CTW Explores
Mostar
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Language: Bosnian Currency: Marka (BAM)
Mostar is a charming city located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a small Eastern European country. The Old Bridge area of the Old City of Mostar has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over the world. The Old Town is relatively small, serene and charming. Mostar’s main attraction, Stari Most, stretches across the Neretva River in a perfect arch. The city was developed in the 15th and 16th centuries. Sadly, during the wars in Eastern Europe in the 1990s, most of the Old Town was destroyed. Much of what you see in Mostar today was rebuilt in the last 20 years to become the fairytale-like Old Town we love.
Mostar got its name from the bridge keepers, called mostari, who guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) during medieval times. The bridge was built by the Ottomans and is considered one of the most admirable Islamic architectural works in the Balkans.
Mostar can easily be explored in half a day, making it perfect for a day trip from Dubrovnik or Kotor. There are several tour companies available offering this deal. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Dubrovnik, which will take approximately 3 hours one way.
The charming Old Town and Old Bridge certainly are delightful, but if you fancy seeing more than just the Old Town, then take a trip to one of the attractions nearby. Blagaj Tekke, approximately a half hour drive from the Old Town, is a small monastery built into a cliff. Tekke is nearly 600 years old and provides a unique and picturesque scene. Another nearby attraction is Pocitelj, a small fortified village dating back to the 1400s. The fortification at the top of the hill provides a perfect photo opportunity from the Bosnian hills. See our post on taking better travel photos to make sure you capture the moment perfectly.
Nearby Adventures...
Mostar is just one city in Eastern Europe... Keep your adventure going and check out our city guides for some other nearby destinations!
Montenegro
Coming Soon!
Dubrovnik
Split
