Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Part 3: Maršala Tita Street
(See “Sarajevo” map,
here
.)
Crowded with cars, trucks, trams, and buses, this artery feels more urban and less atmo-
spheric than the Ottoman and Austrian zones we just left. During the siege, this was one
of the safest major boulevards in town, since it's relatively narrow and well-protected from
snipers by tall buildings. The exposed side-streets were blocked off to create what was
calleda“RoadofLife,”wherepeoplecouldwalkwithoutfearofbeingpickedoffbydistant
gunmen. We'll follow this street several blocks to ground zero of the former war zone.
After a block, on the right, his-and-hers Atlases flank the doors of the
Bosnian Central
Bank
building—where the fledgling Convertible Mark currency is administered. The all-
purpose lights spanning the street here are lit up to celebrate local festivals and (in this
multifaith city) a wide range of religious holidays: Ramadan, Catholic Christmas, Orthodox
Christmas, and New Year's.
Farther along, on the left, is
McDonald's,
which caused an uproar when it finally
opened here in July of 2011. The opening was delayed for four years, as local
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