SEBILJ - Heart of Sarajevo Old Town

Located in the heart of Sarajevo’s Old Town (Baščaršija), Sebilj is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. This elegant Ottoman-style wooden fountain was originally built in 1753 by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica and later reconstructed in 1891 by Austrian architect Alexander Wittek. Its design blends oriental and European elements, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Sarajevo over centuries.

Sebilj was traditionally a public water fountain built for travelers and passersby, a charitable structure common in many Islamic cities during the Ottoman period. The word sebilj comes from the Arabic word sabil, meaning “path” or “way,” symbolizing generosity and public service.

Surrounded by pigeons and vibrant market stalls, Sebilj is not just a place to stop and admire—it’s a symbol of Sarajevo’s resilience, history, and multicultural soul. Locals say that if you drink water from Sebilj, you are destined to return to Sarajevo one day.