The historic city of Mostar, stretching through the deep valley of the Neretva River, developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and later expanded during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and the Old Bridge, from which it takes its name.
Built in 1566 during the Ottoman occupation on the site of a previous wooden bridge, the Old Bridge in multicultural Mostar spans the Neretva River. It was designed as a single stone arch by the Turkish architect Kodja Mimar Sinan and constructed by Mimar Hayruddin, who was threatened with execution by the sultan if the bridge were to collapse.
Fortunately, it withstood the test of time until it was destroyed by shelling during the Balkan Wars. However, it now once again soars over the river, measuring 30 meters (98.5 feet) in length and standing 21 meters (69 feet) high at its peak. Today, the Old Bridge is world-famous for several reasons: it connects the Muslim and Christian communities of the city, linking the Ottoman-era left bank with the predominantly Austro-Hungarian enclave from the 19th century on the right bank. It was destroyed in 1993 when the two communities in Mostar turned against each other, yet since its reconstruction—using the original white limestone quarried from the river—and its reopening in 2004 with a reinforced metal frame, it has once again become a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
In the summer, the youth of Mostar use the bridge, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a diving platform in a spectacular display of mindless courage; in mid-August, an annual diving competition is held, attended by up to 15,000 spectators.
The Mostar bridge is called Stari most, which simply translates to Old Bridge. It is absolutely worth coming to Mostar just for the Old Bridge, and every visitor should take the time to see it from every angle. We spent almost 24 hours doing just that.
Would you like to experience the Old Bridge first hand, enjoy the stunning architecture, picturesque views of the Neretva River and learn all about its rich history? Contact our partners - ERO Travel Tour Agency.
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