Information
Landmark: Stari Most (Old Bridge)City: Mostar
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Continent: Europe
Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe
Overview
The Old Bridge of Mostar, or Stari Most, arches gracefully over the Neretva River and stands as one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most treasured historic landmarks.In the heart of Mostar, this stunning bridge arcs gracefully over the green waters of the Neretva River, standing as a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural heritage.The bridge and the surrounding Old Town are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing travelers from every corner of the globe to stroll its worn stone paths.Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Sultan, ordered the Old Bridge built in 1557, and nine years later-under the summer sun of 1566-it stood finished.The renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the legendary Mimar Sinan, designed the bridge-an engineering wonder of its day, with a single stone arch stretching 29 meters across the river, just 4 meters wide, and soaring about 24 meters above the green, fast-moving water.In 1993, during the Bosnian War, artillery fire brought the Old Bridge crashing down.Losing it became a stark reminder of the conflict’s deep division and ruin.In 1997, crews began rebuilding the bridge with the same methods and materials as before, shaping pale blocks of local tenelija limestone by hand until the work finished in 2004.UNESCO worked with several international organizations on the reconstruction project, restoring the Old Bridge-an Ottoman Islamic masterpiece whose graceful arch seems to float above the Neretva River-and preserving its role as a symbol of connection, coexistence, and Mostar’s centuries-old blend of cultures and faiths.The Old Bridge is known for its centuries-old diving tradition-locals still leap into the cool, green water below.From the 24-meter-high bridge, local divers plunge into the cool, green waters of the Neretva, a daring display best seen during the annual Mostar Diving Competition that attracts athletes from around the globe; from the bridge, you can also take in sweeping views of the river and the Old Town’s stone houses, slender minarets, and winding streets, then step into the nearby Old Bridge Museum to trace the Stari Most’s history, from its original construction to its fall and painstaking rebuilding.You’ll find archaeological discoveries, fascinating displays on Ottoman engineering, and breathtaking vistas from the bridge’s lookout points.At night, it glows under a wash of golden light, its reflection shimmering in the still Neretva.For the best photos and fewer people, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.The bridge is open only to pedestrians, so you can wander at your own pace and take in every detail.Nearby, explore the lively Kujundžiluk Bazaar with its artisan stalls and cafés, or climb the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for sweeping views over Mostar.The Old Bridge isn’t just an architectural marvel-it stands as a moving symbol of endurance and hope.The tale of ruin and renewal captures the city’s unshakable spirit, like neighbors rebuilding a charred café brick by brick.As you walk across this historic bridge, each stone underfoot feels steeped in centuries of stories, making it an unforgettable step into the rich cultural heart of Mostar.
