Bistrik Tower: An Abandoned Fortress & Observatory in Sarajevo

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On Mount Trebević above Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the abandoned Čolina Kapa Observatory, often referred to locally as "Bistrik Tower" or "Bistrik Kula", still stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and lost potential.

Originally built as an Austro-Hungarian fortress before World War I, the mountaintop provided commanding views over Sarajevo, making it an ideal military observation post.

After World War II, the fortress was repurposed, transforming into a cutting-edge astronomical observatory under the guidance of the Orion Astronomical Society.

By the early 1970s, Čolina Kapa Observatory was Bosnia and Herzegovina's only astronomical facility, complete with three domes for night-sky observation, a reference library, and even a photo lab.

Unfortunately, the Bosnian War in the 1990s left much of Sarajevo, including the observatory, in ruins.

All of its equipment was destroyed between 1992 and 1995, and without funding, it was eventually abandoned.

Today, the observatory’s crumbling structure remains a haunting reminder of Sarajevo’s vibrant scientific past. Astronomy is now virtually absent in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But urban explorers are drawn to the remnants. Bistrik Tower is one of those urbex sites that dreams are made of. It's historical significance, remote location, ease of access, and plentiful street art make it an absolute pleasure to explore.

These skeleton murals were some of my favorite pieces.

The view of Sarajevo from the top is absolutely stunning.

Bistrik Tower is located here on Google Maps. From Sarajevo you can take the cable car up Mount Trebević and then walk down the abandoned Olympic bobsled track. It is then a short walk from the bottom the track.

When I went in July 2024, I only encountered a couple other people on my way in and out. After exploring the much busier abandoned bobsled track, which is a well known tourist attraction, it was nice to basically have this place all to myself.

Below are some photos from inside the other tower, which had less to explore, as I could not find a feasible way to the roof.

Exploring an Abandoned Sugar Mill in Puerto Rico

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While driving through the Puerto Rican countryside, I spotted what looked like an abandoned factory building in the distance. Being a lover of urban exploration, I knew I'd have to check it out.

What it turned out to be is the remains of the Guánica Centrale, a sugar mill that was once one of the largest in the Caribbean. It was operational between 1900 and 1982 and owned by the South Puerto Rico Sugar Company of New Jersey. Today, it stands as a symbol of Puerto Rico's difficult colonial past.

Spanish settlers introduced sugarcane to the island, recognizing its suitability for growth in the tropical climate and fertile soil. By the 19th century, sugar had become a major export. Large plantations were established with enslaved labor driving their success. Under American colonial rule in the early 20th century, the industry continued to thrive, but later faced challenges, leading to its decline. Puerto Rico was forced to diversify its economy and move away from its dependence on sugarcane.

Guánica Centrale is just one of many sugar mills that were eventually shut down on the island. The two chimneys of the sugar mill that you see here are now historic monuments.

I visited the site in May of 2023. Here is the exact location on Google Maps. It was very easy to access and we did not encounter security or anyone throughout.

This was the entrance to get into the site. Easy-peasy!

Photographing the Grunge Feel of Havana, Cuba

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Havana is an absolute pleasure to meander through, especially for photographers. It's streets are lined with colorful, rundown buildings that still maintain a sort of nostalgic beauty. Here are some of my favorite shots from my short visit in April 2019.

The above photo was taken by my friend.

The next few images are from Fusterlandia, a mosaic art neighbourhood about a half hour outside of Old Havana. It was very pretty to see as well!