Area of the Natural Monument Spring of Bosna (Vrelo Bosne) is crowded during all seasons.
It is visited by tourists who are coming to Sarajevo from all over the world.
Rivers and greenery, clean air and long promenades make beautiful tourist attraction, but also an oasis of rest for many residents of BiH capital, who are often coming on weekends to “charge their battery” on this jewel of nature.
But, have you ever wondered how this area looked like before? Let’s say, back in 1878? Take a look!
Vrelo Bosne, in the municipality of Ilidža, is one of the country’s popular natural landmarks and provides a quiet escape from an otherwise busy city life. A Roman Bridge is located not far from Vrelo Bosne on the Bosna river in the Ilidža municipality, which was built sometime between 1530 and 1550 from the original Roman stones and ruins of the bridge that stood there during the Roman period used to connect the Romans with the village of Aquae Sulphurae at the time. Ilidža is also known to have been an archaeological site dating 2400–2000BC.
The spring water at Vrelo Bosne is drinkable, however not recommended. On a typical year more than 60,000 tourists visit the park.
The park is usually entered by foot or, for a reasonable price, by horse-carriage via the 3 kilometer straight main avenue (Velika Aleja) leading into it. The avenue itself contains traditional buildings from the Austro-Hungarian-era offering a peek into the luxuries of the past.
The paths and roads inside the park are ideal for walks and bicycle riding and give the visitors the opportunity to take a closer look at the bubbling streams and waterfalls. Outdoor cafés and restaurants are available offering drinks and food but opening times vary from season to season. Typical animals are ducks and swans among others.
During the Bosnian War the park was not maintained and trees were chopped and used for heating by the local citizens. In 2000 the park was restored to its former look by local youths led by an international ecological organization.
