Zenica has an undeserved bad reputation: dirty, ugly, brutalist architecture, nothing to see – but that is absolutely not true! The fourth-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina has more to offer than just the steelworks for which it is known throughout the country.
Situated in the valley of the Bosna, Zenica has a beautiful location, surrounded by the gentle hills of the Dinaric Alps, and during our day trip to the city I was surprised to see how green this industrial city actually is.
Zenica is also one of the most historical cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was already settled in the Iron Age by the Illyrians and between the 12th and 15th centuries was the center of the Banate of Bosnia.
So: an interesting small city that is worth a visit!
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1. Bilino Polje Stadium and Field
Today this is the stadium where the Bosnian national team plays their home games, but on the field outside Zenica the Bilino Polje Declaration was signed in the year 1203 – one of the most important medieval documents of Bosnian history. Although with the declaration the Bosnian Church declared to give up their faith, after the event it only grew stronger.
2. Crkva Rođenja Presvete Bogorodice
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Zenica dates from the late 19th century, a colorful mix of different church and sacred architectural styles. Worth seeing is the church, today a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for its frescoes.
3. Window-shopping on Maršala Tita Street and the Market Hall
The main street of Zenica invites walks with cafés and some cute shops and buildings. If you stroll through, also be sure to stop by the covered market hall, Tržnica.
4. Old Synagogue of Zenica
The old synagogue of Zenica dates from the early 20th century and is an architectural example of the so-called pseudo-Moorish or neo-Moorish architectural style, which had a revival at the beginning of the last century. After WWII the synagogue was no longer used and now serves as a museum. It is still worth seeing from the outside.
5. Horse Fountain
In 1910 the train of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary paused for twenty minutes in Zenica during his journey through Bosnia and Herzegovina. To commemorate this grand event the fountain was built and ceremonially opened on the day of the Emperor’s visit. Originally called the “Austrian Fountain”, in the 1960s it received the nickname “Horse Fountain”, because of the form of the water taps, which it has retained.
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6. Sejmenska džamija
The historic Sejmen Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the country, presumably from the early 16th century. Commissioned by a Janissary (Sejmen), i.e. a general in the Sultan’s bodyguard, according to legend (and by its name). Especially beautiful is the courtyard of the mosque, which can be entered even if you are not Muslim.
7. Walk along the Bosna
Here in Zenica the Bosna is mostly known because the city’s steel works pollutes it. In Zenica itself the river is still clean and the riverbank promenade is set up with walking paths, benches and restaurants for strolling, lingering, and dining.
8. Church of the Holy Prophet Elias
This church, under heritage protection, is especially worth a visit because of its Art Nouveau architecture and the small park between the rectory and the church. It was built by Josip Vancaš, who built and designed over 200 buildings in Sarajevo – thus one of the most important architects of the Austro-Hungarian era of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Restaurants in Zenica
Of course, one of the best activities in Zenica, as everywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is eating really delicious food
- Čevapčići at Kod Seje
- Coffee and snacks at Restoran Author
- Pizza at Gradska Kafana
- Bosnian cuisine at Maida Opatija
Wo unterkommen in Zenica
🛌 Hotel Dubrovnik: eines der ältesten Hotels von Zenica, wurde aber renoviert
🛌 Hotel City Code: neues Hotel mit Tiefgarage in direkter Nähe des Stadions
🛌 Apartment Lena: gemütliche, moderne Wohnung mit Parkplatz und Balkon
🛌 Apartman Veni: neu renoviert und mit drei Schlafzimmer perfekt für Familien
💡 My tip: I always book accommodation via booking.com. With Genius Level 3, I get a guaranteed discount - up to 25 per cent for some accommodations - and sometimes there are also great extras, such as a free breakfast or upgrade. For Level 3, you have to make 15 bookings via the platform within 2 years. Level 2 is even available for just five bookings. Finde hier die besten Unterkünfte in Zenica.
Fazit: Zenica in Bosnien und Herzegowina
Obwohl keines der beliebtesten Reiseziele in Bosnien und Herzegowina, bietet Zenica trotzdem genug Attraktionen und Erlebnisse und leckeres Essen für einen Nachmittag.
