The 12 must-do things in Mostar

Stari Most, the "Old Bridge", is Mostar's defining landmark: a single limestone arch spanning the Neretva River and linking the two halves of the city. Key facts:

• History: commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin, it was completed in 1566 and became a symbol of the link between East and West.
• Design: a single-arch structure roughly 29 metres long, standing about 20 metres above the river depending on water level, built of local limestone (tenelija).
• Destruction and reconstruction: the original bridge was destroyed on 9 November 1993 during the Croat–Bosniak fighting. Today's bridge is a faithful reconstruction, reopened on 23 July 2004 with UNESCO support and international funding, following the original plans and traditional techniques.
• Cultural significance: a symbol of reconciliation, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 ("Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar"). It is also famous for the divers who leap into the Neretva, a tradition run by the Mostari club.

The Old Town (Stari Grad) of Mostar is a historic district in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and unique architecture. It is most famous for its iconic bridge, the Stari Most, which spans the Neretva River and connects the two sides of the city. Originally built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 and later reconstructed in 2004.

Stari Grad is a captivating blend of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Western architectural styles. The area is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets lined with stone houses, historic mosques such as the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, and bustling bazaars where you can find souvenirs, carpets, and handcrafted items. Small shops and traditional cafés add to the charm of the place.

Mostar's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands as a symbol of cultural and religious coexistence. It’s a place where history and modernity meet, offering visitors a unique experience in an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene.

The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a historic mosque located in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built in 1617 by Koski Mehmed Pasha, an Ottoman governor, it stands as a notable example of Ottoman Islamic architecture.

One of the mosque's most striking features is its slender minaret, which offers panoramic views of the city and the famous Neretva River. The interior of the mosque is adorned with traditional motifs and Arabic calligraphy, characteristic of Islamic art from that period.

The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque survived various conflicts and challenges but suffered damage during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. It was restored after the war to its original condition. Today, it serves not only as an active place of worship but also as a significant tourist attraction for those interested in Ottoman history and architecture.

The Blagaj Tekke (Blagaj Tekija) is a Sufi tekke — a dervish lodge, not a Christian monastery — set near the village of Blagaj, about twelve kilometres south-east of Mostar. Built around 1520, it was a major centre of the Sufi tradition in Bosnia.

The site is famous for its dramatic setting at the foot of a limestone cliff, where the Buna River springs straight out of a karstic cave. This natural backdrop gives the place a mystical, peaceful atmosphere. The building itself is a fine example of traditional Ottoman architecture, with decorative details and a courtyard.

Still a place of contemplation, the tekke draws visitors as much for its natural beauty as for its spiritual atmosphere — a must for anyone interested in the region's culture, history and religious traditions.

The Kravica Waterfalls are a stunning natural attraction located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Ljubuški. They are situated on the Trebižat River and are renowned for their impressive beauty. The main waterfall is about 25 meters (82 feet) high and 120 meters (394 feet) wide, forming a picturesque semi-circle.

Kravica Waterfalls are a popular destination for visitors who come to admire the landscape, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the surrounding nature. During the summer, the area is especially lively with tourists looking to cool off in the natural pools formed by the cascades.

It’s also a great spot for nature lovers and photographers, offering spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere. The surrounding area is covered in lush vegetation, which adds to the site’s beauty and tranquility.

Le Marché Bazar de Mostar is a lively spot located in the historic city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This market is often a bustling place where visitors can find local products, souvenirs, clothing, and crafts. It’s also a great place to sample local specialties such as Turkish coffee and traditional pastries.

The city itself is famous for its Ottoman architecture, especially the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). The bazar is typically located in the old town area, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Mostar's unique atmosphere while exploring its shops and stalls.

Počitelj is a small fortified village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about thirty kilometres south of Mostar on the banks of the Neretva. It is known for its Ottoman architecture and historical value: its stone buildings, narrow lanes and dramatic viewpoints make it a remarkably well-preserved site.

Among its main attractions:

• The old Hadži Alija mosque, dating from the Ottoman period.
• The Gavrankapetanović tower, offering a sweeping view over the valley.
• The hammam, traditional Ottoman baths, partly restored.
• The medresa, a former Quranic school with an important cultural role.

Počitelj is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its blend of Ottoman and medieval styles makes it a fascinating place to explore.

La Maison Muslibegović is a traditional house located in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture in the region. This historic building, dating back to the 18th century, has been restored and is now open to visitors as a museum and traditional house.

La Maison Muslibegović provides a valuable insight into daily life in the region during the Ottoman period. Visitors can explore various rooms, which are furnished and decorated in the traditional style of the time, and learn more about local culture and customs.

The building itself is notable for its architecture, featuring typical Ottoman elements such as arched windows, intricately carved wooden balconies, and peaceful gardens. It’s an ideal place for those interested in the history and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Čitluk and Medjugorje:

- Čitluk is a municipality in Herzegovina, in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near Mostar. The area is known for its vineyards and wine cellars: Herzegovina has a long winemaking tradition.

- Medjugorje is a small village close to Čitluk, best known as a Catholic pilgrimage site. Its fame dates from 1981, when reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary began. Since then it has become one of the world's leading pilgrimage destinations.

Both places play an important role in regional tourism, largely because of their religious and cultural significance.

The two stone towers flanking Stari Most — the Halebija tower (north-east bank) and the Tara tower (south-west bank) — are the fortified works that guarded the bridge's approaches in Ottoman times. Rather than a single isolated castle, it is this pair that forms the Old Bridge's historic fortifications.

The Tara tower, once a gunpowder store, now houses a small museum about the bridge and its divers. The towers offer an excellent vantage point over the Neretva and the old town, and show how access to the bridge was controlled and defended over the centuries.

Damaged like the rest of the old town during the 1990s conflict, they were restored along with the bridge. A short but illuminating detour to explore Mostar's fortified heritage.

The Ruins of Mogorjelo are an archaeological site located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the village of Mogorjelo. Situated in the Herzegovina region, about 20 kilometers southeast of Mostar, these ruins are the remains of a Roman villa dating from the 1st to the 4th century AD.

The villa is particularly notable for its well-preserved mosaics, which feature various geometric and figurative patterns. The site also includes Roman baths and associated structures, such as storage spaces and secondary residential areas. It provides a fascinating glimpse into daily life in a Roman villa during that period.

The Ruins of Mogorjelo are significant for their historical and archaeological value and serve as a testament to Roman occupation in this part of Europe. They attract history enthusiasts and researchers interested in Roman architecture and culture.

Jablanica is a small town located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Jablanica region in the southern part of the country. It is notably situated near Lake Jablanica, a body of water created by a dam on the Neretva River. The lake is popular for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.

The town is also known for its historical significance during World War II, particularly the Battle of Jablanica, which took place in 1943 between Yugoslav communist forces and German troops. The Jablanica Bridge, which was destroyed during this battle, is an important historical landmark. Today, Jablanica attracts visitors interested in history and nature.