Sarajevo War Tunnel, Sarajevo

One of the most common questions of tourists, and also ours, is "How did Sarajevo survive the siege for so long?". The answers we found when visiting the Tunnel of Hope. From 1992 to 1995, the residents of Sarajevo had no way out of the city or receive humanitarian aid - neither food nor water nor medicine... Nothing! There were snipers surrounding the whole town. Warnings from "Watch out - Sniper!" were placed on every corner. Today a museum, the tunnel was built by bosnian citizens and resistance forces to transport weapons and ammunition to soldiers and also for the flight of civilians and to supply the city. He passed under the runway from the airport to free territory and because it was the only hope of survival gained that name. He was also known to have been used to evacuate the country's former President, Alija Izetbegović, in his wheelchair. The construction of the tunnel of 800 meters, 1 meter wide and 1.5 meters high, took 6 months. He was hand-excavated in L-shaped, and the men took turns working day and night. Just over 20 meters left today, but the house in whose backyard the tunnel was excavated is the headquarters of the Museum, and there you can see videos, photos and objects related to its construction and use. The records also show how people tried to lead a "normal" life during the siege and not let themselves be shot down. There are photos of events that have become world famous as symbols of resistance, such as the rock show promoted by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson risked his life by drilling the siege and entering the city in the body of a truck, coming through Mostar to Sarajevo. (It wasn't until you went through the United Nations barrier that you got an escort.) The show was in December 1994 and the war only ended a year later. In April this year Bruce was declared honorary citizen of Sarajevo, in a tribute to the city for his support for the capital. To this day the singer says that this was the best show of his life. The Tunnel of Hope is an indispensable visit for those who are to Sarajevo. It is far from the city center and we went there as part of the Under the Siege Tour, which we did with Spirit City.