| Page Views: 312 Last Visit to Mostar: April, 2009 | Mostar - Bosnia and Herzegovina by pure1942 - last update: Apr 20, 2009 |
The Jewel of Herzegovina | Mostar Stari Most and Old Quarter |
Visited Mostar for the first time this April and was completely taken in by the Old Town charm and history of this ancient city. The Ottomans have left a considerable influence on the city especially around the (New) Old Bridge and Old Quarter. Another major influence on the present day appearance of the city was the recent Balkan conflict which impacted heavily on the city. Happily much of the damage caused by the heavy sheeling of Mostar has been repaired and restored, although evidence of the conflict are still easy to find all over the city. Perhaps the most significant rebuilding project was only completed in 2004, with the reopening of Mostar's most famous symbol, The Stari Most, on the 23rd of July. |
|  | Take time to explore the surroundings!!! We had initially planned to stay in Mostar for only one night before heading on to Sarajevo but after just a couple of hours in the city we decided to extend our stay. We ended up staying three nights, due in part to the great accommodation we found in Majda's Hostel, which was one of the most homel and inviting hostel's I have ever stayed in. Majda's brother Bata took us on a day tour to explore the city and the surrounding countryside which ended up being the highlight of our entire trip to the western Balkans.
Apart from the obvious charms and delights of Mostar itself, the Herzegovina countryside offers up some great places and spectacular landscapes. Kravice waterfalls, Pocitelj Medieval town and Blagai and the Buna River Spring are just a few of the highlights from our day trip around Herzegovina...not to mention the great vineyards and the liquid gold produced from them!!! Take some extra time to climb the mountains and hills around Mostar for some breathtaking views over the city. |
| | Complex Mostar Mostar's history is complex and at times can be difficult for outsider's to comprehend and I won't pretend to be a source of knowledge and understanding on the subject of Mostar's history. What I will say is that the history of this small city is facinating and visitors to the city should really take some time to reseach and obtain some infomation on the city and country's history before their visit so that they can gain a better appreciation of the city and what it represents. However it is important to gain a broad perspective on the history of the city, which is easier said than done as the sources (and reliabilty) of the information which you may come across can vary greatly and no matter how much you read and how much you listen to people speak and opinionate, don't fall under the illusion that you understand or can empathise with any part of this complex history. If you weren't there, you won't understand. You've all heard the phrase...'there's two sides to every story'...well with Mostar and Bosnia and Hezegovina in general, there's about a hundred sides!!! Don't sound off on things you can't relate to, listen to people if they open up to you themselves and be prepared to listen and learn. It might confuse you even more but you can at least take some steps to learning about the city and country.
While to visit Mostar without learning something of it's troubled history would be a shame, visitors to Mostar shouldn't just expect to be faced with reminder's of war and ethnic strife at every turn. The city really is a beautiful place to visit in an asthetic way. The towering minarets, bridges, blue-gree Neretva river, surrounding hills and mountains, cobbled streets ancient architecture and friendly people of Mostar, not to mention the surrounding countryside's treasures ensure a rewarding and enjoyable visit to this wonderful city. One of my favourite destinations so far. |
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 Comments for pure1942 about Mostar | | | | |
BruceDunning Tue Sep 1, 2009 22:48 UTC
You have done an excellent presentation of this city and its history. The pictures, and especially the comments are factually described and great depth. Thank you | nuritza Thu Jul 9, 2009 13:55 UTC
Congratulations!! Very helpful, nice reading and pictures. | joiwatani Wed May 13, 2009 04:00 UTC
Wow, very detailed. Great job on this tip! | globetrott Fri May 8, 2009 15:41 UTC
What an excellent page including all information that is needed in order to get there, thanks for sharing ! |
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