Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Popularly known as Mostar Bridge or Old Bridge, Stari Most is a 16th-century Ottoman bridge which connects two points of the city over the River Neretva. The rebuilt and renovated structure is named after bridge keepers, or mostaris, who would guard the bridge during medieval times. The original bridge, which was built in the early 1960s, stood for over 400 years before it was destroyed during the Croat-Bosniak War. The rebuilt bridge took three years to complete and was open to the public in 2004. It is an outstanding piece of Balkan Islamic architecture and should not be missed during a trip to Mostar.

Address: Stari Most, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Dervish House, or the Blagaj Tekija, is a Dervish monastery that is over 600 years old. The stunning structure can be found on the outskirts of Mostar, Bosnia at the base of a cliff with the source of the River Buna flowing beneath it. Pictures do no justice to the unique and picturesque setting of the calm location. Blagaj Monastery visitors will find themselves in awe as they stand within the monastery’s presence, especially when they realize that its history dates back to the height of the Ottoman empire. Though natural deterioration has occurred over time, you’ll be glad to know that much of the reconstruction you see today remains true to the original structure.

Address: Blagaj bb, 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-61-37-10-05

You’ll find not one, but two, ‘Don’t Forget’ stones while exploring the marvelous city of Mostar. One can be found at one end of the Mostar Bridge and reads “Don’t Forget ‘93” to serve as a reminder of the city’s sad history and the civil war that ravaged it. The Don't Forget Stone can be seen along a cobblestone street by the bazaar, and it too serves as a reminder of the war and the impact it made on the local community. The stones are now seen not only as a reminder of Mostar’s past, but also as a symbol of strength in a country trying to rebuild itself.

In the heart of Mostar’s Old Town, you’ll find a lively and charming little market also known as a Carsija. The carsija is actually separated by the Mostar Old Bridge, a division which symbolizes the separation of Bosniak and Croat ethnic groups to the locals but is not noticeable to the eyes of those who don’t know the underlying tensions of the past. You should explore the markets on both sides of the river, as you’ll fall in love with the feel of the place that transports you back in time. You’ll find local artisans and vendors selling everything from rugs and Turkish coffee to an array of fun souvenirs perfect for friends and family back home.

Bridge Diving is a local artform that dates back to the mid-1660s. Though you’ll be able to see it in many places across Mostar, one of the most popular locations to view a number of acrobatic heroes jump off a bridge and dive perfectly into the River Neretva is at the Mostar Old Bridge. For a small fee, you can see these brave men jump off of the bridge which is at least 20 meters high! The practice has become so popular over the years that there’s even an official annual competition now thanks to Red Bull’s cliff diving competition. Though it’s exhilarating to watch, visitors are asked not to attempt the jump themselves as it requires a lot of practice and could be dangerous.

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Standing at 80 feet high and nearly 400 feet wide, Kravice Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions to visit when in Mostar. A part of the River Trebizat, the falls are frequently visited by locals and tourists throughout the year. In addition to taking in the stunning sight of the roaring waterfall, you can also spend hours picnicking, hiking the surroundings, and even swimming in the refreshing waters. They even have a designated picnic area, a little cafe, and a fun rope swing that is popular with visitors of all ages. If you really want to spend some time there, plan to camp at one of their beautiful sites, surrounded by nature at its finest.

Address: Studenci bb, Studenci Ljubuški 88320, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-39-83-23-40

Originally the residential complex of the Muslibegovic family, the house of the same name is now a renowned private hotel and local attraction which displays the full extent of the Ottoman architectural style of the buildings. The monument complex comprises a towering entrance gateway and surrounding walls, and within it you’ll find a residential building, two courtyards, and several movable properties which have been added over the years. You can choose to stay in one of the twelve renovated hotel rooms or just visit and explore for a few hours. One of the most valuable exhibits you’ll come across at Muslibegovic House is a manuscript of the Quran which dates back to 1855.

Muslibegovic House, Address: Osmana Džikica 41, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-36-55-13-79

The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a small yet architecturally rich religious structure which dates back to the 17th century. It is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture in Mostar and is a monumental local attraction that encompasses much of Mostar’s local history. The mosque itself dates back to the year 1618 and was founded by Mehmed Koskija, the reporter of the great vizier Lala Mehmed Sokolovic. The colorful interior of the space as well as the towering dome is quite beautiful to take in. You’ll also be able to see several artifacts such as a carpet which was gifted by Austrian monarch, Frajo Josip.

Address: Mala Tepa 16, Mostar 80807, Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Kriva Cuprija, or Crooked Bridge as it translates to, is actually a miniature version of Mostar’s more famous Stari Most (Old Bridge). It was built eight years prior to the famed Old Bridge, in 1558, and is believed to have been something of a trial for the more daring construction that followed. Even Kriva Cuprija was destroyed in the early 2000s, but more so because of natural circumstances and river flooding. It was rebuilt in the years that followed, and today visitors can visitor an integral part of Mostar’s history. Stand in the middle and see the Radobolja River flow beneath it as the beauty of the city surrounds you.