The old electric distribution center in Marijin Dvor, which is located at the intersection of Hiseta and Kotromanića Streets, is one of the most important industrial units built during the period of Austro-Hungarian rule in BiH.

The complex was designed by Karlo Paržik and built by the German company, Siemens und Halske.

The center in Marijin Dvor saw its first transmission on May 1, 1895, which powered the first electric tram in Europe. It also brought electric public lighting to Sarajevo.

On the night of April 5, 1945, the date of Sarajevo’s liberation during WWII, the center was the site of a fierce battle between members of Sarajevo’s underground resistance and fascist troops, who wanted to blow up the facility.

The center was saved, but the legendary Vladimir “Walter” Perić, commander of Sarajevo’s resistance, died during the fighting. Following WWII, a monument was erected in his honor next to the center.

The facility hasn’t been operational since May 2, 1992, when it was shelled and set ablaze during the last war. Walter’s monument, which is between the center and Skenderija Bridge, came out of the war virtually unscathed.

The entire center on Hiseta Street, which comprises the industrial plant, administration building and the Vladimir “Walter” Perić Monument, was made a National Monument of BiH in 2015.