Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2005
Size of heritage: 7.60 ha
- Buffer zone: 48 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 17,811°
Latitude: 43,348°

Summary

The historic town of Mostar, spanning a deep valley of the Neretva River, developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. In the 1990s conflict, however, most of the historic town and the Old Bridge, designed by the renowned architect Sinan, was destroyed. The Old Bridge was recently rebuilt and many of the edifices in the Old Town have been restored or rebuilt with the contribution of an international scientific committee established by UNESCO. The Old Bridge area, with its pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and western European architectural features, is an outstanding example of a multicultural urban settlement. The reconstructed Old Bridge and Old City of Mostar is a symbol of reconciliation, international co-operation and of the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities.

Location on Map

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Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar

The Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar, located in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This site encompasses the iconic Old Bridge, as well as the surrounding historic urban fabric and the Neretva River.

History

The Old Bridge, known as Stari Most in the local language, was originally constructed in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire. It was designed by the renowned architect Mimar Hayruddin, and its construction was overseen by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The bridge served as a vital link between the two sides of the city, connecting the Muslim and Christian communities.

For centuries, the Old Bridge stood as a symbol of unity and coexistence in Mostar. It became an architectural masterpiece, renowned for its elegant design and the use of local limestone. However, during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the bridge was tragically destroyed by artillery fire in 1993, causing immense grief and loss for the people of Mostar.

Current State

Following the war, extensive efforts were made to reconstruct the Old Bridge and restore the surrounding area. The reconstruction project, led by UNESCO, aimed to revive the cultural heritage of Mostar and promote reconciliation among the divided communities.

The reconstruction of the Old Bridge was completed in 2004, using traditional building techniques and materials to ensure its authenticity. Skilled craftsmen meticulously recreated the intricate stone arches and the distinctive humpback shape of the bridge. Today, the Old Bridge stands as a symbol of resilience and reconciliation, a testament to the power of cultural heritage in healing wounds and fostering unity.

The Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar is a vibrant and bustling part of the city. The historic urban fabric surrounding the bridge consists of narrow streets, traditional houses, and numerous shops and cafes. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets, admire the Ottoman architecture, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Mostar.

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
MARSALA TITA 23
88000 MOSTAR
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Bljesak.info: Klub vodenih sportova Orka Mostar

Published: March 02, 2013
Length: 43:27 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Bljesak.info

Ekipa portala Bljesak.info bila je na treningu Kluba vodenih sportova Orka Mostar.

Mostar 2012

Published: July 21, 2012
Length: 38:39 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Mostar2000

Same road that I filmed twelve years ago. Mostar - Šantićeva, Bulevar, Šemovac, magistrala iznad Donje Mahale, Brkića most. Same trip filmed twelve years ago: http://youtu.be/9NPFhJOhpx4.