Wilson’s Promenade

For many Sarajevans, the famous city promenade has no historical significance, but has great sentimental value. Countless young and not-so-young couples exchanged warm embraces and passionate kisses in the shade of 480 lime trees. Many love stories started right here, at the promenade.

One can see the true appeal of the promenade in the afternoon hours and during weekend, when the traffic restriction is in force. Within minutes of commencement of the afternoon traffic restriction, the image of the promenade changes dramatically as it becomes crowded with walkers, runners, cyclists, rollers, parents with children and dogs of different breeds, accompanied by their human friends. It is the time when the promenade benches get occupied by couples in love, exchanging soft whispers and gentle kisses. This place is frequented not just by the people living nearby; people from all over the city come here, as this is the only place in urban city centre that allows people to experience nature as they walk under the luscious canopies of chestnut and lime trees.

Wilson’s Promenade was named after the former President of the United States, Thomas Woodrow Wilson. It was built in the Austro-Hungarian era. It was originally named Kallay’s Promenade, after a diplomat, politician, minister of finance and administrator of BiH, Benjamin Kallay. Once the monarchy ceased to exist, the promenade was renamed into Wilson’s Promenade. The name, however, remained susceptible to change. During the period between 1941 and 1945 it was renamed into Mussolini’s Promenade, but was changed back into Wilson’s Promenade again, after the fascism was defeated. In 1960, it was renamed into Youth Promenade, but later on, the name of the promenade was changed back into Wilson’s Promenade once again. Nowadays, most people only know it under that name.

It is a perfect spot for complete physical and mental relaxation.