Old Orthodox Church and Museum
Sarajevo's oldest church (1539) with a hidden museum of ancient manuscripts and icons. A journey into centuries of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Old Orthodox Church and Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sarajevo's oldest church (1539) with a hidden museum of ancient manuscripts and icons. A journey into centuries of history.
"Spectacular Serbian orthodox church, very old. One of the few in Sarajevo. "
Free Church Entry
You can explore the main church for free! The museum has a separate entry fee. 🎟️
Engage with Caretakers
If you're lucky, a caretaker might share fascinating stories about the church and Serbian history. :speech_balloon:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 81 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Sanctuary
Main sanctuary
Step into Sarajevo's oldest church, a Serbian Orthodox marvel established in 1539, built on even older foundations. Feel the weight of history within its sacred walls.
Manuscripts & Icons
Church Museum
Discover a hidden gem of a museum featuring ancient Cyrillic manuscripts (14th-17th century) and stunning icons (12th-17th century).
Relics of Saints
Church Museum
See relics of St. Tekla (1st century AD) and other saints, offering a profound connection to early Christian history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Church Entry
You can explore the main church for free! The museum has a separate entry fee. 🎟️
Engage with Caretakers
If you're lucky, a caretaker might share fascinating stories about the church and Serbian history. :speech_balloon:
Museum inside the Cathedral in Athens
Being a history nerd, I love that the Church of Greece has preserved this for future generations.
Hidden Gem Museum
Don't overlook the museum; it's a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts and icons. 💎
Central Location
Conveniently located on the main street in the city center, making it easy to find. :round_pushpin:
In Athens, any cool orthodox sites to see?
I figured I’ll go ahead and see the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation, but if you orthobros have any recommendations for what to see with me and my family please let me know.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Church Entry
You can explore the main church for free! The museum has a separate entry fee. 🎟️
Engage with Caretakers
If you're lucky, a caretaker might share fascinating stories about the church and Serbian history. :speech_balloon:
Hidden Gem Museum
Don't overlook the museum; it's a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts and icons. 💎
Central Location
Conveniently located on the main street in the city center, making it easy to find. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Orthodox Church as a spectacular and ancient Serbian Orthodox church, the oldest in Sarajevo, offering a profound sense of history. The adjacent museum is highlighted as a hidden gem with valuable manuscripts and icons. While some find the museum's collection modest, the overall experience is highly recommended for its historical significance and unique artifacts.
"The Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, also known as the Old Orthodox Church, is a Serbian Orthodox church in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was established in 1539. It was, however, built on older foundations. It’s just spectacular to be inside such an old place. ❤️"
Edwar Rojas
"Wow. Amazing Serbian orthodox church. Very old. One of the few in Sarajevo.
In city center, on the main street.
So old and so pretty. We were lucky to talk to the man responsible for watching over the church. He told us many stories about the church, about Serbian people and history. I am very grateful that he spent some time to talk with us. Place that's really worth of visiting and experiencing. For every recommendation"
Bojan Benko
"Wonderfull old church with museum, mixed architectural and artistic styles. In museum you can find old cyrilic manuscripts from 14-17. century as well as old icons from 12-17. cenntury. Hidden pearl among Sarajevo museums. You can also find an old relics of St. Tekla (1th century AC) and some other later saints."
Nenad Božović
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Orthodox Church is conveniently located in the city center on the main street, making it easily accessible by foot from most central Sarajevo locations. If you're coming from further afield, local buses and trams stop nearby.
Parking in Sarajevo's city center can be challenging. It's best to use public transport or walk if you are staying centrally. If driving, look for designated paid parking lots in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main church is free, allowing everyone to experience its historical significance. The adjacent museum has a separate admission fee.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the museum. It's advisable to check locally or inquire upon arrival, as caretakers often manage the access and can provide the most up-to-date information.
The church is a place of worship, so while you can often visit the exterior and courtyard, access to the interior might be limited during services on Sundays and other religious holidays.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a spectacular, ancient Serbian Orthodox church with a rich history. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual and awe-inspiring, reflecting its establishment in 1539.
The museum houses a remarkable collection of old Cyrillic manuscripts from the 14th-17th centuries, as well as icons from the 12th-17th centuries. You can also see relics of St. Tekla and other saints.
Yes, it's a great educational stop for families. Children can learn about history, religious art, and ancient manuscripts. The central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities.
You can see the church in about 30 minutes. For a more thorough exploration of the museum and its artifacts, allocate an additional hour.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's best to be respectful and check for signage or ask a caretaker before taking photos inside the church or museum. Often, flash photography is prohibited.
The church's exterior, especially its courtyard and architectural details, offers good photo opportunities. The icons and manuscripts inside the museum are also visually striking, if photography is permitted.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit