Fact 1: The Pyramids of Bosnia
One of the fascinating things about Bosnia and Herzegovina is the alleged existence of pyramids. According to Semir Osmanagic, an amateur archaeologist, the hills around Visoko city are not just ordinary hills; they're ancient pyramids, significantly older and larger than Egypt's. While this claim has been met with much skepticism by the scientific community, the mystery surrounding the Bosnian pyramids has drawn attention and tourists to the country.
Fact 2: One of the Last Jungles in Europe
Perućica Forest, located within Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia, is one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests. Here, nature has thrived for over 20,000 years, untouched by human interference. This verdant jungle surprise in the Balkans features trees over 60 meters high and centuries old.
Fact 3: Landmine Warning
The Bosnian War ended in 1995, but it left behind a deadly legacy: landmines. It is estimated that as many as 120,000 landmines are still scattered throughout the country’s rural regions and forests, making Bosnia and Herzegovina one of the most landmine-infested countries in the world.
Fact 4: The World’s Most Intense Siege
The capital city, Sarajevo, holds a dubious world record. It suffered the longest military siege of a capital city in modern history during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995. The Siege of Sarajevo lasted a harrowing 1,425 days, surpassing the Siege of Leningrad during World War II.
Fact 5: Three Official Languages
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are three official languages: Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian. Although they're quite similar and mutually intelligible, the different names mainly reflect the country's complex ethnic and political divisions.
Fact 6: The Livno Cheese
One of Bosnia's gastronomic highlights is the famous Livno cheese. A hard, yellow cheese produced only in the highland areas, it's a local delicacy that cheese lovers will not want to miss.
Fact 7: Home to Europe’s Oldest Tram Network
Sarajevo was the first city in Europe to have a full-time operational tram network, which began in 1885. The trams are still operational today and serve as a major means of transportation in the city.
Fact 8: Sarajevo’s Festival of Arts
Every summer, Sarajevo transforms into the cultural heart of the Balkans, drawing artists, musicians, and filmmakers from around the world to the Sarajevo Film Festival and Sarajevo Summer Festival, two of the largest cultural events in the region.
Fact 9: Stari Most, a Bridge That Connects More Than Two Banks
Bosnia features the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) that not only connects the two sides of the city of Mostar but also serves as a symbol that connects different cultures and religions. It was destroyed during the Bosnian War but has since been rebuilt, keeping its original design from 1566.
Fact 10: A Paradise for Water Lovers
Bosnia and Herzegovina boasts around 20 major rivers and numerous smaller ones, making it a paradise for those who love rafting, kayaking, or simply enjoying scenic river landscapes.
Fact 11: The Unique Avaz Twist Tower
Sarajevo's distinct skyline features the twisting form of the Avaz Twist Tower. The tallest tower in the entire Balkan region is a modern beacon that shows how far Bosnia has come since the disastrous 1990s.
Fact 12: Land of Medieval Tombstones
Bosnia is known for its "stećci", medieval monolithic tombstones that date back to the 12th century. There are over 60,000 of these scattered around the country, with some locations designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Fact 13: City of Multi-Religious Architecture
Sarajevo is sometimes called the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its multi-religious architecture. In a small area, you can find mosques, orthodox churches, cathedrals, and synagogues standing side by side.
Fact 14: Old Crafts Tradition
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long tradition of handicrafts, especially in Sarajevo's Baščaršija district. You can still see craftsmen at work creating copper ware, pottery, jewelry, and traditional items, in much the same way they did centuries ago.
Fact 15: Country of Conservation
Despite the tragic Bosnian war, the country prioritizes the conservation of monuments, with historians and archaeologists working tirelessly to preserve numerous historical and cultural places, including four UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Fact 16: Famous Vrelo Bosne Park
Just a short trip from Sarajevo, you can find the remarkable Vrelo Bosne park, known for its cool springs, waterfalls, and swans. It is an ideal place for relaxation and reconnection with nature.
Fact 17: Pilgrimage Site of Medjugorje
Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a significant Catholic pilgrimage site in the Balkans. It came into prominence after six children reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981. Today, millions visit this sacred site.
Fact 18: Deep Underground Caves
Bosnia and Herzegovina is rich in natural wonders, including an extensive cave network. Among these is Vjetrenica, the largest and most important cave in the country, with over six kilometers of passages and an amazing array of endemic species.
Fact 19: Ancient Bogomil Culture
The country holds an important historical significance as the cradle of the Bogomil culture, a neo-Christian sect that evolved into the dualistic faiths of the Cathars and the Patarenes, which thrived across Europe during the Middle Ages.
Fact 20: Writer Ivo Andrić’s Legacy
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the birthplace of renowned Nobel Prize-winning writer Ivo Andrić. He won this prestigious award for literature in 1961 for his book "The Bridge on the Drina," which tells a story of life in Bosnia over four centuries under Ottoman rule.