UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Bosnia And Herzegovina

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Bosnia And Herzegovina is a nation in South East Europe, and it borders three other countries including Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia. It became independent in 1992 from the former Yugoslavia. It is internationally known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in the world. The main tourist attractions are cultural, religious, and historical sites. The country is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites. They are Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge in Visegrad, Mostar Old Bridge Area, and Stecci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards.

Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge

The Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge is found on the Drina River in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bridge was built in the 16th Century by architect Mimar Sinan. The architect was ordered to build the bridge by the Grand Vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović. Hence the bridge was named after the ruler, Mehmed Paša. The bridge has 11 masonry arches with spans of 11m to 15m. The access ramp is built at right angles to the bridge on the left banks of Drina River. The bridge which is 179.5 meters long is a significant architectural structure. It is evidence of Ottoman's architectural might and engineering ability. It also bears great historical significance. Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge is vulnerable to damage.The bridge suffered severe damages during the two world wars but has since been reconstructed. Its authenticity has been maintained throughout successive restorations. Hydro-electric power generation on the Drina River poses a threat to the bridge's foundations. Serbian and Bosnian authorities have put in measures to ensure the Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge is preserved. The site was named a cultural world heritage site by UNESCO in 2007.

Mostar Old Bridge Area

Old Bridge also known as Stari Most is an Ottoman bridge built across River Neretva in the 16th century. It was constructed to replace an old wooden suspension bridge. A student of the great architect Mimar Sinan designed and built the bridge. Soon after its construction, the bridge stood as a monumental structure having the largest man-made arch at the time. Mostar, the town in which the bridge was built was a multicultural center. The town's architectural features display European, Mediterranean, and Ottoman designs. The Old Bridge area holds historical significance as a town of diverse cultures. The Bridge was destroyed in the 1993 Bosnian war but has since been reconstructed. The bridge's authenticity is threatened by development pressure in the town. The area has a buffer zone to ensure that the Old Bridge area is protected. Government agencies also ensure that the area's authenticity is preserved. The bridge was listed by UNESCO as a cultural world heritage site in 2005, and it is a popular tourist attraction.

Stecci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards

The ancient tombstones are scattered across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the border parts of Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The tombstones are made of limestone. They vary in shape and size and bear decorations and inscriptions. They date back to the 12th century. The tombstones are associated with traditional Catholic, Orthodox, and Bosnian Church followers. The Stecci Medieval tombstone graveyards were declared a cultural world heritage site in 2016 by UNESCO.

Bosnia and Herzegovina boast of multiple historic and cultural sites. The sites are of great significance to Bosnians as they show the nation's rich historical and cultural heritage. These sites are popular with tourists. The nation is rated highly as a tourist destination. The Bosnian government has established agencies that ensure that the nation's heritage is preserved in its purest form.