The Bridge of Mostar

Mostar is a small city in Bosnia and Herzegovina that truly deserves the title 'particularly charming.' The Stari Most is the heart of the town and reflects the somber history of the entire city. Join me on a brief journey through the beautiful town of Mostar.

Just a two-hour drive from the port city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, the picturesque town of Mostar lies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once regarded as a connection between the East and West, Christians and Muslims lived peacefully in close proximity. The symbol of this connection: Stari Most, the old bridge. When this masterpiece fell victim to attacks during the war in 1993, the peace between different cultures was also destroyed. In my article, you will learn more about the historically significant bridge of Mostar.

Mostar lies on the Neretva River and enchants visitors with its narrow streets reminiscent of a bazaar. As you stroll through the streets, you cannot miss the town's most important attraction. 'Stari Most' means old bridge and has connected the two neighborhoods across the river since its construction in 1566, serving as an important link between the cultures living in Mostar. For a long time, Muslims and Christians, Croats and Serbs lived together peacefully in the small city, bestowing it with multicultural charm.

Unfortunately, this harmony was shattered during the Bosnian War. It was around ten in the morning when the first shells struck the bridge. Many residents were brought to tears by the attack, mourning their important structure, which represented the vibrant life of the city. Here, the inhabitants met and strolled from bank to bank as if the bridge of Mostar was a small stage, with bridge divers becoming a year-round attraction for tourists.

When the Stari Most was destroyed in 1993, this incident drove a wedge between the city. From then on, Mostar was once again divided by a river; it was no longer one. Croats increasingly lived in the western part of the city, while Muslims found themselves more isolated on the eastern side of the river. What once distinguished Mostar - the daily mix of different cultures and the unification of various ethnicities - was now a thing of the past. With the decline of the bridge, part of Mostar broke away for a time.

Ten years later, reconstruction of the Stari Most began, and in 2010 the bridge was finally reopened. Since then, Mostar is once again united, with no separation between the riverbanks.

The distance between cultures has also been removed. A city resident describes the 'new' Stari Most as a reunification among the people: This is especially evident in the quote: 'I was just so happy, I walked over the bridge with my girlfriend back then, and we were very happy, a connection between the people after the war, and so I think it's more important than before the war, the bridge.'

Today, only a rock with the inscription 'Don't forget '93' on the bridge's pillar reminds us of the sad past. In 2005, UNESCO declared the new bridge of Mostar a World Heritage Site due to its symbolic power. Life in Mostar today is once again colorful and joyful. While wandering through the Old Town, you will once again see craftsmanship from various cultures, delicious food from the West and East awaits you in small cafés and restaurants on the marketplace. And of course, the adrenaline-seeking bridge divers are back, gracefully leaping into the waters of the Neretva for a bit of pocket change from tourists.

It seems that life in Mostar has returned. If you'd like to experience this romantic city, I recommend a short trip in the summer when the city enchants you with its special charm under the sun. As previously mentioned, Mostar is not far from Dubrovnik, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is indeed one of the absolute hidden gems in Europe - a versatile country just waiting to be discovered!

There are several vacation rentals and hotels in the area that can be booked at affordable prices. Just check the current rates and set off.