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A city of stone on stone, the historical, political, scientific, and cultural center of Herzegovina lies at the foot of the slopes of Velez Mountain, in the Neretva River valley. It is a city of sun, greenery, and flowers, with a mild Mediterranean climate, even fragrances from the sea reaching it.
On this walking tour, our experienced local guide will lead you through the Old town of Mostar, the city of contrasts, wide roads, narrow streets, the traditional Kujundziluk (old bazaar), and a contemporary center. Mostar is a city in which the culture and art of the east and west meet, which have left visible traces that have withstood the test of natural forces and rulers. Next to modernly built edifices there rise the towers of churches and the minarets of mosques. Nonetheless, the most magnificent stone monument is the Stari Most (Old Bridge), built in 1566 according to the plans of Hayruddin, the great Turkish builder of the 16th c. it has a large stone arch and has been entered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
An almost instinctive image comes to mind when one thinks of Mostar and that is that of its splendid Old Bridge; it thereby follows that this stone masterpiece is the monument that gave its name to the city and that it symbolizes its many features.
It was built during the Ottoman period by the Turkish architect Hajrudin and commissioned by the sultan Soliman the Magnificent; it was completed in 1566 after nine years’ work. Right from the start, the bridge became part of various local legends, one of which narrates the stubbornness of Hajrudin who stopped underneath it for three days and three nights in order to demonstrate its absolute solidity.
The Stari Most joins the two banks of the Neretva River together and is situated between the Herceguša and Tara Towers, on the left bank, and the Halebija on the right: it is 28.7 metres long, 4.49 metres wide and is characterized by a single stone arch which, in summer, stands 21 metres above the water.
In July 2005, the Old Bridge and the entire old city became officially a part of the Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Turkish house or Bišćevića corner is one of the most beautiful preserved residential structures from the Turkish period. It was built in 1635. This 17th-century Ottoman house rests (some parts on pillars over 5m long) on the eastern banks of the Neretva. There is a conversation or gathering room or divanhan preserved in an authentic Ottoman style. Throughout the house, one can see original household items whilst the courtyard is a fine example of the Ottoman style.
Take your imagination back in time as you listen to the magical tales of Bosnian sevdalinka in live, our ancestors shared when they gathered in divanhana, a warm, welcome and cosy setting as you relax into our rich culture of storytelling, with traditional Bosnian specialities such as Turkish coffee and Bosnian specialities – pie and Bosnian music. You will leave this unique place with a deeper understanding of Bosnia culture and the Bosnian landscape, bringing the stories of this place with you on your journey.
It is covered with 6 domes and an extended ceiling built of stone; situated n the vicinity of the Old Bridge it was most probably built in the second part of the 16th century.
In Hamam, there is the permanent exhibition „Mostar History“ and the 10 minutes movie „Mostar before, during and after the war“.
On the Radobolja River, near to where it joins the Neretva, close to the Old Bridge, stands the Crooked Bridge, a miniature version of the Stari Most. Built in 1558, eight years prior to the more famous Old Bridge, it is believed to have been built as a trial attempt for the following, more daring, construction.
Destroyed in 2001 by the river flooding, it has recently been rebuilt.
Mostar is a city rich in mosques, to be found in each and every district, which well represent the typical Ottoman style. Small but elegant, both from an architectural and a cultural point of view in a wider sense, these are buildings that are well worth visiting not only for the beauty of their interiors but also for tangible evidence of the life and culture of the Ottoman period in Bosnia Herzegovina.
The two towers, standing on opposite sides of the Old Bridge, soar as architectural buttresses of the bridge itself, and seem to be stone guardians controlling the way. On the east bank there rises the semi-circular Tara Tower, a deposit for ammunitions in the Ottoman era and, today, the seat of the Museum of the Old Bridge.
The Halebija, on the west side, was once the prison on its lower floors, and small barracks on its upper floors also used as a look-out post. Behind the Tara, on the left bank of the Neretva River, there is the Herceguša Tower, built in the first half of the 15th century during the reign of Herceg Stjepan Vukčić Kosača.
15 min walk from the old part of the town, there lies a magnificent monumental cemetery. It was built in 1965 (during the period of renewal and reconstruction following the end of World War II) by the architect Bogdan Bogdanović, in memory of the partisans of Mostar who lost their lives during the war. The Cemetery has 661 tombstones and every stone has its own symbolic significance, like the monumental complex itself.
Mostar Peace Bell Tower is the highest church tower in the region. When you climb it you can see all the beauties of Mostar. The International Gallery of Peace and The Interpretation and Education Centre are opening its door here soon. The International Gallery of Peace will be a collection of paintings, sculptures and graphic arts on the theme of peace from the countries that have their representative offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Interpretation and Education Centre will include an overview of the history and culture of this region in picture and word from 10.000 BC to the present. Mostar Peace Bell Tower was built on the site of the old bell tower of the church of St. Peter and Paul from 1866. The old bell tower and church were burned on 9th May 1992. Five original bells from 1927 as well as two big new bells from 2015 are now in Mostar Peace Bell Tower. Those who wish to see all the beauties of Mostar and do so from the viewing point on top.
COLOURS AND SCENTS OF HERZEGOVINA
A whole day trip in this Karst region in the south of our country, you have the possibility to experience, in a relatively small area, various natural beauties created in distant past.
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Počitelj – artistic colony, town museum from the 16th century.
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Mogorjelo – valuable heritage from ancient times. An archaeological site was discovered there and excavations were carried out from 1899 to 1903.
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The Kravice Waterfall – a magnificent natural phenomenon and most beautiful cascades in Herzegovina 26 m high and about 120 m wide.
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The museum of the Franciscan monastery – Humac; together with its rich archaeological collection, keeps the oldest document of this region – the Humac Tablet from 1185.
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Touristic route of scents and health– A family-run company with over 20 years of experience with certified organic production of essential oils offers you the opportunity to experience the best of nature. A visit to the distillery (duration 40 minutes) or a visit to distillery and plantation (duration 60 minutes) gives you an introduction to production, a visit to the plantation, participation in the distillation process, testing of different types and the possibility of buying authentic products and souvenirs (essential oils, hydrolytes, various souvenir packages).
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Discover and experience the phenomenon of Međugorje, one of the best-known pilgrims’ destination in the Catholic world attracting millions of visitors.
FROM ICONS TO BOGUMILS
On our way through Eastern Herzegovina, we shall learn about the rich history of this region.
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In the small town of Blagaj, twelve kilometres away from Mostar, below a steep rock, there is one of the most abundant river sources in Europe.
There is also an old dervish monastery, an attractive cultural venue, originating from the end of the 15th or the beginning of the 16th century.
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On the way towards Stolac, we shall stop for a short break at Žitomislići, where there is an Orthodox cathedral from the 15th century.
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Arriving in Stolac we shall see the most beautiful necropolis of standing tombstones – stećci. There are numerous archaeological finds from the Palaeolithic and from the 3rd century B.C.
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In the vicinity of Trebinje, we shall visit one of the largest Karst caves in Europe 6100 metres long. The Vjetrenica Cave is well-known for its endemic species of animals.
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The last station of this trip is the centre of East Herzegovina – the town of Trebinje, well-known by Arslanagić’s Bridge from Turkish times and many other interesting venues worth-while visiting.
TASTES OF HERZEGOVINA
A good and quality wine with its taste, colour and bouquet is a real pleasure for the palate, eye and heart. It is a real pleasure to taste it together with finely prepared specialities of Herzegovinian cuisine. This is the top offer on our “wine route” through Herzegovina. Tasting of wines Žilavka and Blatina is expected in any Herzegovina winery. These are the two best-known sorts of wines of Herzegovina. Enjoy the simple village ambience and preserved environment.
ADVENTURE ON THE RIVER
Rafting is without any doubt the most exciting way of discovering rivers and their charming banks. 5 kilometres away from the Boračko Lake in Ban-Vir in the small chalet in the ownership of HIT-Raft, local specialities wait for you: fish from the Neretva, grill, dishes under the baking lid…. The experienced rafters will take you through this green beauty. Driving in the rubber boat lasts about 5 hours as far as the village of Džajići, where a bus is waiting for us to return to Ban-Vir. Come with us through the deep canyon of the River Neretva. Experience all the beauty of untouched nature.
THE PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC
Driving by bus through Herzegovina along the River Neretva as far as Metković, and then further on towards the Adriatic Highway. After a 3-hour drive, we shall arrive at the belvedere above the city, from which you can see the roofs of Dubrovnik, the old town and picturesque surroundings.
Sightseeing of the city in the morning. This city has been on the list of UNESCO’s building and cultural heritage. The medieval city of Dubrovnik, encompassed by walls and fortifications is a real treasury of architectural and cultural artefacts which have survived in all centuries in a unique manner. By a pleasant walk, we come to the Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan monastery with the famous pharmacy from the 14th century and other interesting places. In your free time, you have the possibility to visit city walls and the islet of Lokrum in the vicinity of Dubrovnik.
European Jerusalem – the capital of BiH, one of European winter sports centers, organizer of 14th Winter Olympics 1984.
Variety of cultures and religions, as well as three contrasting components of town from former times are the reason to visit Sarajevo. In the heart of the town there is the famous Baščaršija from the Turkish period, where you can see various handicrafts of metal, stone, wood, glass, wool, leather…
Sarajevo is famous for its museums, bridges, sports centers, mosques, the synagogue, Orthodox and Catholic churches, and many other significant things.
THE CITY OF EMPERORS
Driving along the picturesque Neretva and Makarska Riviera we approach our goal – Split. After about 3 hours driving we arrive in Split. Walking through the city we discover 1700 years of the history of this city. We pass through Diocletian’s Palace from the 3rd century A.D. with its well-known cellars. Peristil, Golden Gate and Silver Gate, the Cathedral and Juno’s Temple are only a small part of historical and cultural venues this city hides. After the visit to the old town, you have free time for shopping, walking, etc.
