Snapshot: Mesmerizing Mostar

It’s a picture of spellbinding serenity that will send photographers into a trigger-happy frenzy. This vision of the perfectly preserved medieval old town in Mostar today belies years of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the breakup of then-Yugoslavia.

The beginning of the war saw the city’s important buildings destroyed, but rebuilding began after the war ended, including one of the important landmarks of the city- the Old Bridge (Stari Most). Spanning the Neretva River, the beautiful historic Ottoman-style Bridge anchors the city and considered one of the most significant pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans.

The old town in Mostar transports you back to the days of medieval splendour, walking through the streets here is just like walking into a movie set. Visit the Old Bazar Kujundziluk when you’re in the old town, where artisans selling their traditional handicrafts can fetch you some gems in the form of scarves, jewellery and even carpets.

Through the post-war years,  Mostar has slowly regained its pre war-torn glory, much like how the hopeful spring arrives after a withering winter.

Have you been to Mostar to witness its incredible beauty before?