Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
Date of Inscription: 2005
Selection criteria: (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar is located in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is known for its iconic Ottoman-style bridge, the Stari Most, which was built in the 16th century and has become a symbol of the city.
Prominent Features: The Stari Most: The most prominent feature of the Old Bridge Area is the Stari Most, a bridge that spans the Neretva River. The bridge was originally built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, but was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. It was later rebuilt in 2004 and has become a symbol of reconciliation between the ethnic groups in Mostar.
Historic Architecture: The Old City of Mostar features many historic buildings and structures, including Ottoman-style homes, mosques, and markets. The architecture reflects the city's rich cultural heritage, which is a mix of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Western influences.
Diving Tradition: One of the unique features of the Old Bridge Area is the diving tradition. For centuries, young men have been diving off the Stari Most into the Neretva River as a rite of passage and as a display of courage. Today, this tradition continues, and visitors can watch local divers perform daring jumps from the bridge.
Family Friendly Activity: One Family-friendly activity is to take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby Kravice Waterfalls, which are only a short drive from Mostar. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery, and there are plenty of picnic spots and hiking trails nearby, making it a great place for a day trip with the family.
Fun Fact: The Stari Most has been the site of many international diving competitions, including the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar.
How to Reach It:
From Dubrovnik:
By car: Mostar is located about 130 kilometers from Dubrovnik and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Take the E65 road towards Bosnia and Herzegovina and follow the signs to Mostar. Be aware that you will have to cross the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, so make sure to bring your passport and check the border crossing rules in advance.
By bus: There are several daily bus services from Dubrovnik to Mostar, operated by companies such as Autotrans and Croatia Bus. The journey takes around 3-4 hours and the bus station in Mostar is located within walking distance of the Old Bridge Area.
From Sarajevo:
By car: Mostar is located about 130 kilometers from Sarajevo and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Take the E73 road towards Mostar and follow the signs to the Old Bridge Area.
By train: There is a daily train service between Sarajevo and Mostar, operated by the national railway company ZFBH. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and the train station in Mostar is located about 2 kilometers from the Old Bridge Area. You can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Old Bridge Area from the train station.
By bus: There are several daily bus services from Sarajevo to Mostar, operated by companies such as Centrotrans and Globtour. The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours and the bus station in Mostar is located within walking distance of the Old Bridge Area.
Where to stay: Mostar offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Many of these options are located near the Old Bridge Area, making it easy to explore the city's historic sites and attractions. Visitors can also choose to stay in the city center, which is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Selection criteria: (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar is located in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is known for its iconic Ottoman-style bridge, the Stari Most, which was built in the 16th century and has become a symbol of the city.
Prominent Features: The Stari Most: The most prominent feature of the Old Bridge Area is the Stari Most, a bridge that spans the Neretva River. The bridge was originally built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, but was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. It was later rebuilt in 2004 and has become a symbol of reconciliation between the ethnic groups in Mostar.
Historic Architecture: The Old City of Mostar features many historic buildings and structures, including Ottoman-style homes, mosques, and markets. The architecture reflects the city's rich cultural heritage, which is a mix of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Western influences.
Diving Tradition: One of the unique features of the Old Bridge Area is the diving tradition. For centuries, young men have been diving off the Stari Most into the Neretva River as a rite of passage and as a display of courage. Today, this tradition continues, and visitors can watch local divers perform daring jumps from the bridge.
Family Friendly Activity: One Family-friendly activity is to take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby Kravice Waterfalls, which are only a short drive from Mostar. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery, and there are plenty of picnic spots and hiking trails nearby, making it a great place for a day trip with the family.
Fun Fact: The Stari Most has been the site of many international diving competitions, including the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar.
How to Reach It:
From Dubrovnik:
By car: Mostar is located about 130 kilometers from Dubrovnik and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Take the E65 road towards Bosnia and Herzegovina and follow the signs to Mostar. Be aware that you will have to cross the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, so make sure to bring your passport and check the border crossing rules in advance.
By bus: There are several daily bus services from Dubrovnik to Mostar, operated by companies such as Autotrans and Croatia Bus. The journey takes around 3-4 hours and the bus station in Mostar is located within walking distance of the Old Bridge Area.
From Sarajevo:
By car: Mostar is located about 130 kilometers from Sarajevo and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Take the E73 road towards Mostar and follow the signs to the Old Bridge Area.
By train: There is a daily train service between Sarajevo and Mostar, operated by the national railway company ZFBH. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and the train station in Mostar is located about 2 kilometers from the Old Bridge Area. You can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Old Bridge Area from the train station.
By bus: There are several daily bus services from Sarajevo to Mostar, operated by companies such as Centrotrans and Globtour. The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours and the bus station in Mostar is located within walking distance of the Old Bridge Area.
Where to stay: Mostar offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Many of these options are located near the Old Bridge Area, making it easy to explore the city's historic sites and attractions. Visitors can also choose to stay in the city center, which is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.