Mostar

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Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city was the most heavily bombed of any Bosnian city during the war. It was both shelled with artillery by the Serbs and then subsequently by the Croatians. It is most famous for its beautiful historic Ottoman-style bridge which spanned the Neretva river which was destroyed, though fortunately the bridge has been rebuilt and the city has in most ways returned to the beautiful riverside town it once was.

Mostar Bridge
Mostar Bridge

[edit] Get in

The Bus and Train stations are adjacent and are located close to the heart of Mostar.

[edit] By taxi

If you need transportation arround town Mostar or transportation to Croatia or Sarajevo call the best taxi in the world on +38761628078 and ask for Adi. He often drives passangers to and from airports in Croatia and Sarajevo to Mostar and back.

[edit] By bus

There are buses nearly every daylight hour to and from Sarajevo, and the journey takes about two hours. There are also buses to and from Ploče on the Croatian coast.

There are several buses that leave from Dubrovnik, Croatia every day, and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. Similarly, many buses head towards Split, with the journey taking a similar length of time.

There are numerous buses each day (including some overnight) to Zagreb, and most major towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

[edit] By train

Train services are not frequent to Mostar, but the two-to-three hour trip is spectacular and it is worth travelling at these odd times due to the stunning scenery.

Trains from Sarajevo depart about twice or three times a day, one service (usually evening) continuing its journey from Zagreb on their way to Ploče on the Adriatic coast in Southern Croatia. That journey takes about 90 minutes.

Although the train to Mostar was famous for being quite empty compared to buses, this no longer seems to be the case and during peak periods travelers will be lucky to find a seat. Note however that the facilities of the train stations and the train itself are rather dated, and the bus provides a more comfortable journey. Keep in mind that the journey by train from Sarajevo to Mostar is quite spectacular, passing through rugged terrain with a series of tunnels, U-turns and aqueducts. It is also cheaper than the bus, as of October 2007.

[edit] By Plane

Mostar has an International Airport [1] located on the outskirts of the city. Flights are limited, but at present there are services to Istanbul, Zagreb and (in 2008) Vienna.

[edit][add listing] See

The old town in Mostar
The old town in Mostar
  • The Old Bridge (Stari most) is the highlight of Mostar and was built by the Ottaman Turks in 1566. It was destroyed during the recent war by Croatian extremists, but was rebuilt in 2004. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Pocitelj is on the left side of the road to Dubrovnik. You may take the yellow bus to Capljina (number 41) and after some 45 minutes you are at this historical village.There are a few good Ottoman buildings dating from a few centuries ago.In particular Mosque of Hadzi Alija which was destroyed by the men of Mate Boban is see worthy.Pocitelj is also nice with its excellent Neretva view.
  • Blagaj is counted within the city limits and is reachable by public buses in fifteen minutes or so. The bus may leave from the road opposite the main station, not the bus station itself. In Blagaj there are good samples of Ottoman mosques, bridges and tekija which is located on the right bank of the River Buna at its source.
  • Muslibegovica House[2] is National Monument of Bosnia It is one one of Mostar's most precious architectural treasures constructed 300 years ago. Experts for Ottoman architecture consider Muslibegovic House as most beautiful house from Ottoman period in Balcans.National monument “Muslibegovic House” is located near the Karadoz - Bey’s Mosque, and is one of the most representative monuments of the Ottoman residential architecture. House is comprised of separate quarters for women (women’s courtyard– haremluk). and men(men’s courtyard – selamluk. Unlike earlier architectural styles, this house resembled a four-storey house built around the centre. Double-arched entrance with the central pillar reveals Mediterranean influence. The house preserved authentic monumental structure, items and documents providing an insight into the life of a wealthy bey family from the time. In addition to museum exhibition, visitors are invited to take traditional beverages or cookies, or spend a night in this authentic surrounding.

House – museum is open for visitors 15 April – 15 October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Diving off the Old Bridge. During the day, the Mostar Diving Club will have members dive off the bridge into the emerald green waters. For the daredevils among us you can also dive the 21 meters into the Neretva River and receive a certificate from the Mostar Diving Club (25 Euros).
National Monument of Bosnia
National Monument of Bosnia
  • Walking along the former Front-line on Bulevar Revolucije where in 1993 the city was divided between Croats on the West and Muslims on the Eastern side. It is a surreal and sobering experience to see the bombed out buildings which still stand in this area.
National Monument Muslibegovic House
National Monument Muslibegovic House

If you need transportation arround town Mostar or transportation to Croatia or Sarajevo call the best taxi in the world on +38761628078 and ask for Adi. He often drives passangers to and from airports in Croatia and Sarajevo to Mostar and back.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Both euros (should be at 1:2 rate with the Bosnian KM) and Croatian kuna (at a rip-off rate) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in Mostar.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Pizzeria "Roma" near Mercator shopping centre (and not far from Zrinjski stadium) offers the best pizza I've ever tried.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Many of nice lounge bars are located in the Old Town.

OKC Abrasevic, Santica Street. Alternative concerts and other art events. edit

Ali Baba's Cave. This bar has drinks and hookah; the ambiance is great as the lounge was built directly in a cavern. You won't be able to miss it while walking around the bazaar in Mostar's Old Town, as there is loud music emanating from the entrance. edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Hotel Bevanda, [3].  edit The Bevanda hotel is located at Balinovac. It's so far, Mostar's only luxurious four star hotel. It's located in a quit area with beautiful nature and a river running under hotel it self, yet it's not more than 15 minutes walk from the historical core of the city. The hotel has a capacity of 28 rooms and two luxurious apartments. All rooms have access to a mini bar, Pay TV, Internet adapter and balcony. There are both rooms for smokers and non smokers. Here you will find a big restaurant, café, and a huge terrace outside lying on the river Radobolja. Also a hotel garage as well as outside parking is available.

Hotel Ero, [4].  edit The Ero hotel is located on the right side of the "Carinski (emperor’s) bridge". This is a big hotel with 165 room and eight apartments. Rooms are equipped with Telephones, internet adapters and satellite TV. The hotel also has a huge restaurant that provides both local and international food. This hotel is also ideal for conferences. The glass hall is the biggest one with up to 100 seats, thereafter there are the blue and the white halls with up to 50 seats. All rooms are equipped with projectors and video players. Outside the hotel there is a parking lot for visitors.

Hotel Bristol (right side of the Musala bridge). The Bristol hotel is located on the right side of the Musala bridge. The hotel offers 45 rooms, a restaurant, and two conference rooms. The rooms are equipped with new furniture, air condition, telephone, new bathrooms and satellite TV. The restaurant has a capacity of 150 seats inside and outside. The Musala square across Neretva and Korzo Street in front of the hotel are two of the most frequent places in the city, which gives this hotel something extra.

Oscar Pansion (ten meters from the bridge). Rooms are very clean, with television and air-conditioning and the price is surprisingly low. The young boy and the little girl speak good English.

Pansion Mostar (2min from bridge on major road). Rooms are friendly, quiet and spacious, equipped with TV and balcony. Bathroom spotless, owner Marijana friendly and with good English. Price excellent, paid €15 per person per night.

Majda's Rooms (she will pick you up from the bus or train station). It is a small place with a hostel atmosphere, about 5-10 minutes walking to the Old Bridge. The owner, Majda, is very friendly and will bend over backwards to accommodate you, suggest restaurants, bars, sights, and day trips.

Mostar Old Bridge View Villas, [5]. Three fully furnished two bedroom apartments with terraces on Neretva River directly over looking the Mostar Old Bridge.

Zdrava Hrana, [6]. Solid low-priced accommodation (single 30 KM, double 50 KM [summer 06]). Located near from the centre and clean - though not luxurious - rooms.

[edit] Get out

  • The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to youths in the town of Medjugorje (around 25km from Mostar) has seen the town become a must-go destination for travelling pilgrims from around the world. Buses depart from the bus station every few hours.
  • Ploče in Croatia is the nearest point of ocean to Mostar, and is easily accessible with numerous buses and trains daily. Beaches are nicest for swimming NORTH of the city.

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