The bridge's arch is built from local Tenelija stone, which is a soft limestone that hardens upon exposure to air.
During the 2004 reconstruction, divers recovered approximately 70% of the original stones from the riverbed to incorporate into the new structure.
The construction in 1566 was considered a technological marvel for its time, as it was the widest man-made arch in the world.
Local divers have performed bridge jumps for centuries, a tradition that became an official competitive sport in the late 1960s.
The bridge surface is intentionally built with slippery cobblestones to act as a deterrent to running or fast traffic.
Stari Most is a humpbacked stone arch bridge spanning the Neretva River in Mostar, connecting the two parts of the city. Originally commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557, the bridge was completed in 1566 by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin. The original structure stood for 427 years before its destruction during the Croat–Bosniak War in November 1993. A reconstruction project led by UNESCO and the World Bank utilized recovered stones from the riverbed and traditional Ottoman construction techniques. The bridge was officially reopened in July 2004 and subsequently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as a symbol of reconciliation and cultural integration between the city's Bosniak and Croat communities. The span is 28 meters long and rises 24 meters above the summer water level. Divers from the Mostar Diving Club frequently jump from the bridge into the cold Neretva water as a traditional demonstration of local skill.
From the banks of the Neretva River looking up at the bridge or from the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque minaret for an aerial view.
Wear footwear with high-traction soles, as the original stone surface is extremely smooth and slippery even when dry.
Visit the nearby observation platforms on the riverbanks to watch the professional divers prepare for their jumps.
Explore the surrounding Kujundžiluk bazaar for traditional copper crafts and local coffee.
Do not attempt to jump from the bridge; the water depth is dangerous, currents are strong, and only professional, trained members of the Mostar Diving Club should participate.
Modest dress is recommended when visiting the surrounding historic quarter; the bridge itself is a public thoroughfare with no strict dress code.
