Old Bridge of Mostar

The Old Bridge (Stari Most) in Mostar stands as one of the most prominent achievements of Islamic architecture in the Balkans and a poignant symbol of historical resilience. Commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557, it was designed by the architect Mimar Hayruddin and completed in 1566. The bridge spans the Neretva River with a single, elegant stone arch that was considered an engineering marvel of its era. For centuries, it served as a vital artery for trade and cultural exchange between diverse communities. Tragically, the historic structure was completely destroyed by sustained artillery fire in November 1993 during the Bosnian War. An extensive international reconstruction project followed, strictly utilizing original Ottoman building techniques and locally quarried stone. The faithfully rebuilt bridge was inaugurated in 2004 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005. The site is also famous for its traditional bridge diving, where locals bravely leap from the 20-meter-high arch into the freezing waters below.

Nearby cities

Lukavica

Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.

East Sarajevo

East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.

Briješće

Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.

Ilidža

Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.

Visoko

Visoko is located northwest of Sarajevo at the confluence of the Bosna and Fojnička rivers.

Konjic

Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Foča

Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.

Bileća

Bileća is located in eastern Herzegovina on the artificial Lake Bileća.

Kravica Waterfall

A spectacular natural phenomenon on the Trebižat River, often referred to as the 'Little Niagara' of Bosnia.

Ljubuški

Ljubuški is located in the heart of Herzegovina and is famous for the Kravica waterfalls.

Široki Brijeg

Široki Brijeg is the administrative center of the West Herzegovina Canton.

Kiseljak

Kiseljak is located in central Bosnia and is famous for its natural mineral water.

Fojnica

A charming spa town famous for its healing thermal springs and the historically significant Franciscan monastery.

Vogošća

Vogošća is a municipality north of Sarajevo and a key industrial suburb of the capital.

Čapljina

Čapljina is located in southern Herzegovina at the confluence of four rivers.

History & landmarks

Počitelj

Historic Ottoman-style village built into a limestone cliff overlooking the Neretva river.

Nature

Neretva

The Neretva is the largest river in the eastern part of the Adriatic basin, famous for its emerald green color and extremely cold tempera…

More places

Old Town Visoki

Visoki was a royal castle and the capital of the medieval Bosnian state.

Sarajevo City Hall

Built in the Pseudo-Moorish style, the Vijećnica is one of the most magnificent buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period in Sarajevo.

Bišćević House

One of the best-preserved Ottoman residential houses in Mostar, located right on the banks of the Neretva.

Karadjoz Bey Mosque

The largest and most magnificent mosque in the Herzegovina region, located in Mostar.

Mostar Peace Bell Tower

This bell tower belongs to the Franciscan Church of St.

Muslibegović House

This historic residential house in Mostar is an outstanding example of 18th-century Ottoman architecture.

Partisan Memorial Cemetery

This monument in Mostar was built in honor of the partisans who died in World War II.