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Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua

Discover Sarajevo's Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua: a blend of faith, history, and architectural beauty in the heart of the city.

The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua is a Roman Catholic church and friary in Sarajevo, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Featuring a neo-Gothic design by Josip Vancaš, it stands as a testament to the city's diverse religious history and architectural styles.

A brief summary to Sarajevo

  • Franjevačka 6, Sarajevo, 71000, BA

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they may vary.
  • Dress respectfully when entering the church.
  • Explore the Mala Galerija Sv. Ante in the monastery's basement for cultural events.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and the stained glass windows.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Latin Bridge, walk northeast along Obala Isa-bega Ishakovića, then turn left onto Franjevačka Street. The church will be on your left, a short walk from the main road. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Baščaršija, take tram number 3 towards the city center. Get off at the 'Latinska ćuprija' stop. Walk northeast along Obala Isa-bega Ishakovića, then turn left onto Franjevačka Street. The church will be on your left. A single tram ticket costs 1.80 KM (€0.90) if purchased from the driver, or 1.60 KM (€0.80) at a kiosk.

  • Taxi

    From Sarajevo International Airport, a taxi ride to the church will take approximately 25 minutes. Taxi services are readily available at the airport. Expect to pay around 20 BAM (€10) for the trip, though this may vary depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Sarajevo

The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua, located on Franjevačka Street, is more than just a religious site; it's a landmark that reflects Sarajevo's complex history and cultural diversity. The church's story began in 1853 when the first Catholic church since 1697 was built in Sarajevo. This original church received gifts from French Empress Eugénie de Montijo, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1879. A modest replacement was constructed in 1881, serving as the residence of Archbishop Josip Štadler until the Sacred Heart Cathedral was completed in 1889. By 1905, this building had also deteriorated and was demolished in 1912. The present church, designed by Josip Vancaš in the Gothic Revival style, was consecrated in 1914. The adjacent monastery, built in 1894, housed a Franciscan seminary and the main archive of the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena. The church's interior, dating from the 1960s, is considered one of the most artistically significant in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite damage to its facade and stained glass during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s, the church was restored by 2006. Today, the Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua stands as a national monument, a testament to the enduring spirit of Sarajevo and its people.

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