Mostar Bosnia. Old Bridge (Mostar), Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: 3 Oct, 2017 Mostar) - an old, small, original town, is one of the most tourist spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which can be seen in one day.
At the same time, the most convenient option is to arrive by car, put it in the parking lot of the booked apartment (if any) or park in a paid parking lot near the city center.
How to find a center? Go down to the river, you won’t be mistaken, well, or on the map, find the designation “Stari Most” - this is the very center of the center. In any case, if you decide to go by car to Old city- this will not work, since there is only a pedestrian zone.
So, what to see in Mostar in one day?
Let's dwell on each point in more detail.
Stari Most (Mostar's main pedestrian bridge)
Mostar is divided by the Neretva River into two parts, which are connected by foot and car bridges. One of these pedestrian bridges is the main attraction of the city - "Stari Most".
Every season, local daredevils put on a little show for tourists by jumping off the bridge into the icy stormy water.
Cons of this performance: in order to warm up the audience and collect as much money as possible from onlookers (usually 10 euros per person, but the price tag may change depending on the season), jumpers often stand on the bridge for about an hour before jumping.
This show is conditionally paid, because. you are not obligated to pay, the euro is your voluntary donation for the bravery of the jumper.
In order not to push on the bridge, the spectacle can be filmed from several observation points on the shore.
Mostar old town
The second attraction of the city is the old city itself with many shopping and souvenir rows mixed with cafes and cozy restaurants overlooking the river.
The old city is very different from other Balkan cities with its oriental flavor. It feels like you are in a Turkish bazaar. There is a pungent smell of oriental perfume in the air. And the most popular goods here are copper souvenirs: Turks, bowls, trays, jewelry. Everything is bright, shimmers and shines with multi-colored paints.
As a gift in Mostar you can buy: oriental scarves, stoles, bloomers, jewelry, dishes, perfumes, as well as souvenirs from bullets, as an echo and reminder of the recent war of 1992-1995.
In the photo on the left you can see souvenirs from bullets
The main advantage of such a “bazaar” is the absence of an intrusive service like in Turkey, i.e. no one will shout, whistle and grab your hands, everything is quite civilized and calm. The main thing is not to get into the influx of tourist groups from China, and other countries. ;) Which means best time to visit Mostar - weekdays in the off season (this is spring or autumn).
Mosques
The next important attraction of Mostar is a large number of mosques(we counted 6 pieces, but I think there are more) and loud singing of prayers in the evening. Also here you will see on a small heel of the earth a huge variety of Muslim outfits, women in veils, men in Turkish hats and caftans. Everything is quite colorful and unusual.
4 mosques and one bell tower fell into one frame at once
Echoes of war and obituaries
If you go to the left bank of the river and go a little deeper into the city, you can see reminders of a terrible war - the facades of almost all houses are strewn with holes from shelling. There are completely destroyed houses where ordinary people used to live.
Ordinary residential buildings with holes after shelling in Mostar
At the same time, you can see both new modern and destroyed buildings.
Another feature is obituaries hung on all pillars, entrances of houses and stands.
They look like this: a photo of a person in a black frame, last name, first name, years of life and the address where you can come to say goodbye to the deceased.
Moreover, obituaries are not only a feature of Mostar or Bosnia as a whole. As we understood, this is a Muslim tradition, and Bosnia is more of a Muslim country. By the way, in Ulcinj, Bar, Petrovac, Sutomore (cities in Montenegro) there are the same photos, because. Montenegro borders on Albania and the traditions are a bit borrowed.
Croatian cross
The next attraction of Mostar is a large white cross on Mount Hum (on the left bank of the river), which can be seen when looking towards Croatia. The cross glows beautifully in the dark with a bright white light.
There is the following version of the construction of the cross: after the war and the collapse of Yugoslavia, Bosnia turned out to be a country in which nationalities and religions are most mixed. Here live Serbs, Turks, Croats and political representatives each nation tried to show its priorities and influence on the entire Bosnian people. But since in Mostar, however, a large preponderance of the Muslims affected, representatives of the political party of the Croats did not give up, but installed a Catholic cross and the highest bell tower, which are much higher than the minarets, thus showing their significance.
But let's not talk about politics anymore.
Cafes and restaurants
Being in a friendly Balkan country for the Slavs, main reason visiting Bosnia and Mostar in particular are culinary delights. Throughout Bosnia (unlike its neighbors - Croatia and Montenegro), food prices are quite affordable. Portions are even larger than Montenegrin ones, and the food is as tasty as in all the Balkans.
Mostar's old town has many fish restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries. For very budget travelers - there is fast food, but again, unusually gigantic in size.
One of the national dishes of Bosnia- this is a burek - a large bun stuffed with meat and cheese with herbs. Worth a try.
Bosnian burek with cheese and spinach
Serbian/Montenegrin chivapcici are different here in that the meat pieces are wrapped in a large pita, but the taste is just as delicious.
These chivapchichi will definitely be appreciated by meat-eaters :)
For beer lovers - try Mostar beer - light and pleasant in taste. This was not found in other Bosnian cities.
In general, you can eat in any cafe or restaurant in Mostar, the prices do not differ much.
Well, with this, perhaps, we will complete our review of Bosnia and Mostar.
We really hope to come back here and visit the capital - Sarajevo and others interesting cities Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We almost forgot to tell you about the currency and its exchange!
Currency in Bosnia
Preparing for the trip and going over the Internet, we found the following information: all as one advised to change euros for stamps, and they recommended the Sberbank exchanger in Trebinje (the first Bosnian city on the way from Montenegro). Which is exactly what we did.
But in fact, once in Mostar, we saw that in all cafes, restaurants, shops, etc. They accept both stamps and euros.
Thus, if you are going to Mostar for 1-2 days, then there is no point in changing money, because the overpayment will be a couple of cents. You will spend more money and time looking for an exchange office in Trebinje and a place to park your car.
But, if your plans are to live in Bosnia for a week or two, here it is better to heed the advice of the “experienced” and exchange euros for stamps.
Well, that's all for sure!
If you are going to Mostar and have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.
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The small town of Mostar, is a real tourist mecca for tourists from all over the world, and is the unspoken capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are not very many sights in the city, but they are bright and colorful. A visit to Mostar leaves pleasant memories in your memory.
Since the historical part is not very large, and all the sights are located just in it, you will not need much time to see them. The most convenient Mostar hotels are also located here. Living in the historical part is a special privilege.
Old city
All the main attractions are located in the Old Town. This part of the city also has the most tourists, which sometimes causes real traffic jams, and the narrow streets look like a human river.
In fact, the entire historical center is a few streets with street cafes, hookahs, souvenir shops and the Old Bridge in the very center.
All postcard photographs of Mostar were taken in this part. The center, although overloaded with tourists, is undoubtedly the most pleasant place in the city.
Bridges in Mostar
It is believed that the name of the city comes from the word "bridge". Indeed, in the center there is an old bridge connecting the two banks of the Neretva River. It is called "Old Bridge", and is the main tourist attraction.
A little away from the Neretva River, you can find the less popular but very charming Crooked Bridge. The name blatantly lies, since the bridge is completely smooth and I did not find any curvature in its construction.
Mosques and temples
Mostar is a multi-confessional city where history and religion intertwine. Because of what in the city there were conflicts on interethnic and religious grounds. I want to hope that sooner or later faith will pacify everyone, you should believe in it.
There are more than 20 mosques in Mostar, many of which were built in the 16th century, there are Christian churches, but their number is much smaller.
Market street in Mostar
The bazaar and trade in Mostar is found everywhere, this type of activity does not need any territory, they trade here everywhere and everywhere.
But the center of tourist trade is the entire territory adjacent to the Old Bridge, near it are concentrated trading shops of all stripes, trade from stalls, and the sale of all tourist junk right from the hands. Everything is very lively and colorful.
If you are a fan of souvenirs, then you will not be able to leave Mostar empty-handed. You can buy small things for 1 Euro without fear, but antiques and items made from precious stones. I would not recommend buying metals here.
Old houses in the historical part of Mostar
It should be remembered and not forgotten that every house in the city, one way or another, suffered from the recent war. Some houses have been completely restored, and tourist facilities (hotels, shops, restaurants, etc.) have been placed in them, others are still in ruins. And all this is located in the city center, in full view of tourists.
city market
For lovers of natural products, and everything that is sold under the brand name "Homemade", I recommend visiting the local market. It works in the first half of the day, there are not very many shopping arcades, but there are a good choice delicious goods.
In the covered part of the market they sell meat, milk, cheeses, and on the street everything that can be stored long time as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bless Tekia
If you are traveling by car, be sure to visit very unusual place, which is called Good Tekiya. It is located a few kilometers from the tourist Mostar, and is very different from it.
Once upon a time, wandering dervishes lived there, and today the attraction attracts many independent tourists. , read in the post of Yulia Shchapova.
Have a nice holiday in Mostar.
Despite its favorable location, mild climate and many attractions, Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time could not compete with its more famous tourist neighbors. But in last years this small country attracts more and more visitors.
Tourists from all over the world are attracted by ski resorts, the wonderful beaches of Neum, picturesque landscapes and original local kitchen. Bosnia and Herzegovina is deservedly called the easternmost of the European states. Catholic and Orthodox churches here peacefully coexist with mosques, and medieval buildings and streets - with new buildings of recent years.
Fans of philosophical reflection should definitely visit the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the Latin Bridge and the fortified bunker of Marshal Tito in a cave near Drvar.
As a memento of visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can bring very beautiful embroidered textiles, leather clothes and shoes, as well as a variety of delicacies - baklava, sujuk cookies, strong fruit brandy or local wine.
Popular hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.
In the Old Town of Mostar, many examples of medieval architecture are perfectly preserved. The house-museum of Muslibegovits deserves special attention, where visitors are introduced to the way of life of a Turkish family of the 19th century. The picturesque mosques of Koski Mehmet Pasha and Karadoz Bey are open to everyone.
The unusually picturesque Neretva River flows through the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Middle Ages, river pirates operated here, and in 1943, one of the most important Balkan battles took place on the Neretva, during which partisan detachments managed to disrupt the Wehrmacht operation. About this in 1969 the most expensive Yugoslav film "The Battle of the Neretva" was shot.
The picturesque park is located on the territory of the state formation of the Republika Srpska. Relic forest Peručica, Lake Trnovac, Mount Maglic, memorial Complex"Valley of Heroes" - these are some of the attractions of these places. The park was established in 1962. You can walk along the mountain paths and look at the three-hundred-year-old pine trees by coming here from the nearest town of Foca.
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the city of Sarajevo, is located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, so it is no wonder that its main square has always been used as a place for trade. Today, there is a market on Markale Square where you can buy a lot of delicious gifts.
This is perhaps the most infamous bridge in the world. Here, on August 28, 1914, an event occurred that caused the outbreak of the First World War. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot dead by Serbian student Gavrila Princip. In its current form, the bridge has been preserved without any changes almost since the end of the 18th century. There is a museum dedicated to the bridge nearby.
The waterfall is located 40 kilometers south of Mostar on the Trebizac River. Its height is about 25 meters and its width is about 120 meters. Kravice is a very popular holiday destination in spring and during summer. IN tourist season small cafes operate around the waterfall, picnic areas are organized. Nearby there is a beautiful grotto with stalactites, and an interesting old water mill that is no longer working has been preserved here.
The oldest mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina, named after Suleiman I, is also called the Royal Mosque. It was built in the 15th century, and upon completion of the work, it almost completely burned down in a severe fire. Work on the restoration of the building was completed only in the XVI century. Today the Royal Mosque is open to all comers.
The pedestrian Old Bridge across the Neretva, built by the Turks for defense in the 16th century, connects the two parts of the city of Mostar. In 1993 the Old Bridge was destroyed. For its restoration, all the medieval elements that were raised from the bottom of the Neretva River were used.
The perfectly preserved caravanserai Moricha Khan was built in the 16th century for the safe residence of merchants traveling from the country to the Adriatic and back. Today, there are several cafes with national cuisine and souvenir shops, and the rooms and galleries of Moricha Khan are open to tourists.
The picturesque park Vrelo-Bosne is located in the center of the state. It was founded during the time of the Austro-Hungarians, but the military conflict of the 20th century caused significant damage to the park. And only thanks to the not indifferent public, Vrelo-Bosnia was restored in 2000. Here you can ride a horse-drawn carriage, take pictures against the backdrop of wooden bridges, or visit a local open-air restaurant.
National Museum Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its extensive collections of artifacts. Stechki are also kept here - tombstones decorated with carvings, which are the national treasure of the state. The building that houses the National Museum was built in 1888.
This is a mountain near Sarajevo, the slopes of which are covered with a meter layer of snow from October to May. Thanks to such wonderful natural conditions located here ski resort with a worldwide reputation. Hotels and chalets for every taste, red slopes and nine ski lifts - Jahorina has everything you need for comfortable skiing.
The European Jerusalem is called the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the fact that the eastern buildings of the Old City and the western buildings of the Austro-Hungarian period are organically connected here. Pigeon Square with a fountain, located in the Bascarsija district, is considered the heart of Old Sarajevo.
The private museum created by the Kolar family includes 20 meters of a special tunnel. It was used by the inhabitants of besieged Sarajevo to leave the civilian population and bring food during the recent military conflict. In the past, this military tunnel was over 700 meters long and took about half a year to build.
The small village of Međugorje became famous in the 20th century when six local children saw the image of the Virgin Mary on the hill. And although this phenomenon has not been officially recognized by the church, more than a million pilgrims regularly visit the local hill of Apparitions. Also noteworthy is the Church of St. Jacob, built in the classical Balkan style, and the Park of Candles, where believers thank the Virgin for help in fulfilling desires.
The Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque was built in the 16th century and is a well-preserved example of buildings from the Ottoman period. The mosque got its name in honor of the philanthropist Gazi Khusrev Bey, who actively participated in the construction and development of Sarajevo. Anyone can visit the mosque, you just need to wait until the end of the prayer.
The heart of Sarajevo is its main trade area. Built in 1462, Baščaršija Square is still a cultural and historical center capital Cities. There is a clock tower, a mosque of Gazi Husrev Bey, as well as a market where tourists can buy original souvenirs to remember their visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Climbing Mount Maglic - popular a tourist route. Majestic landscapes, clean air and the relative simplicity of local mountain trails attracts lovers active rest from all over the world. The height of the mountain is 2387 meters and it is highest point Bosnia and Herzegovina. Not far from Maglic there is a very beautiful glacial lake Trnovacko.
The famous example of Turkish engineering of the Middle Ages, the Visegrad Bridge over the Drin River in 2007 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This building, which is also called the Mehmed Pasha Bridge, consists of 11 stone spans and connects both parts of the city of Visegrad. The Mehmed Pasha Bridge was immortalized in a book published in 1945 by Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić.
From November to April, the city of Kupres, located in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, becomes the center of ski tourism. If there is not enough natural snow, all four local ski slopes are maintained in excellent condition with the help of special snow cannons. Also in Kupres there are several hotels and inns for every taste.
The main Catholic church in Sarajevo, which is located in the central quarters of the city, was built in 1889. The architect Josip Vantsash built this Cathedral in neo-gothic style based on Notre Dame de Paris. From the inside, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral is decorated with elegant stained glass windows.
Tito's Refuge is a famous cave near the town of Drvar, where Yugoslav Marshal Josip Broz Tito hid during World War II. In order to capture and destroy Tito, along with the Supreme Headquarters of the Liberation Movement, the Germans carried out Operation Resselshprung, during which Tito took refuge in a cave near Drvar and then fled. In 1944 the cave was turned into a museum.
Want to see one of the oldest bridges in the world? Then you should go to Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the city of Mostar, which is 120 kilometers from the capital of the state, Sarajevo. This powerful and at the same time elegant structure connects the banks of the Neretva River and rightfully bears the title of the most famous landmark of the region.
The Old Bridge was built back in the 1560s, when the Ottoman Empire ruled on the territory of the future Bosnia and Herzegovina. True, we will have to disappoint lovers of real antiquity: in the 1990s, the Old Bridge was destroyed during the Yugoslav conflict. The local authorities did their best to carefully restore the unique structure, preserve the atmosphere of antiquity and the historical appearance of the bridge.
The reconstruction was completed only in 2004, and a year later, by decision of UNESCO, the entire area of the city adjacent to the Old Bridge was included in the list world heritage. If you decide to look at this carefully restored ancient stone bridge, it is better to choose the time of the traditional Neretva river diving competition.
For the first time such a jump was recorded in 1664! Young locals consider such an occupation a real tradition, for which they are ready to go to serious risk. Indeed: the height of the Old Bridge is 24 meters, and the waters of the Neretva are very cold even in the hottest summer months. So the spectacle is waiting for you really unforgettable and reckless. However, at other times, the Old Bridge is good in itself, with its powerful towers and a slender passage hanging over a calm current, and green shores.
Stari Most (Mostar) – VIDEO
MAP
Old Bridge - PHOTO