Photo by Ilse on Unsplash (@iml)
Old Bridge
Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine
The Old Bridge, locally known as Stari Most, is a historic Ottoman-era stone arch bridge located in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 and designed by Mimar Hayruddin, a pupil of the famed architect Mimar Sinan, the bridge is celebrated for its elegant single-arch design and is a masterpiece of Balkan Islamic architecture. Spanning 30 meters in length and rising 24 meters above the Neretva River, it connects the two halves of Mostar, historically guarded by bridge keepers known as 'mostari'. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 but was meticulously reconstructed and reopened in 2004, symbolizing peace and reconciliation. Its distinctive hump-backed shape, limestone abutments, and fortified towers at each end contribute to its architectural uniqueness. The Old Bridge remains a prominent cultural landmark and a testament to the city's rich Ottoman heritage and enduring spirit.
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Tip: Visit the Old Bridge during early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography. Purchasing tickets for guided tours in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Visitors can also witness traditional diving competitions from the bridge in the summer months. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The bridge is accessible year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding old town.
Interesting facts
- •The Old Bridge was the widest single-arch stone bridge in the world when completed in the 16th century.
- •It was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by his apprentice Mimar Hayruddin.
- •The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 and rebuilt by 2004, symbolizing reconciliation.
- •The name 'Mostar' derives from the bridge keepers ('mostari') who guarded the bridge during Ottoman times.
- •The bridge's arch rises 12.02 meters and spans 30 meters across the Neretva River.
- •Evliya Çelebi, a 17th-century Ottoman explorer, praised the bridge as a 'rainbow arch soaring up to the skies.'
History
Construction of the Old Bridge began in 1557 under the commission of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was completed around 1566-1567 by architect Mimar Hayruddin.
It replaced a precarious wooden suspension bridge and was considered the widest human-made arch of its time.
The bridge served as a vital connection in Mostar, guarded by bridge keepers, and symbolized the city's growing importance under Ottoman rule.
During the Croat–Bosniak War, it was used as a military supply line and was destroyed by shelling in 1993.
A temporary bridge was quickly erected by UN forces, and after years of planning, the Old Bridge was fully reconstructed and reopened in 2004, restoring its historical and cultural significance.
Place Guide
The Old Bridge Arch1566-1567
The iconic single-span stone arch is the defining feature of the bridge, rising 12 meters above the river and spanning 30 meters. Its elegant hump-backed shape is a marvel of Ottoman engineering and aesthetics.
Halebija Tower16th century
A fortified tower on the northeast end of the bridge, historically used to protect the bridge and control access. It now serves as a historical monument and viewpoint.
Tara Tower16th century
Located on the southwest end of the bridge, this tower also served as a defensive structure and was part of the bridge's security system during Ottoman times.
