Key facts
Stari Most is a 16th-century Ottoman stone arch bridge spanning the Neretva River in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its name means "Old Bridge," and it has become the most recognisable landmark of the city. Since 2005, the bridge and its surrounding historic quarter have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What Is Stari Most?
The slender, high-arched span links the two banks of the Neretva and sits at the heart of the city's identity. Mostar itself takes its name from the bridge keepers, the "mostari," who once guarded it. Carved from limestone, the arch rests on a precisely calculated structure and appears to hover above the water below.
The bridge measures roughly 29 to 30 metres in length and about 4 metres in width, rising more than 20 metres above the river surface. At the time of its completion, it was considered one of the widest human-made stone arches of its kind and remains one of the finest examples of Ottoman bridge engineering.
History and Significance
The bridge was built between 1557 and 1566 under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, designed by Mimar Hajrudin, a student of the celebrated architect Mimar Sinan. On November 9, 1993, it was destroyed by shelling during the war, then rebuilt between 2001 and 2004 with support from UNESCO and international partners, closely following the original Ottoman construction methods.
The reconstruction relied on the same local Tenelia limestone used in the original build, sourced from the same quarries. The story of destruction and rebirth turned the bridge into a symbol of reconciliation and shared recovery. Two towers, Halebija and Tara, still stand guard at either end.
The rebuilding effort drew support from the World Bank, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and the World Monuments Fund, with skilled stonemasons reviving historic construction techniques for the project. That shared undertaking made the bridge a tangible example of regional cooperation.
What Can Visitors See at the Bridge?
Visitors can walk across the bridge's smooth stone surface, take in the turquoise waters of the Neretva and the minarets lining the old town, and view the fortified towers of Halebija and Tara up close. In summer, the traditional dives performed by local divers from the bridge remain a lively part of everyday life here.
On both banks, the old bazaar streets unfold with copper workshops and stone houses that preserve the character of the Ottoman-era town. A short walk leads to nearby mosques and riverside viewpoints, and the bridge is often at its most striking in the light of the setting sun. This diving tradition has been kept alive by a local club for decades, and in the evening, soft lighting brings out the texture of the stonework in a different way.
What Should Visitors Know Before Going?
Stari Most sits in Mostar's historic centre and is within walking distance of the city's main sights; being closed to car traffic, it makes for an easy, unhurried visit. The stone slabs have been polished smooth by generations of foot traffic, so cautious steps are worth taking, especially in wet weather.
The surrounding cafes and restaurants offer good views of the bridge. Pairing a visit with a stroll through the old bazaar gives a fuller sense of both the architecture and the everyday rhythm of the city. Early morning hours, when fewer visitors are around, are a good time to take in the bridge and the narrow lanes nearby at a quieter pace.