Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar

The Old Bridge and Old Town of Mostar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is a cultural and historical hub with a rich and diverse past, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

The Old Bridge, also known as Stari Most, is the most iconic landmark in Mostar. Originally built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, it served as a crucial link between the two sides of the city. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, but was reconstructed in 2004, using the same traditional methods and materials. Today, the Old Bridge is a symbol of unity and reconciliation in Mostar.

The Old Town of Mostar is a charming and picturesque area, filled with narrow streets, colorful bazaars, and historic buildings. The architecture of the Old Town is a blend of Ottoman and Mediterranean styles, reflecting the city's diverse cultural influences.

Mostar has a long and complex history, dating back to the 15th century. It was an important trade center during the Ottoman Empire and later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city has also faced its share of challenges, including the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Today, Mostar is a thriving city, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

One of the must-see attractions in Mostar is the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, a beautiful Ottoman-style mosque located near the Old Bridge. Visitors can climb to the top of the minaret for stunning views of the city.

Another popular sight is the Kravice Waterfalls, located about 40 kilometers from Mostar. This natural wonder is a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for swimming and picnicking.

The Old Bridge and Old Town of Mostar are not only important cultural and historical sites, but they also represent a message of peace and unity. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must for anyone traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Weiterführende Links:

• Old Bridge of Mostar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Bridge_of_Mostar
• Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koski_Mehmed_Pasha_Mosque
• Kravice Waterfalls - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kravice_Waterfalls

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.