Mostar

Let’s start with the most obvious reason you should visit Mostar and what brought me there in the first place.

Stari Most is a 16th century, Ottoman-style bridge and Mostar’s most notable architectural landmark. Stretching 28 metres across the Neretva river, it connects the two sides of the city.

Stari Most proudly stood there for 427 years, until it was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. Thanks to post-war restoration efforts, a new bridge was built in 2004.

These days, tourists flock to the bridge to pose for sexy photos and watch brave yet talented local men dive off the bridge, plunging 20 metres into the cold river below. The practice of diving off the bridge started back in 1664 and became a tradition for the young men of Mostar. In 1968, the city even held a formal diving competition, which still continues today.