Located in the heart of Sarajevo, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a must-see for visitors exploring the city.
As the seat of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna and the parish church of the Sacred Heart, this cathedral has been a cornerstone of Catholic life in Sarajevo since its consecration in 1889.
Designed by renowned architect Josip Vancaš, the cathedral showcases a blend of architectural styles with a dominant neo-Gothic influence, inspired by the Notre Dame Church in Dijon.
The stunning façade features a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Viennese sculptor A. Hausmann, while the intricate reliefs and altars inside the cathedral are the work of skilled artists like Dragan Morak and Franz Erler.
The cathedral also houses a remarkable organ crafted by the Heferer company in Zagreb in 1886, offering a glimpse into the musical heritage of the 19th century. Notably, the cathedral is home to the tomb of Archbishop Josip Stadler, the first Archbishop of Sarajevo, and his successor, Marko Alaupović.
A bronze monument of Pope John Paul II, created by Sarajevo-born sculptor Hrvoje Urumović, stands proudly in front of the cathedral. Unveiled in 2014, this nearly three-meter-tall statue commemorates the Pope’s deep connection to the city and its people.
Recognized as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2005, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of Sarajevo’s rich cultural and spiritual history.
