This is a famous Memed pasa Sokolovic bridge in Visegrad, built by Mimar Sinan, the most famous architect in a whole Otoman empire. The bridge was built in 1571, it has 11 stone arhes, 180 m long, 6,3 m wide. It becomes a worldwide known thanks to serbian novelist Ivo Andric, who has written the novel The Bridge On The Drina, and got a Nobel prise for it in 1961.
On 28.08.2007. the bridge entered UNESCO world heritage list.
If you are visiting Bosnia you have to see this bridge. This is one, of the only three bridges on the UNESCO heritage list. This is the unique bridge, and you'll not find similar anywhere else on the world. One can enjoy in a view from nearby hotel , or take a ride with some of the tourist boats on Drina river.
Written Sep 7, 2007
Five centuries of Turkish occupation on Balkan Peninsula is more remembered on strict rules, punishments and taxes than the buildings, which we still use. The strictest tax was “Tax in blood” which meant that small, healthy boys were kidnapping and taking to Istanbul to be prepared for soldiers. One of them, Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic, with his talent, had the high station in Ottoman Empire, the Great Veizir. But, he didn’t forget his birthplace and exactly obligated to him this magnificent bridge was built. Ivo Andric, our only Nobel Price winner, described the building of this 180 meters long stone bridge with 11 arches and 11 pillars in his famous book “Na Drini Cuprija” (“Bridge Over Drina River”). In that time well-known constructor, Sinan started to build the bridge in 1571 and it was finished in 1577.
More information and pictures - in my travelogue
Updated Apr 5, 2005
The bus from Sarajevo to Belgrade stopped for a 15-20 minutes break at Visegrad bus station in Republika Srpska. The bus station is quite large, and have kiosks, shopping stalls and small cafes. It's a good place to buy food/drinks and go to the toalet, or just take short walk before the bus leaves. Visegrad bus station is located close to the Drina river and is the last stop before you enter Serbia.
Updated Sep 10, 2009
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