Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
Date of Inscription: 2007
Selection criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design
Overview: The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is located in the town of Višegrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period and is considered an exceptional example of Islamic architecture and engineering.
Prominent Features: The Bridge: The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is a stone bridge that spans the Drina River. It is 179 meters long and consists of 11 arches, with the largest spanning 33 meters. The bridge was built by the Ottoman architect Sinan and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and engineering.
Cultural Significance: The bridge played an important role in the cultural and economic exchange between the Ottoman Empire and the rest of Europe during the 16th century. It facilitated trade and travel between the east and the west and is an important symbol of the Ottoman era in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Historic Architecture: The bridge is just one of several historic structures in the town of Višegrad. The town also features many Ottoman-style homes, mosques, and markets, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Family Friendly Activity: One family-friendly activity in Višegrad is visiting the Andrićgrad, a cultural and tourist complex named after the Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andrić, who was born in the town. The complex features several museums, art galleries, and cultural events, as well as a cinema, a playground, and a souvenir shop.
Fun Fact: The bridge was featured in the novel "The Bridge on the Drina" by Ivo Andrić, which won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1961. The novel tells the story of the bridge's construction and its role in the history of the town.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge.
How to Reach It: From Sarajevo: By car: Višegrad is located about 120 kilometers from Sarajevo and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Take the M18 road towards east and follow the signs to Višegrad.
By bus: There are several daily bus services from Sarajevo to Višegrad, operated by companies such as Centrotrans and Lasta. The journey takes around 3 hours and the bus station in Višegrad is located within walking distance of the bridge.
There are several daily bus services from Belgrade to Višegrad, operated by companies such as Lasta and Siroki Brijeg. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and the bus station in Višegrad is located within walking distance of the bridge.
Where to stay: Višegrad offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Many of these options are located near the bridge, making it easy to explore the town's historic sites and attractions. Visitors can also choose to stay in the town center, which is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Selection criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design
Overview: The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is located in the town of Višegrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period and is considered an exceptional example of Islamic architecture and engineering.
Prominent Features: The Bridge: The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is a stone bridge that spans the Drina River. It is 179 meters long and consists of 11 arches, with the largest spanning 33 meters. The bridge was built by the Ottoman architect Sinan and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and engineering.
Cultural Significance: The bridge played an important role in the cultural and economic exchange between the Ottoman Empire and the rest of Europe during the 16th century. It facilitated trade and travel between the east and the west and is an important symbol of the Ottoman era in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Historic Architecture: The bridge is just one of several historic structures in the town of Višegrad. The town also features many Ottoman-style homes, mosques, and markets, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Family Friendly Activity: One family-friendly activity in Višegrad is visiting the Andrićgrad, a cultural and tourist complex named after the Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andrić, who was born in the town. The complex features several museums, art galleries, and cultural events, as well as a cinema, a playground, and a souvenir shop.
Fun Fact: The bridge was featured in the novel "The Bridge on the Drina" by Ivo Andrić, which won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1961. The novel tells the story of the bridge's construction and its role in the history of the town.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge.
How to Reach It: From Sarajevo: By car: Višegrad is located about 120 kilometers from Sarajevo and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Take the M18 road towards east and follow the signs to Višegrad.
By bus: There are several daily bus services from Sarajevo to Višegrad, operated by companies such as Centrotrans and Lasta. The journey takes around 3 hours and the bus station in Višegrad is located within walking distance of the bridge.
There are several daily bus services from Belgrade to Višegrad, operated by companies such as Lasta and Siroki Brijeg. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and the bus station in Višegrad is located within walking distance of the bridge.
Where to stay: Višegrad offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Many of these options are located near the bridge, making it easy to explore the town's historic sites and attractions. Visitors can also choose to stay in the town center, which is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.