The Sarajevo Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Salvation, was a secret underground passage constructed by the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina between March and June 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo. Measuring approximately 800 meters in length, the tunnel connected the besieged city of Sarajevo with the Bosnian-held territory on the other side of the Sarajevo Airport, which was under United Nations control.
Serving as a vital lifeline, the tunnel allowed for the transport of food, humanitarian aid, fuel, and weapons into the city, while also facilitating the evacuation of civilians and wounded individuals. Today, the site functions as a museum, preserving a portion of the original tunnel and housing exhibits that document the daily life and survival of the city's inhabitants during the 1,425-day siege.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Wood, Metal, Concrete
- Civilization
- Bosnian
- Accessibility
- Partial; the tunnel section is narrow and low-ceilinged
- Date(s)
- 1993
- Condition
- Preserved as a memorial museum
- Original Function
- Military supply and humanitarian aid passage
- Key Figures
- Nedžad Branković, Rasim Delić
Construction and Necessity
1993Faced with a total blockade of the city, Bosnian forces initiated the construction of the tunnel under the airport runway. Digging was performed manually by soldiers using shovels and pickaxes, working in 24-hour shifts from both the Dobrinja and Butmir sides.
Operational Significance
1993-1996The tunnel became the most important point in Sarajevo, facilitating the movement of thousands of people and tons of supplies daily. It was equipped with a small railway track and pipelines for oil and electricity, effectively breaking the total isolation of the city.
Post-War Memorialization
1996-PresentFollowing the end of the war, the house at the entrance of the tunnel was converted into a museum by the Kolar family, who owned the property during the conflict. It remains one of the most visited historical sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cultural Significance
The Tunnel of Salvation serves as a profound symbol of resistance and human ingenuity under extreme duress. It represents the collective struggle of the citizens of Sarajevo to maintain their dignity and survival during one of the longest sieges in modern history.
For the local population, the site is a place of remembrance and a testament to the solidarity that sustained the city. It plays a critical role in the national narrative of the Bosnian War, highlighting the resilience of the civilian population and the strategic importance of the passage in preventing the total collapse of the city's defenses.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates often center on the long-term preservation of the tunnel structure, which is prone to flooding and structural degradation due to the high water table and the nature of the original construction materials. There is ongoing discussion regarding how much of the tunnel should be restored versus left in its original, deteriorating state to maintain historical authenticity.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Visitors are advised to check the official museum website for seasonal opening hours and potential closures during public holidays.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid large tour groups and summer heat.
Photography
Photography is permitted in the museum and the preserved tunnel section, though flash is discouraged in the interior exhibits.
Nearby POIs
18 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Sarajevo Tunnel: A Lifeline for the Besieged City — E. A. B. J. M. Kolar. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum Press (2012)View
- [2]The Siege of Sarajevo: A History — John K. Cox. Greenwood Press (2008)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Wood, Metal, Concrete
- Civilization
- Bosnian
- Accessibility
- Partial; the tunnel section is narrow and low-ceilinged