Morica Han, Sarajevo
Tucked just off Saraci Street in Sarajevo鈥檚 old bazaar, Bascarsija, Morica Han is the city鈥檚 best-preserved Ottoman caravanserai鈥攁 traditional roadside inn wrapped around a tranquil, arcaded courtyard. Built in 1551 as part of the charitable endowment associated with Gazi Husrev-bey, it anchored the caravan trade that shaped Sarajevo for centuries. Today, its stone walls and timber galleries remain a graceful reminder of that era, inviting visitors to step from the bustle of the bazaar into calm.
Historically, caravanserais offered secure lodging for merchants, animals, and goods moving along Balkan trade routes. Morica Han followed that model: stables and storage on the ground floor, simple guest rooms above, with space for roughly 300 travelers and 70 horses. Though the complex has seen repairs and reconstructions over the centuries, it still reads as an authentic Ottoman inn鈥攐ne of the last of its kind in the region.
For modern travelers, the appeal is unhurried. Slip through the gate for Bosnian coffee beneath the galleries, linger over a light meal at a courtyard caf茅, and watch locals thread between small workshops and shops around the han. From here you鈥檙e steps from other Bascarsija highlights鈥擥azi Husrev-bey鈥檚 Mosque, the bezistan (covered market), and narrow lanes lined with copperware and carpet stalls鈥攎aking Morica Han an atmospheric base for exploring Sarajevo鈥檚 historic heart.
Practical tip: arrive early or later in the afternoon to enjoy the courtyard at its quietest, and take a few minutes to trace the carved details along the arcades鈥攖hey鈥檙e small, but they carry the texture of centuries of travel through Sarajevo.
Historically, caravanserais offered secure lodging for merchants, animals, and goods moving along Balkan trade routes. Morica Han followed that model: stables and storage on the ground floor, simple guest rooms above, with space for roughly 300 travelers and 70 horses. Though the complex has seen repairs and reconstructions over the centuries, it still reads as an authentic Ottoman inn鈥攐ne of the last of its kind in the region.
For modern travelers, the appeal is unhurried. Slip through the gate for Bosnian coffee beneath the galleries, linger over a light meal at a courtyard caf茅, and watch locals thread between small workshops and shops around the han. From here you鈥檙e steps from other Bascarsija highlights鈥擥azi Husrev-bey鈥檚 Mosque, the bezistan (covered market), and narrow lanes lined with copperware and carpet stalls鈥攎aking Morica Han an atmospheric base for exploring Sarajevo鈥檚 historic heart.
Practical tip: arrive early or later in the afternoon to enjoy the courtyard at its quietest, and take a few minutes to trace the carved details along the arcades鈥攖hey鈥檙e small, but they carry the texture of centuries of travel through Sarajevo.
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Morica Han on Map
Sight Name: Morica Han
Sight Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (See walking tours in Sarajevo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (See walking tours in Sarajevo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Create Your Own Walk in Sarajevo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sarajevo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the country's largest city. This historical and picturesque city is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and rests along both banks of the Miljacka River.
The city was established by the Ottoman Empire around 1461. It was named "Sarajevo," which means "the plains around the palace." The name is derived from the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The city was established by the Ottoman Empire around 1461. It was named "Sarajevo," which means "the plains around the palace." The name is derived from the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Ottoman Empire Landmarks Walk
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One such is the Old Bazaar, a bustling market square dating back to the 15th century. Here, one can immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional crafts, authentic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such is the Old Bazaar, a bustling market square dating back to the 15th century. Here, one can immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional crafts, authentic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour
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The Bosnian War began when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia. The city was blockaded by the Serbs and bombarded by bombs, tanks,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Bosnian War began when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia. The city was blockaded by the Serbs and bombarded by bombs, tanks,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles