Mostar, Bridge1

(2 photos)

Starting in 1566, it took nine years to build this bridge that spans the Neretva River, flowing in a deep ravine lined with huge boulders. The 12 feet wide bridge spans 88 feet, 60 feet above the highest water level. If only five hundred people crossed the bridge each day, 75,000,000 shoes have polished that marble foot-path slick as ice. If only there was some way, in either pictures or words, to capture the special ambiance and charm of the Mostar bridge. But only a visit will do. The single arch is a graceful curve, and the handrail has a slight upward incline from both sides.

At each end of the Mostar bridge, ancient stone buildings were filled with artist studios, antique stores, restaurants, and tourist boutiques. Some of these were being renovated the last time we visited here. The little stands in the walkways, and in the little market place, offered fruits, vegetables, and other goods for sale.

On November 9, 1993 the bridge succumbed to gun fire and plunged into the depths of the Neretva River. On July 24, 2004, eleven years after the bombing, the rebuilding was completed, and dozens of dignitaries (including Prince Charles of England), and thousands of citizens celebrated the results of the $15,000,000 reconstruction project.
================

Another view of the beautiful bridge.