Ciglane-Kovačići

Ciglane and Kovacici are two adjacent upper neighborhoods on the hillside north of Marijin Dvor, popular with middle-class Sarajevo families and a growing international community. Ciglane is a well-maintained residential district with a village-like atmosphere — narrow streets, community gardens, and a local market. It sits above the city proper, offering hillside views and a quieter pace than the valley neighborhoods. Kovacici is a similar character — residential, family-oriented, and increasingly attractive to expats seeking affordable rents close to the international school scene. The QSI International School of Sarajevo is nearby, making it a practical base for families.

The hillside position of Ciglane and Kovacici gives residents immediate access to the forest trails above the city. Hiking from the neighborhood up to Trebevic and the surrounding Dinaric highlands is accessible on foot. The Vraca memorial park above provides woodland walking. Trebevic cable car terminus is accessible by a short drive or bus. The city centers sports facilities (Skenderija sports complex) are 10 minutes downhill. In winter, the proximity to skiing is a major advantage.

Ciglane and Kovacici are hillside neighborhoods requiring some effort to access from the city center. Bus routes connect the neighborhoods to downtown Sarajevo. A car is highly convenient given the hillside position and limited flat routes. Walking downhill to Marijin Dvor is feasible (15–20 minutes). Bolt is reliable for downhill trips. The winding hillside roads can be icy in winter. Parking within the neighborhoods is easier than in the valley below.

Daily life in Ciglane has a quiet residential quality. A local pijaca (open market) provides fresh produce. Small shops, bakeries, and kafanas serve daily needs. For larger shopping, the BBI Center and city center markets are a short bus or Bolt ride. The neighborhoods relatively low rents and proximity to the international school make it popular with expat families on tighter budgets. Healthcare at the state hospital system is accessible downhill.

Being on the hillside, Ciglane and Kovacici experience slightly colder temperatures than the valley bottom, with more frequent frost in winter and heavier snowfall. Views of snow-covered surrounding mountains during winter are spectacular. Summers are cooler and breezier than the valley, which is a significant advantage during the warm months. The elevation and tree coverage create a microclimate noticeably fresher than downtown Sarajevo.