Franciscan Church of St. Anthony - a church with a deer statue in front of it
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Franciscan Church of St. Anthony

4.7
·332 reviews·Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A serene national monument with striking red architecture and beautiful religious art, welcoming all faiths for peaceful reflection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Peaceful, no crowds

CrowdLow
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Franciscan Church of St. Anthony - a church with a deer statue in front of it

Franciscan Church of St. Anthony

Best Time

Anytime

Peaceful, no crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene national monument with striking red architecture and beautiful religious art, welcoming all faiths for peaceful reflection.

4.7
(332 reviews)

"One of the best actually holy feeling religious sites I found in Sarajevo."

Vertical photo
TIP

🙏 Offerings for St. Anthony

While prayers are common, some offer small tokens of gratitude. Researching traditional offerings can be helpful.

📸 Photography Welcome

Feel free to take photos without worry; the church encourages respectful documentation of its beauty. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Mosaics and Frescoes

Unique Mosaics and Frescoes

Admire the striking religious mosaics and well-kept frescoes that adorn the church's interior. A feast for the eyes and soul.

Striking Red Architecture

Striking Red Architecture

The church's distinctive red exterior makes it a visually captivating landmark, standing out beautifully against the city.

Peaceful Ambiance

Peaceful Ambiance

Experience a rare sense of tranquility and spiritual reflection without the usual tourist hustle and bustle.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

This church offers a genuinely spiritual atmosphere, free from tourist crowds and entry fees. It's a place for quiet reflection and appreciating its unique mosaics and frescoes in peace. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to experience its tranquil ambiance.

A Welcoming Sanctuary

The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony is a national monument known for its open-door policy. Unlike some sites, you won't find intrusive staff or hefty fees, allowing for a more personal and contemplative visit. It's a beautiful, well-maintained landmark.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Peaceful, no crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Not Catholic, but can I ask Saint Anthony for help passing my medical exam?

🙏 Offerings for St. Anthony

While prayers are common, some offer small tokens of gratitude. Researching traditional offerings can be helpful. Reddit

📸 Photography Welcome

Feel free to take photos without worry; the church encourages respectful documentation of its beauty. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Today is the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, Portuguese priest, Franciscan friar, and Doctor of the Church, he is the patron saint of lost things. Consider asking his intercession for all those lost on their journey to God.

reddit.com

What to Offer St. Anthony

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Conveniently located near other attractions like the Sarajevo Brewery. :world_map:

🕊️ All Faiths Welcome

The church has an open-door policy, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to experience its spiritual ambiance. :pray:

Tips

from all over the internet

🙏 Offerings for St. Anthony

While prayers are common, some offer small tokens of gratitude. Researching traditional offerings can be helpful. Reddit

📸 Photography Welcome

Feel free to take photos without worry; the church encourages respectful documentation of its beauty. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Conveniently located near other attractions like the Sarajevo Brewery. :world_map:

🕊️ All Faiths Welcome

The church has an open-door policy, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to experience its spiritual ambiance. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(332 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Franciscan Church of St. Anthony for its genuinely holy and peaceful atmosphere, unique red architecture, and beautiful mosaics and frescoes. It's appreciated for being a welcoming, non-commercialized site accessible to all faiths, offering a serene escape from typical tourist crowds. Some may find the religious art particularly moving.

"One of the best actually holy feeling religious sites I found in Sarajevo. No bizarre entry fee, no one watching you to see if you are taking any photos, and while it is ironic for ME to say this, no tourists. You can enjoy the peculiar religious mosaics here in peace and actually ponder about spiritual matters."

Mustafa Serdar Karakaya

"Lovely Catholic Church that has an interesting color combination!
It is well kept and very stunning both inside and outside!
I recommend that you don’t skip this one while in the city!"

Son Livan

"Church of St. Anthony and the Franciscan Monastery in Sarajevo is a beautiful and historically significant landmark.
Located near the Sarajevo Brewery, this striking red church stands out with its unique architecture and welcoming atmosphere.
As a Roman Catholic place of worship dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, it also serves as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What makes it truly special is its open-door policy, inviting visitors of all faiths to experience its peaceful and spiritual ambiance."

lee on miin

What People Like

Genuinely holy feeling
Peaceful and serene ambiance
Unique red architecture

What People Dislike

None explicitly mentioned

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located near the Sarajevo Brewery, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by walking from the city center or by taking local transport. Its distinctive red facade makes it easy to spot. Reddit

Yes, its striking red architecture and proximity to the Sarajevo Brewery make it a well-known and easily locatable landmark in the city. Reddit

A pleasant walk from the old town will take you to the church, allowing you to see more of Sarajevo along the way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee. The church maintains an open-door policy, welcoming visitors of all faiths to experience its peaceful atmosphere without charge. Reddit

The church generally has an open-door policy, meaning it's accessible for visitors to enter and experience its ambiance throughout much of the day. It's advisable to check for any specific service times if you plan to attend. Reddit

Yes, photography is permitted inside the church. Unlike some tourist sites, there are no restrictions or staff monitoring photo-taking, allowing you to capture its beauty respectfully. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as genuinely holy, peaceful, and serene. It's a place where you can truly ponder spiritual matters without distraction. Reddit

It is recognized as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina due to its historical significance and unique architectural and artistic contributions to the region. Reddit

As a functioning Catholic church, services are held regularly. While not always advertised for tourists, attending a service can offer a deeper insight into its spiritual life. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The church is located near the Sarajevo Brewery, which often has a restaurant or cafe. Additionally, numerous dining options are available in the surrounding city center. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The striking red exterior offers great photo opportunities, especially with the surrounding urban landscape. Inside, the unique mosaics and frescoes are stunning subjects. Reddit

While photography is generally allowed, it's best to be discreet and respectful if a service is in progress. Avoid flash photography and loud noises. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony offers a calm and visually interesting experience for families. Its striking red exterior can capture children's attention, and the peaceful interior provides a quiet space for a brief respite. Unlike crowded attractions, there's no pressure or entry fee, making it a stress-free stop. Reddit

While the religious art might be more appreciated by adults, the lack of crowds and the welcoming atmosphere mean children can explore and observe without disturbing others. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to different architectural styles and the concept of sacred spaces in a relaxed setting. Reddit

🕊️ Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking a genuinely spiritual experience, the Franciscan Church of St. Anthony is highly recommended. Visitors consistently describe it as having a truly holy feeling, offering a rare sense of peace and serenity away from tourist crowds. Reddit

The church's open-door policy welcomes individuals of all faiths to reflect and connect. The absence of entry fees and intrusive monitoring allows for a more personal and profound engagement with the sacred space. It's an ideal location for quiet contemplation and spiritual exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural and Artistic Significance

The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony is not just a place of worship but a significant national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its most striking feature is its unique red architecture, which makes it stand out prominently in the urban landscape. This distinctive color choice is a key element that draws the eye and contributes to its visual appeal. Reddit

Inside, visitors are treated to a display of peculiar religious mosaics and well-kept frescoes. These artistic elements are not only beautiful but also contribute to the church's spiritual and historical value. The combination of its exterior and interior artistry makes it a noteworthy site for those interested in architecture and religious art. Reddit

The church's design and artistic embellishments offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious heritage of Sarajevo, making it a compelling destination for both spiritual seekers and art enthusiasts. Its well-maintained condition ensures that these features can be appreciated by visitors for years to come. Reddit

A Haven of Peace and Inclusivity

One of the most frequently praised aspects of the Franciscan Church of St. Anthony is its genuinely holy feeling and the peaceful ambiance it offers. Unlike many popular tourist attractions, this church is noted for its lack of a bizarre entry fee and the absence of intrusive staff monitoring visitors. This allows for a more authentic and contemplative experience. Reddit

Crucially, the church is highlighted for its open-door policy, explicitly inviting visitors of all faiths to experience its spiritual environment. This inclusivity is a significant draw, creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their religious background. It fosters an atmosphere where one can truly ponder spiritual matters without feeling out of place. Reddit

This welcoming and serene environment makes the church a recommended stop for anyone visiting Sarajevo, offering a moment of quiet reflection and a chance to appreciate its beauty in peace. It stands out as a sanctuary from the typical tourist hustle. Reddit

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