Europe's most admired bridge

I invite you to think of a single landmark that crosses your mind when you hear “Bosnia & Herzegovina”. One particular image that resumes everything you know and feel about this astonishing country. The greatest symbol of human ingenuity. I have no doubts that you have guessed it well, as from the first association – The Old Bridge in Mostar. Whether you are a grand connoisseur or a debutant a propos Bosnia & Herzegovina, coming to Mostar is always a good choice, and probably the best one when you start discovering the Europe’s last undiscovered gem.

The world-celebrated Old Bridge (originally Stari Most), an architectural chef-d'oeuvre from the 16th century, has been Mostar’s raison d’être since ever. It is an Ottoman-style bridge, considered as the greatest invention of that time, because it succeeded in almost impossible mission - to cross the Neretva river with a single-stone arch span. This white-stone masterpiece, 28 meters long, is definitely one of a kind.

After more than 400 years of existence, sadly the bridge was destroyed during the civil war in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Fortunately, thanks to significant donations and efforts, a complete replica of the old bridge was built in 2004.

As if one beauty was not enough for the Mostar City, the Old Bridge got accompanied by the equally mesmerizing Neretva River. This emerald is one of the coldest rivers in the world, where even in summer the average water’s temperature doesn’t go higher that 7 degrees Celsius. Anecdotally, in Bosnia & Herzegovina, we have a saying “as cold as Neretva River”.

If I tell you that those two splendours are not lonely in Mostar, would you believe me? Actually, the most amazing is the surrounding landscape of the bridge, with its 50 shades of green. Inevitably, when you add the most elegant bridge ever in this setting, you will get the perfect photo scenery. A final tip – try to stay at least 24h in Mostar, so that you experience the evening atmosphere around the bridge, immortalized in your magical photos.

No matter how many times you come to see and cross the Old Bridge, it will bring you a joy every single time. Yes, it is one of those magical places on earth, where you can’t describe the overwhelming emotions. Simply put, it is far more beautiful than you ever could have imagined. I challenge you to reveal it yourself.