Visegrad Bridge


Tourists who come to Bosnia , do not ignore the Visegrad bridge. Built during the Turkish rule over the Balkans, it is a monument of engineering art of that era. It combines monumental nobility and elegant proportions.

History of the Visegrad Bridge

The bridge, whose total length is 180 meters, consists of 11 spans. According to history, it was built in 1577 by the order of Mehmed Pasha Sokollu. Hence the double name of the structure - Visegrad bridge or Mehmed Pasha bridge. Fiction or truth, but it is commonly believed that the design of the structure belongs to Sinan himself, one of the most famous architects of the Ottoman Empire.

A lot of tourists come every year to a small town of Visegrad, to see this medieval miracle first hand. The city is located on the bank of the Drina River , through which the Visegrad bridge will be thrown. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia - two countries, between which the border runs, almost coinciding with the river line.

The popularity of the bridge increased even more after the Yugoslav writer Ivo Andrich mentioned him in the title of his novel.

The monumental building, which now decorates the city, has survived difficult times. The destructive actions of the war years affected him as well. In the First World War, three spans were destroyed, and in the Second - five more. Fortunately for modern tourists, a magnificent sample of aesthetic and engineering thought has been restored.

What is the Visegrad bridge interesting for tourists?

Being strategically important for the Ottoman Empire, at the present time the Visegrad bridge is an excellent place for romantic walks. It is amazingly combined with the surrounding landscape and crystal clear water. Shown in her bridge, the buildings of the city seem to hover in the air.

Historians, lovers of everything ancient, just educated people will appreciate the panorama opening from the bridge to the city and the river. On one bank there is a small observation deck. It is with her that you can admire the enchanting landscape.

The beautiful, ancient bridge hits tourists who come to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time, beckons back those who have already seen it. The bridge is surrounded by green mountains and turquoise water - an unforgettable combination.

The Legend of the Visegrad Bridge

The Visegrad bridge is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mysterious structure gives not only a 450-year history of existence, but also legends. One of them says that the construction was opposed by a mermaid. At night she destroyed all that was erected in the daytime. And was given advice, the builder of the bridge, to find two newborn twins, which must be walled in the middle pillars. Only then the river maiden can not interfere with the construction work.

After a long search, the twins were found in a remote village. The Vizier took them by force from their mother, who was unable to part with her children and was forced to walk to Visegrad.

Infants immured in supports. But the builder, taking pity on his mother, left holes in the poles so that she could feed the kids with milk. As if in confirmation of the legend, at the same time of the year, white trickles flow from narrow holes and leave an indelible mark.

How to get to the Visegrad bridge?

Those who want to check the authenticity of ancient legends or simply see the beauty of medieval buildings can come from Belgrade by bus from the bus station. To cross the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina need only a passport (for citizens of Russia). Being already in Visegrad, the bridge is clearly visible from the street of Gavrila Princip and the coast of the peninsula. From the new Andritchrad Museum you can walk to it. And also tourists can use public transport of the city.