STARI MOST

The Mostar Bridge: History, Architecture, and the Legacy of a Global Monument

The Old Bridge of Mostar, known locally as Stari Most, is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Southeast Europe. Located in the heart of the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the bridge was originally constructed in 1566 by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, during the height of the Ottoman Empire. The architect behind this masterpiece was Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the legendary imperial architect Mimar Sinan. What Hayruddin accomplished was an extraordinary feat of engineering that stunned both his contemporaries and later generations.

The bridge connects the two historic sides of the city, spanning the emerald-green waters of the Neretva River. For centuries, it stood as a vital link between cultures, religions, and communities. Its single parabolic arch, measuring 28.7 meters in length and rising 20 meters above the river, was built using local limestone known as tenelija. The design exemplifies Ottoman technical sophistication and aesthetic elegance. Beyond its functional role, Stari Most became a powerful symbol of unity, a gathering place, and a source of civic pride.

Tragically, during the Bosnian War in 1993, the bridge was destroyed by shelling—its fall representing not just the loss of a physical structure but the fragmentation of cultural and social cohesion. In the years following the war, a major international reconstruction project was launched, supported by UNESCO and other heritage organizations. Completed in 2004, the bridge was rebuilt using traditional methods, original plans, and materials sourced from the same historic quarries. The effort was not only about restoring a monument but about healing a community and reviving a shared identity.

Today, the Old Bridge of Mostar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited landmarks in the Balkans. It also serves as the venue for the traditional diving competitions held annually, symbolizing courage, heritage, and continuity.

For those who admire this monument's deep historical and architectural value, a detailed scale model of the Mostar Bridge is available—a faithful reproduction that captures the elegance of its form and the richness of its story. Perfect for collectors, model enthusiasts, and lovers of world heritage.