Rooftop Cafe

Overview

Perched high within the striking Avaz Twist Tower in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Rooftop Cafe, often known as Caffe 35 or Sky Lounge Bar 35, offers visitors a unique vantage point to experience the city. Located on the 35th floor of this architectural marvel, the cafe provides a serene setting for refreshments accompanied by breathtaking panoramic views. The Avaz Twist Tower itself stands as a modern symbol of Sarajevo, a testament to its resilience and forward-looking spirit, making a visit here an essential part of any traveler's itinerary.

This impressive skyscraper, soaring 172 meters into the sky, is not only the tallest building in Sarajevo but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was once among the tallest in the Balkans outside of Istanbul. Its distinctive twisted glass facade has earned it international acclaim, recognized by many as one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Ascending to the cafe on the 35th floor, or the public observation deck on the 36th floor, is an experience in itself, facilitated by some of Europe's fastest panoramic elevators that whisk guests upwards in mere seconds.

History & Cultural Background

The Avaz Twist Tower, completed in 2008 and officially opened in 2009, represents a significant chapter in Sarajevo's post-war urban renewal and development. Designed by the prominent Sarajevan architect Faruk Kapidžić, the tower serves as the headquarters for 'Dnevni avaz,' one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's leading daily newspapers. Its construction was a monumental effort, involving over 200 companies and thousands of local workers, showcasing Bosnian architectural and engineering capabilities on a global scale. The tower's existence signals Sarajevo's re-emergence as a dynamic business and cultural hub, bridging the city's rich Ottoman legacy with a contemporary vision.

Its location in the Marijin Dvor neighborhood, a central district of Sarajevo, positions it within a vibrant area that blends historical significance with modern urban life. The tower's very presence contributes to the city's narrative of rebuilding and progress, offering a powerful symbol of hope and aspiration after challenging times.

What Makes It Special

The Avaz Twist Tower's most distinguishing feature is its unique, twisting glass facade, which creates an illusion of gentle rotation as it ascends. This neo-futuristic design, with each glass section subtly rotated by approximately one degree per floor, accumulates to a total twist of about 45 degrees from base to summit. This innovative design caught the attention of the global architectural community, earning it a spot among the ten most beautiful buildings in the world in 2009, as recognized by the German company Schüco. The exterior is composed of over 200,000 unique, precisely numbered glass elements, creating a magnificent glass mosaic that reflects the Sarajevo skyline.

Beyond its exterior, the experience of ascending the tower is equally remarkable. The high-speed panoramic elevators provide an exhilarating ride, offering initial glimpses of the cityscape as you climb. Once at the Rooftop Cafe, the unobstructed 360-degree views are simply unparalleled, extending across Sarajevo's rooftops, the meandering Miljacka River, and the surrounding Dinaric Alps and Olympic mountains like Trebević and Bjelašnica.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Avaz Twist Tower holds several intriguing stories and local details that add to its allure. It is not just a building; it is an active part of Sarajevo's community life. For instance, the tower annually hosts the 'Avaz Tower Running' contest, a unique event where participants race up the tower's approximately 780 steps to the observation deck. This event draws significant local attention and is a testament to the tower's integration into the city's cultural fabric.

The architect, Faruk Kapidžić, reportedly envisioned the tower to appear as a 'stack of glass boxes nudged out of alignment,' a visual effect that gives the structure its dynamic and playful character. This artistic intention elevates the tower from a mere functional skyscraper to a piece of modern art gracing Sarajevo's skyline. The internal construction required massive quantities of materials, including 23,000 cubic meters of concrete, three million kilograms of steel, and more than 10,000 lighting fixtures, underscoring the sheer scale of this engineering feat.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, visiting the Rooftop Cafe (Caffe 35 or Sky Lounge Bar 35) is an immersive experience that goes beyond just enjoying a drink. It offers a moment to pause and absorb Sarajevo's multifaceted beauty from above. The cafe, situated on the 35th floor, provides a chic and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for savoring a cup of Bosnian coffee or other refreshments. Many visitors suggest arriving an hour before sunset to witness the city bathed in golden light, followed by the enchanting spectacle of Sarajevo twinkling under the night sky.

While the menu is primarily for drinks and light snacks, the true value lies in the ambiance and the panoramic vista. The observation deck, often closely associated with the cafe on the 35th or 36th floor, offers a comprehensive 360-degree view. From here, one can clearly discern the city's historical districts merging with newer developments, minarets alongside modern structures, and the distant mountains that cradled the 1984 Winter Olympics. It's an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and anyone wishing to gain a deeper appreciation for Sarajevo's geography and urban tapestry. The modest entrance fee to access these upper floors makes it an accessible and highly recommended experience for anyone exploring Sarajevo.