources, baches and tables, stage for performances.

Međugorje

St. Jacob's Church

Apparition Hill

White Cross Hill

Mostar

The Old Bridge (Stari most)

The highlight of Mostar and was built by the Ottaman Turks in 1566. It was destroyed during the recent war by Croatian HVO forces, but was rebuilt in 2004. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pocitelj

Pocitelj is on the left side of the road to Dubrovnik. You may take the yellow bus to Capljina (number 41) and after some 45 minutes you are at this historical village.There are a few good Ottoman buildings dating from a few centuries ago.Pocitelj is also nice with its excellent Neretva view. Pocitelj is city with croatian inhabitants.

Blagaj

Blagaj is counted within the city limits and is reachable by public buses in fifteen minutes or so. The bus may leave from the road opposite the main station, not the bus station itself. elagicevina (the Velagic family House)

Muslibegovica House

National Monument of Bosnia It is one one of Mostar's most precious architectural treasures constructed 300 years ago. Experts for Ottoman architecture consider Muslibegovic House as most beautiful house from Ottoman period in Balcans.National monument “Muslibegovic House” is located near the Karadoz - Bey’s Mosque, and is one of the most representative monuments of the Ottoman residential architecture. House is comprised of separate quarters for women (women’s courtyard– haremluk), and men (men’s courtyard – selamluk. Unlike earlier architectural styles, this house resembled a four-storey house built around the centre. Double-arched entrance with the central pillar reveals Mediterranean influence. The house preserved authentic monumental structure, items and documents providing an insight into the life of a wealthy bey family from the time. In addition to museum exhibition, visitors are invited to take traditional beverages or cookies, or spend a night in this authentic surrounding.

History Museum of Herzegovina

History Museum of Herzegovina Open 8-16. Closed Mondays.

Koski Mehmed Pasina Dzamija (Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque)

Old town. Small but simply pretty Ottoman mosque built in 1618. Climb to the minaret to see a great view over the town. Fee 3KM, with minaret 5KM

Karadozbegova Dzamija (Karadjoz-Bey Mosque)

Old town. A modest Ottoman mosque built in 1557. Fee 3KM, with climbing to the minaret 5KM.

Cemetary

Cemetary next to Karadjoz/Bey Mosque in the Old town. When Mostar was surrouded by troops and all the Muslim cemetaries unreachable in the other side of the front line in 1993, this little park was turn into a cemetary.

Biscevica house

Biscevica house on Biscevica Street. An Ottoman house, where you only can see the few rooms in upstairs. 4KM

Tuzla

The first place to visit is the square at the center of the old town. This is the site of the Tuzla Massacre , where 72 young people were killed in 1995. Ask a local to translate the poem carved into the monument. Then walk over to the park where the 72 young people are buried. The old town is very nice and the park is very beautiful, and you will be extremely depressed.

You should also visit the Pannonica Lakes, whose water is directly supplied from the local wells of salt water. Tuzla's salt has been exploited for centuries and you should visit the Salt square dedicated to this aspect of Tuzla's history.

If you are interested in art, visit some of Tuzla's beautiful art galleries. If you are interested in history, you should see the model of ancient village set near the Pannonica.

Zenica

The town's Stara čaršija (old quarter) contains several attractions, including a synagogue, which is now the City Museum and Art Gallery. There is also a mosque (Čaršijska mosque), an Austrian fountain, and an old bey's farm house (Hadžimazića House). Fatih Sultan Mehmed Barracks of the Turkish Armed Forces is also based in Zenica within the peace-keeping activities of European forces in the country.

Široki Brijeg

Italian fort

Italian fort, (forest road). non stop. Residue of the Italian fort built during world war two above the hill. free.

Franciscan church and monastery

Holy family insitute