Old Bridge in Mostar

The Old Bridge in Mostar, a symbol of the city and UNESCO heritage, connects the banks of the Neretva and captivates visitors with its history, architecture, and the famous bridge jumps. The Old Bridge in Mostar is one of the most recognizable symbols of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a masterpiece of 16th century Ottoman architecture. Built in 1566 on the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent's governor Suleiman Pasha and designed by the renowned builder Mimar Hayruddin, the bridge connects the two banks of the Neretva and represents a technical and aesthetic achievement of its time.

Built from stone in the form of an elegant semicircular arch, the Old Bridge was the central point of life in Mostar — from trade to social gatherings. Over the centuries it symbolized the connection between the different cultures and religions that coexisted in the city.

The bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the war, but was rebuilt in 2004 thanks to international cooperation and traditional construction techniques. Today the Old Bridge is under UNESCO protection and a beloved tourist attraction — a site of daring jumps by local young men and cultural events, as well as a symbol of resilience, reconciliation, and the historical heritage of Mostar.