Mostar
Mostar, located on the banks of the Neretva River, is the cultural and economic center of Herzegovina. The city was named after the bridge keepers (“mostari”) and is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the 16th century during Ottoman rule Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned the construction of the Old Bridge to replace an older wooden suspension bridge that was considered unsafe. The bridge features a distinctive arch approximately 4 meters wide with a span of around 30 meters, rising about 24 meters above the Neretva River. Defensive towers stand at both ends of the bridge: Helebija on the northeast side and Tara on the southwest side. The bridge was built from tenelija stone, a light-yellow limestone quarried near Mostar.
Since 2005, the Old Bridge and the old town have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Old Bridge Diving Competition
The Old Bridge Diving Competition is a spectacular event with a long-standing tradition dating back to 1664. It takes place every year at the end of July, usually on the last Sunday of the month. Divers leap into the cold Neretva River from a height of approximately 24 meters in two categories: feet-first and head-first (the famous “lasta” style). The competitors are the most skilled and well-prepared divers from Mostar and the wider region.
In addition to the traditional competition, the bridge is also a popular venue for international extreme diving events such as Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. The event attracts numerous tourists and spectators, and the dives are often broadcast live by local media.
Mostar Gymnasium
The most prominent example of Austro-Hungarian architecture in Mostar is the Mostar Gymnasium, also known as the Old Gymnasium, built between 1898 and 1902 during Austro-Hungarian rule. It was constructed according to the highest European architectural standards of the time and features a strikingly decorative façade in the pseudo-Moorish style. The building is located on Spanish Square, the central square of the city. Classes are conducted in two languages – Croatian and Bosnian.
The building also houses"United World College Mostar", one of 18 such educational institutions worldwide. Teachers from various countries work there, and more than 200 students from around the world attend the school, contributing to the spirit of tolerance and coexistence among different nationalities, cultures, religions, and traditions for which Mostar is widely known.
Franciscan church and monastery of St. Peter and Paul
It is certainly worth mentioning this Roman Catholic church dedicated to the holy apostles and martyrs, Saints Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The conditions for its construction were established in 1859, when permission for building was granted by the Sultan, following the weakening of Ottoman influence in the region. Construction of the Church of St. Peter and Paul began in 1866 and was completed in 1875. About thirty years later, the Franciscan monastery next to the church was also built.
Beside the church stands the impressive bell tower, known as the “Tower of Peace", the tallest bell tower in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a total height of 107 meters. At a height of 75 meters, there is an observation deck offering a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city of Mostar. The viewpoint can be reached by elevator or by climbing 370 steps.
For our guests, we offer an excursion organization service to Mostar.
We will gladly plan every detail of your trip to this beautiful and sunny city, answer all your questions, and recommend popular cafés and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the city’s diverse gastronomic offer.
For any additional information please feel free to contact us.
