Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Croatians, Serbians and Bosnians all form part of the population of Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discover this city which has been declared a World Heritage Site and is famous for its iconic bridge, which was destroyed during the War of Yugoslavia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating country shaped by centuries of cultural intersections. Once part of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, and later deeply scarred by the Yugoslav Wars, it is now home to three major ethnic groups—Orthodox Serbians, Catholic Croatians, and Muslim Bosnians. This blend of identities has transformed Bosnia into one of Europe’s unique and contrasting destinations.
In the south lies Mostar, one of the first cities conquered by the Ottomans in 1468. The legacy of that era is still very much alive: from the skyline punctuated by 17 mosques and soaring minarets to the traditional architecture and lifestyle that reflect centuries of Turkish influence.
Mostar’s Old Town is the heart and soul of the city. With its cobbled streets, vibrant shops, and charming restaurants, it feels like stepping into a living, breathing bazaar. At its center stands the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge)—a symbol of unity, resilience, and the city’s most photographed landmark.
The Mostar Bridge
The iconic stone bridge of Mostar, known as Stari Most, is the city’s most cherished symbol. Stretching across the Neretva River, it was originally built in the 16th century by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and stood strong for more than 400 years. Legend has it that the bridge’s architect was so fearful the structure might collapse, and face execution as a result, that he fled the city during the opening ceremony.
Tragically, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars, when Bosnia suffered some of the worst devastation. Its loss deeply impacted the people of Mostar, but in 2005, the bridge was finally rebuilt, using traditional methods and materials as closely as possible.
Today, Stari Most is not only a monument to history but also a vibrant part of local life. In the summer months, you can witness daring young Bosnians diving from its 20-metre-high arch into the river below, a thrilling spectacle often rewarded with tips from onlooking tourists. Each July, the bridge also hosts an international diving competition.
How to get to Mostar from Dubrovnik
The Bosnian city of Mostar is located 130 kilometres (80.77 miles) by motorway from Dubrovnik. If you've thought about renting a car, it'll take about 2 hours to get there. However, it's important to keep in mind that the borders can be unpredictable. Traffic and queues during high season are practically inevitable at the two borders with Bosnia that must be used to get to Mostar.
The most comfortable way of getting to Mostar from Dubrovnik is by booking a day trip with an English-speaking guide. This way, you'll be able to learn all about the passionate history of Bosnia and the historic past of Mostar. In addition, you'll also be able to visit the Kravice Waterfalls. You can book your trip via the link below:
