Within the ancient city of Mostar, you will find an area known as Old Bridge Area that combines the pre-Ottoman cultures, as well as Mediterranean and Western European cultures. The architectural features blend with the landscape, creating an eminent example of multicultural urban center.

The site has seen several wars and restorations, but a detailed scientific study has pronounced it one of the most important heritage sites in Bosnia and thus was listed into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. The listed property lies on 7.6 hectares of land and has been given a buffer zone of 48 hectares.

The skill and creativity that went into making the Old Bridge cannot be gainsaid. More noteworthy is the Radoboija stream that enters the Neretva on its right bank. The stream provided a source of clean water to the settlement. From Veretva, a number of canals were constructed and used for irrigation and driving the watermills.

Since prehistory, the area between the Hum Hill and Velez Mountain has been occupied by humans as evidenced by excavated fortified enceintes and cemeteries. Beneath the present day town, you will see the evidence of Roman occupation.

There is scant information regarding Mostar in the Medieval period despite the fact that the Christian Basilicas from the antiquity continued to be used.  The first documented mention of Mostar is in 1474. It is mentioned by the bridge-keepers in reference to a wooden bridge on the left bank of the river. The bridge was used by traders, soldiers and other travellers. During this time, it was the seat of the district judge.

Due to its location on the route between the Adriatic Sea and the mineral rich central Bosnian regions, the settlement would later spread to the right bank of the river. The town became a leading urban center in the Sanjak of Herzegovina. Much later, it would become the center of the Ottoman Turks rule.

Among the attractions that you can expect to see in this landscape include; Public and religious buildings on the left bank of the river as well as a cluster of private and commercial buildings that were organized in districts known as ‘mahalas’. Most notable however will be the Hercegusa Tower, the Tara Towers and the Old Bridge and surrounding Ramparts.

Gone are the days when Bosnia was a ‘no man’s land’. Today, it is a thriving society with an emerging middle class. The old town of Mostar is the kind of place where budget tourist will find 5-star treatment at the budget of 3-star hotel.