Original Tunnel Section

Overview

The Original Tunnel Section, a poignant part of the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, offers a powerful glimpse into a harrowing period of modern history. Known locally as 'Tunel spasa' or 'Tunnel of Hope', this underground passage was the sole lifeline for the besieged city of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995. The museum preserves a small, yet impactful, segment of the original tunnel, allowing visitors to physically experience the cramped and arduous conditions endured by thousands. It stands as a profound testament to human resilience, ingenuity, and the unyielding will to survive against unimaginable odds.

Constructed in secrecy beneath the Sarajevo Airport runway, the tunnel connected two Bosnian-held neighborhoods, Dobrinja and Butmir, which were otherwise cut off by Serbian forces. The museum, built around the house that once concealed the entrance, provides extensive context through exhibits, photographs, and documentary films, painting a vivid picture of daily life and the critical role the tunnel played.

History & Cultural Background

Sarajevo faced the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare, lasting 1,425 days. Completely encircled and under constant bombardment, the city was starved of food, medicine, and essential supplies. In this desperate situation, the Bosnian Army, along with civilians, conceived and undertook the monumental task of digging a tunnel. Construction began on March 1, 1993, under the codename 'Objekt BD', and remarkably, it was completed in just four months, by June or July 1993.

This extraordinary feat of engineering and human will was carried out mostly by hand, using shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows, under extreme secrecy and danger. Workers toiled 24 hours a day in 8-hour shifts, digging from both ends to meet in the middle. The tunnel, approximately 800 meters long, 1.6 meters high, and about 0.8-1 meter wide, became the city's clandestine artery. It bypassed the UN-controlled airport, which, while used for humanitarian aid flights, could not be openly crossed due to sniper fire and UN neutrality. The tunnel quickly became a symbol of defiance and a vital connection to the 'free' territory outside the siege.

What Makes It Special

The Original Tunnel Section is special because it is not merely a historical exhibit; it is a tangible piece of history, offering an immersive and deeply emotional encounter with the past. Unlike many museums that rely solely on artifacts and displays, here, visitors can walk through a small but authentic stretch of the tunnel, experiencing firsthand the claustrophobic conditions, the low ceiling, and the damp earth that characterized this lifeline.

It represents an unparalleled act of collective survival and human spirit. The tunnel facilitated the passage of hundreds of thousands of people, millions of kilograms of food, and crucial war supplies, including fuel, electricity, and telecommunications cables, circumventing an international arms embargo. Its existence directly contributed to Sarajevo's ability to resist and endure the siege, making it far more than just a passage; it was the city's very breath.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The stories associated with the tunnel are countless and deeply moving. It's estimated that between two and three million trips were made through the tunnel during the war. On an average day, 3,000 to 4,000 Bosnian soldiers and civilians, carrying up to 30 tons of goods, traversed its length.

One notable story tells of Alija Izetbegović, the President of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who was transported through the tunnel in a special 'President's Chair,' never actually setting foot on the tunnel floor himself. The workers who dug the tunnel were sometimes paid in cigarettes, a highly prized commodity during the siege, demonstrating the extraordinary value placed on every effort contributing to survival. The original tunnel was ingeniously dug in an L-shape to prevent Serbian forces from collapsing it with shells if its exit points were discovered.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Original Tunnel Section is often described as a profoundly moving and humbling experience. Stepping into the dimly lit, narrow passage, even for just the accessible 20-25 meters, provides a visceral sense of the hardships endured. The air can be cool and damp, and visitors taller than 1.6 meters will need to stoop, giving a realistic impression of the tight space.

The museum's thoughtful presentation, including a compelling documentary film, archival photographs, and displays of tools and artifacts used in its construction and operation, helps visitors connect emotionally with the immense human cost and the incredible fortitude of the Sarajevan people. Many visitors report feeling a deep respect for the bravery and ingenuity that allowed a city to survive against such overwhelming odds. It's an educational journey that not only details a historical event but also imparts a powerful message about peace and the enduring strength of the human spirit.