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Brusa Bezistan: Sarajevo's Silk Road Echo

Explore Sarajevo's past in a 16th-century silk bazaar turned museum, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage from ancient times to the Austro-Hungarian era.

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Brusa Bezistan, a historic covered bazaar dating back to 1551, is now a captivating museum in Sarajevo's Baščaršija. Built by Rustem Pasha, it once thrived as a silk trading center and today showcases Sarajevo's rich history from prehistoric times to the Austro-Hungarian era.

A brief summary to Brusa Bezistan

Local tips

  • Visit during the week for a more peaceful experience and ample time to explore the exhibits.
  • Take some local currency (Bosnian Marks) as the entrance fee is usually cash only.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Baščaršija to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Sarajevo's old town.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Brusa Bezistan is located in the heart of Baščaršija, Sarajevo's old town, making it easily accessible on foot. From the Sebilj fountain in the center of Baščaršija, walk east along the main street (Sarači). Turn right onto Abadžiluk street. Brusa Bezistan will be on your right, approximately 50 meters down the street.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Brusa Bezistan via public transport, take tram line 3 or 6 to the Baščaršija stop. From the tram stop, walk towards the Old Town area and the Sebilj fountain. Head towards the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and follow the signs towards Abadžiluk. The museum will be on your right. A single tram ticket costs around 1.60 BAM.

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Discover more about Brusa Bezistan

Brusa Bezistan, located in the heart of Sarajevo's old town, Baščaršija, offers a glimpse into the city's vibrant past. Constructed in 1551 by Rustem Pasha, the Grand Vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, it originally served as a bustling marketplace for fine silk produced in Bursa, Turkey, hence the name 'Brusa Bezistan'. The building itself is a historical monument, featuring a rectangular base adorned with six large and two smaller domes. Today, Brusa Bezistan is part of the Museum of Sarajevo, housing a permanent exhibition that chronicles the city's history from prehistoric times through the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods. The exhibits are divided into three chronological sections: prehistory, ancient times (featuring the oldest example of the lily motif in Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore artifacts from the Ottoman era, including weaponry, and items from the Austro-Hungarian administration. A highlight is the scale model of Old Čaršija, depicting Sarajevo as it appeared in 1878, just before the Austro-Hungarian occupation. Located on Abadžiluk street, Brusa Bezistan is easily accessible and surrounded by the lively atmosphere of Baščaršija. The museum provides a serene escape from the bustling streets, offering a chance to delve into Sarajevo's cultural heritage.

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