Sarajevo’s Vijecnica: Restoring a Landmark

Restoration is underway at the Vijecnica


The Vijecnica, as the old Sarajevo City Hall is known, is one of the most classic symbols of Sarajevo.  I recently spoke at the opening of a new exhibit in the partially restored Vijecnica that tells the story of this famous building. 

The Neo-Moorish Vijecnica was constructed in the Austro-Hungarian period of the late 18th century and was serving as the national library when it was shelled in 1992.  The fire that consumed the building destroyed some two million books, periodicals, and other irreplaceable cultural treasures.  After the war, the Government of Austria and the European Union committed to restoring the Vijecnica to its former glory.  The reconstruction is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in 2014. 

USAID’s FIRMA Project, in conjunction with Sweden’s SIDA development assistance agency, funded the development of an exhibition of the original designs, drawings, and photos of the Vijecnica.  During the next six months visitors will pay an entry fee to visit the exhibition with all proceeds going toward reconstruction of the Vijecnica.  Along with Sarajevo Mayor Alija Behmen, I was honored to participate in the opening of the exhibition, which will promote Sarajevo as a tourism destination, support renovation of the iconic Vijecnica, and further help to increase tourism revenues in the city. 

Although much work has been done, finishing the project will take time.  In the meantime, visitors can learn about the grandeur of this beautiful, historic building while helping contribute to its reconstruction.

I would love to hear your thoughts about this storied building. Please share some stories in the comments section below and let me know how you think this restoration might help Sarajevo.

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