Mostar
From MyVacationsTo
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 was most famous for its beautiful Ottoman style bridge which spanned the Neretva river which was destroyed by Croat artillery fire. Fortunately the bridge has been restored and the city has in most ways returned to the beautiful river side town it once was.
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[edit] Get in
[edit] By bus
There are many buses a day to and from Sarajevo. The journey from Sarajevo takes about three 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.
[edit] By train
Train services are not frequent to Mostar, but the two-three hour trip is spectacular and it is worth travelling at these odd times.
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] See
- 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[1] 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] 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).
- 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.
[edit] 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] Eat
Pizzeria "Roma" near Mercator shopping centre (and not far from Zrinjski stadium) offers the best pizza I've ever tried.
[edit] Drink
Many of nice lounge bars are located in the Old Town.
<drink name="OKC Abrasevic" address="Santica Street">Alternative concerts and other art events.</drink>
<drink name="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.</drink>
[edit] Sleep
- <sleep name="Oscar Pansion" directions="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.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Pansion Mostar" directions="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.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Majda's Rooms" directions="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.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Mostar Old Bridge View Villas" url="http://www.mostar-villa.ba">Three fully furnished two bedroom apartments with terraces on Neretva River directly over looking the Mostar Old Bridge.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Zdrava Hrana" url="http://www.zdrava-hrana.com">Solid low-priced accomodation (single 30 KM, double 50 KM [summer 06]). Located near from the centre and clean - though not luxurious - rooms.</sleep>
[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.