Mostar/Old Bridge

Introduction

the Bridge

© pampeliska

Mostar's Old Bridge was built in the middle of the 16th century by an Ottoman architect, crossing the River Neretva. It was guarded by the mostari, after whom the town was eventually named, and was seen as an important symbol for the meeting of east and west.

During a siege in the Bosnian War, Croatian forces destroyed much of Mostar, including the bridge. It was rebuilt again between 1999 and 2004 according to the original design. This project was funded by the governments of the Netherlands, United States, Turkey, Italy and Croatia. In 2005, UNESCO named the bridge on its World Heritage List, along with the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Traditionally, people have used the bridge as a driving platform. Since the Neretva is quite cold, this isn't a tradition you should join in on unless you're a very capable diver. Each year in summer, there is a diving competition.

Read about more famous bridges.

Opening Hours

24 hours a day!

Cost

Free!

Getting There

Mostar is easily reached by bus or car from other places in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Roads toward Mostart are good. After reaching Mostar, you have to be blind to miss the old bridge which is easily accessible on foot.