- Address: Trg Fra Grge Martića 2, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Opening: November 9, 1887;
- Phone: +387 33 210-281;
- Architectural style: Gothic architecture.
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a unique memorial of the architecture of Bosnia , which is the main Catholic cathedral of the country. In addition, the temple is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Vrkhbosny. The history of the cathedral began in 1881, while the architectural project was somewhat ahead of its time, than the Cathedral represents a frenzied interest for artists and architects.
General information
In 1881 the diocese of Vrkhbosny received the status of archdiocese. Such an important event could not but change the religious world of the Balkans and it was decided that a new church should be erected for the Catholic Diocese of the Latin rite. So the idea of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus appeared. September 14, 1889 was born a new Catholic church - the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The architecture of the basilica was given great attention and the choice of style fell on the Neo-Gothic with the neo-Roman elements. The architect Josip Vantsas used all new methods in his project. For five years, was built three-nave cathedral with a transverse nave. What gave a cross-shaped temple. The width of the cathedral is 21.3 meters, and the length is 41.9. The facade is decorated with two square towers with a clock. Their tops are crowned with triangular spiers with crosses.
An important element of the Catholic churches are the bells. They are at the cathedral five. They were presented to the temple as a gift from the Slovenian people. Bells were cast in Ljubljana for money donated by believers. Thus, Catholics approved the decision of the archdiocese to build a new church and showed their joy.
On the facade of the Cathedral there is a rose window and a triangular pediment in the center, which is a characteristic feature of the Gothic style. It is these elements that attract the most attention of architects. No less important element of the style are the stained glass windows, which represent a very real work of art. The central stained glass window is dedicated to the key stage of the Bible - the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross by Longinus. On the sides there are stained-glass windows depicting the "Last Supper" and "Jesus the King of the Universe". Also, the building has small stained-glass windows with key heroes of the Catholic faith: Margarita Maria Alakok and Julianna Liege. The most spectacular stained glass windows look exactly from inside the building. Entering inside you envelop the multicolored rays, penetrating through the colored glass, in which the biblical heroes come to life.
The "heart" of the temple is the altar of white marble, brought from Italy. The sculpture of Christ placed on the altar carries a strong message, as Jesus points to His Holy Heart. It is surrounded by statues of saints. And the white marble itself is decorated with ornate carvings.
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Cathedral during the Civil War
The civil war in Bosnia mercilessly destroyed many historical and cultural monuments, but the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus passed this misfortune. He only suffered a little from shelling, so his recovery did not take much money and time. After the Cathedral was restored it was visited by Pope John Paul II, which became a landmark event in the life of the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Vrkhbosny.
Where is?
The cathedral is in the east of Sarajevo , next to the market of Marcale . The nearest public transport stop is Katedrala, where bus No. 31e and trams No. 1, 2, 3, 5 stop.