Sarajevo is a city with a large amount of impressive historical and cultural monuments. There is a lot of things to see and do. But, it’s quite clear that, like most other places in the world, only one part of the city is filled with these touristy, done-up sights. However, this city has so much more to offer. If you want to dig a little deeper and discover what life in Sarajevo truly looks like, make sure you visit some of the not-touristy, and yet interesting locations in Sarajevo.
Hastahana Park is park located in Marijin Dvor neighborhood of Sarajevo.
Name hastahana comes from Turkish word for hospital, because an old hospital built during Ottoman Empire was located on place of today’s park.
Every years, several social events like “Summer in Hastahana Park” and “Sarajevo Holiday Market” are organized in the park.
The most interesting thing you can see in Hastahana is the Sternenweg Sculpture, part jungle gym, part elaborate noise-making machine. Trumpets, exotic figures, animal heads, giant ears, tubular spirals, bellows, open books—these are just a sampling of the elements that make up this magnificent sculpture. Created by German sculptor Helmut Lutz, the “Sternenweg” was installed in the corner of the Hastahana Park in 2005, gifted by the German sister city of Friedrichshafen. There’s nothing to stop you from climbing all over and experimenting with this creation. One can only imagine the cacophony of sounds that would emerge should the entire piece be played at once.
Besides the sculpture, Hastahana is a great place to rest from walking around the city. During the summer months you can see a variety of people just hanging out and chilling in the park. Families with small children, youngsters, skateboarders, musicians and the elderly all come here to relax and enjoy the sun and friendly conversation.