Mostar Old Bridge

The original 16th-century Ottoman bridge was destroyed by Croatian forces on November 9, 1993, during the Croat-Bosniak War. It was deliberately targeted and collapsed into the Neretva River after hours of relentless shelling.

Following its destruction, the bridge was meticulously reconstructed and officially reopened on July 23, 2004. The massive rehabilitation project was heavily funded by international donors, including the World Bank and UNESCO.

The original bridge was commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 and completed in 1566. It was designed by the famed architect Mimar Hayruddin, creating a remarkable stone arch that stood for centuries.

Yes, traditional diving from the 24-meter high bridge into the cold Neretva River remains a popular local custom. Professional divers often take the plunge, a practice that dates back to the 17th century, and an annual diving competition is held there every summer.