Latinska čuprija, or the Latin Bridge, is one of Sarajevo’s most famous landmarks. The stone bridge itself, spanning the River Miljack, is relatively small, but it was in its immediate vicinity that Gavrilo Princip shot and killed the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand d’Este, and his wife Sophie.

View hotels in the centre of Sarajevo

• Entry to the bridge: free
• Opening hours: 24/7
• Time needed to visit the bridge: 5 to 10 minutes
• Time including the museum: approximately 45 minutes

The first bridge on this site was first mentioned as early as 1541.

It acquired its current form, with four stone arches, following a flood at the end of the 18th century. It was named after the Catholic quarter of Latinluk, which it connected to the Ottoman centre of Sarajevo. During the Yugoslav era, it was known as Princip’s Bridge.

Where exactly did the Sarajevo assassination take place?

The assassination did not, in fact, take place directly on the bridge. Gavrilo Princip fired from the pavement at its northern end, in front of what was then Moritz Schiller’s shop, which today houses the Sarajevo 1878–1918 Museum.

The exact spot is marked by a commemorative plaque and impressions of Princip’s footprints in the pavement.

On 28 June 1914, Princip shot and killed Franz Ferdinand and Sophie here. The assassination sparked the July Crisis, which led to the First World War.

Sarajevo 1878–1918 Museum

Directly opposite the bridge, you can visit the small Museum of Sarajevo 1878–1918. The exhibition focuses not only on the assassination, but on the entire period of Austro-Hungarian rule in Sarajevo.

Here you will see period photographs and documents, a replica of Franz Ferdinand’s car, a reconstruction of Princip’s footsteps and preserved sections of the memorial that was erected at the site of the assassination during the First World War.

The museum is very small and a tour takes about 30 minutes. If you’re interested in history, it’s well worth a visit. If you’re mainly interested in the site of the assassination itself, the commemorative plaque and the outdoor exhibition in front of the building will suffice.

Museum opening hours

• May to October: Monday to Friday 9.00–17.00
• May to October: Saturday 10.00–15.00
• November to April: Monday to Friday 10:00–16:00
• November to April: Saturday 10.00–15.00
• Sundays: closed

Museum admission

• Adults: 5 bam
• Students: 2 bam
• Children and senior citizens: 1 bam
• Combined ticket for the five branches of the Sarajevo Museum: 20 bam

The combined ticket also includes Brusa Bezistan, Despić House, Svrz House and the Jewish Museum.

The best spot to photograph the bridge

The bridge’s architecture doesn’t really stand out when you’re crossing it. For the best view, walk a few dozen metres along the Miljacka riverbank and take a photo of the bridge from the side, together with the museum building.

The bridge is at its most pleasant early in the morning, when there are no tourist groups gathered in front of the museum. In the evening, the lighting of the bridge and the surrounding buildings really comes into its own.

How to get to the Latin Bridge

The bridge is situated right in the historic centre, about a 5-minute walk from Baščaršija. At its northern end is the Latinska ćuprija tram stop, so it’s also easy to reach by public transport in Sarajevo.

Combine your visit with a stroll along the river to the Vijećnica Town Hall. In the opposite direction, you’ll find the Ashkenazi Synagogue and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Accommodation near the Latin Bridge

The area around the bridge is one of the most convenient locations for accommodation in Sarajevo. Baščaršija, the Ferhadija pedestrian zone and the tram stops are just a few minutes’ walk away.

• Hotel President Sarajevo – a comfortable hotel right by the river between the Latin Bridge and Baščaršija; some rooms offer views of the historic centre and a paid car park is available
• Apeiro City Avant-garde Hotel – a small luxury hotel approximately 100 metres from the bridge, with modern rooms and its own restaurants
• Hotel Old Town – a more intimate hotel right in the Baščaršija pedestrian zone, ideal for those who want to stay in the heart of the historic centre

You can compare other apartments and hotels in the accommodation listings near the Latin Bridge.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Sarajevo.