Stari Most (Old Bridge)

Originally built in 1556, Stari Most was named 'petrified moon' on account of its elegant beauty. It took nine years to build with local Tenelija stone, which is very pale and appears to change colour depending on the position and strength of the sun. Recently rebuilt using the original 16th century methods, the new bridge resembles the old in minute detail.

The Old Bridge stood for 427 years before it was destroyed by bombing in November 1993. Quite apart from the expectations of Mostar's citizens, the reconstruction challenge was overwhelming. As it was such an important symbol, the new bridge had to be identical to the Old Bridge. It was decided to rebuild it without the interference of modern building technology. A puzzle presented itself in the old stone-construction work, because although the original bridge was soundly built, it was not regular, and its anomalies and complex geometry were part of its beauty. In the rebuilding, each stone had to be cut separately to its own particular shape and planned position.

A great time of the year to visit is during the annual diving competition that takes place every July. Young men from all over the country gather to jump off the bridge into the river 21m below.