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.
Ilidža is a district on the western entrance to Sarajevo, very close to the airport. It is the oldest settlement in Sarajevo, rich with nature and culture. It is also famous for its spa.
The first traces of the use of thermal waters for medicinal purposes dates back to the time of the Romans, and during the rule of the Austro-Hungarians in BiH the first expert analysis of the healing thermal waters in Ilidža were done. The first spas emerged during that period, and with time the hotels were built, which today are part of the society of hotels of Ilidža. In addition to hotels Terme, Herzegovina, Crystal, Austria, Bosna, the camp Oaza, restaurant Labud, and the spa-rehabilitation center Banja Terme Ilidža is also part of the society of hotels.
Natural beauty and historic sites shape the image of Ilidža, making it recognisable. During the period between 2400 and 2000 BCE, Neolithic settlement thrived on the territory of the modern-day Butmir community, in Ilidža municipality, as demonstrated by the invaluable collection of original pottery artefacts from that era.
The crown jewel of Ilidža is the magnificent natural park – the spring of the Bosna River. The article published in London-based daily paper in the 19th century, described the spring of the Bosna River as the world’s most beautiful place, where the air is amazingly invigorating, the climate incredibly refreshing, the landscape stunningly inspirational and the greenery soothingly relaxing. Last year alone, this place had 188,000 visitors.
You can get to Ilidža from the city centre simply by using the tram. The ride itself will give you a opportunity to see most of the city, and once you get to Ilidža, you will definitely not regret it.