Meeting Mostar ( Bosnia and Herzegovina )

For those who have never been to Mostar. Here you can read about the city, also few tips what to see and where to eat. I'm sure you will enjoy in this travel post like you were there :)

Well, Mostar is city settled on the river Neretva (also called as "Green River"). City is in southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I know most of you know this country by the war, Srebrenica massacre etc. but this country has a lot to offer. I won't write about sad stories there and ruined souls I want to show you the other side. Beautiful Mostar!

So, I was saying; Its beautiful city with rich history.

Mostar was named after the bridge keepers called "Mostari". Mostar is famous for the most beautiful bridge in the world, The Old Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage) as you can see it in a photo. The Old Bridge is built by Ottomans in 16th century.

You can come closer to the bridge even cross over it. You don't need to pay anything. That part of the city is called Old Town so there you can find small museum (it costs 2-3€ to visit it), lot of restaurants where you can enjoy your meal near the bridge, also there are lot of shops where you can buy souvenirs and other items like vine and cheese :)

Mostar has the most sunny days in whole Europe so it doesn't matter when you come; you will find what you're looking for.

The climate here is more likely as Croatian Dalmatia (sea influenced), which can be oppressively  hot in the summer. The coldest month is January where temperature can be round 1-5'C and the warmest month is July with temperature over the 35-40'C. 

I have to add that it's amazing experience to sit under the bridge at night and just enjoy in a fresh air near the Neretva.... With a guitar and few friends its a beautiful feeling that you'll never forget.

People are kind and you'll make friends fast. 

And again I'm moving from the theme. Let me tell you something about history of this city.

                                                  Human settlements on the river Neretva have existed since prehistory, as

 witnessed by discoveries of fortified ancients and cemeteries.

Evidence of Roman Empire occupation was found beneath the present town.

As far as medieval Mostar goes, although the Christian basilicas of late antiquity remained in use; few historical sources were preserved and not much is known from this period.

The name Mostar was first time mentioned in document from 1474.

Mostar was the important trade route between Adriatic and central Bosnian region. 

In 1468 Mostar came under the Ottoman rule and then urbanization started. The town was fortified from 1520 til 1566 and the first wooden bridge was rebuilt with stone under the orders of Suleiman The Magnificent, Ottoman ruler.

Later this bridge becomes symbol of the city and its the most important structure from the Ottoman period or at least its the most recognizable piece in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Old Bridge is built by Mimar Hayruddin; a student and the apprentice of the best Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

The famous traveler Evliya Celebi in 17th century wrote :"The bridge is like a rainbow arch soaring up to the skies, extending from one cliff to the other. ...I, a poor and miserable slave of Allah, have passed through 16 countries, but I have never seen such a high bridge. It is thrown from rock to rock as high as the sky." 

You can find here a lot of interesting pieces like you see this one on the photo. The interesting thing there is that every piece has own story.
Older people knows them better so they are telling it to their grandsons and stories were transferred from generations to the next.
I heard lot of interesting and funny  stories believe me! :)

The famous mosque"Karadzobeg" from Ottoman period dating from 16-17th century. Also you can enter there to see the architecture inside  for 1€. 

Also there are few shops with oriental things (like scarves, jewelry) and souvenirs.

One recommendation if you're coming in the summer. Always bring the bottle of water because the heat is almost unbearable. 

Another one is that you'll see lot of gypsies on the street asking for money, just ignore them. Don't give anything they can be rude. But if you ignore that its really beautiful city to visit.  

One more photo that i wanted to share :)

Still there are lot of ruins from this was. But city has own playful soul. Even the new wounds can't erase all the history which is written there.

When I started to write this blog post I thought I could write whole experience in one post but I think I need to  admitt I was wrong.

I'll continue to introduce you incredible Mostar in the next post. There is so much more to say/show. Architecture here is incredible, food is delicious. I'll present it in a next post. Things you "must" try there. 

I have to say that all the photos are mine and I write my experience there. This is the city where I feel good and have lot of beautiful memories. I hope I can share my thoughts, emotions, experiences with you.

Enjoy reading it :)

 Till next time

Ammi