A few days back we explored a very unique topic on our World Heritage List. We covered an extraordinary bridge from ancient times. The Old Bridge of Mostar was one of the most fabulous architectural eminences that were listed on the World Heritage Site. And our today’s topic is on similar lines. We will look into one of the historic places in Bosnia.
Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge stands over the river Drina in Visegrad, Bosnia. It was built in the Ottoman era with Ottoman influence architecture. The bridge was constructed in the year 1577 by a famous architect Mimar Sinan. This beautiful Arch Bridge is the epitome of architectural design with historical significance.
As I had already said with splurging technology and pieces of machinery to build a massive structure looks a bit easy and not must time taking. We have seen some fabulous structures built in a time frame of just 4 to 5 months. However, that was not what exactly building structures or monuments at the early times meant. And when we talk about the 16th century, it was absolute skill and years and years of hard labor that led to such a miraculous structure standing in the face of the earth.
So, let’s explore one such tourist attraction that was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007 for a reason!
About Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
It is said that there are many bridges in the River Drina but nothing stands like Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge. This 16th-century Ottoman architecture is a specimen of monumental architecture of the era. It paved the way for the new era of civil engineering in the 16th century. The bridge is shaped in form of an arch and hence it is also called an arch. Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge has eleven beautiful arches with a gap of 11 m. The overall width of the bridge is 6 meters with a length of 180 meters.
Tourists love the bridge for its scenic look with a beautiful river flowing underneath. And architects love the place for the preciseness which the bridge was built. Overall the bridge is worth a visit for a lifetime.
Also Read: A Glimpse Of Old Bridge In the City Of Mostar-UNESCO Site
History of Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
In the year 1577, the Ottoman Empire hired Mimar Sinan to build a bridge on the river Drina. And no one thought at that moment that this decision would change the course of history. The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge was not only the best piece of architecture but can be called a work of art. It is inevitably the best work during the Ottoman period. Over a period of time, the place not only becomes one of the major tourist landmarks but also iconic stature on the earth. And eventually, in the year 2007, the bridge was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The bridge stands still through all ages fighting floods and wars. In a nutshell, it can be said that the bridge withstood historic moments of the place. However, a major renovation was done in the year 2010.
Protection and management of the place
The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge has constantly faced threats over a period. This is mainly due to the river water that flows in from the mountain valley. The structure has become fragile and in utmost need of protection. With the place being in the world Heritage Site, the national and international governments take care of the place. Also to overcome this situation the Serbian Ministry of Mines and Energy took a keen interest. This initiative helped in adding legal protection and funding to protect the cause. In a nutshell, Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is listed in the World Heritage Site in order to prevent the old aged ancient structure.
Also Read: Australian Convict Sites-World Heritage Site Built By The Convicts!
Best time to visit Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
It will be an experience worth a lifetime to walk on a 16th-century bridge. People love to explore nearby places and enjoy the sunset and sunrise. Tourists are allowed to walk free on the bridge. The bridge is open to visitors from 12 Am to 12 PM. For a hustle-free visit do buy a ticket prior to the visit. And in any case, if you want to cancel the trip cancel it 24 hours prior to getting a full refund.
Most of the time tourist tries to visit the place during summers and the fall. People avoid visiting the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge during the rainy season. As there is the threat of the bridge begin overflowed.
Also Read: World Heritage Site of Vienna- Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Visiting World Heritage Site is need of the hour. Tourism educates people on the importance of the place and related things. Thus exploring world heritage sites is of utmost significance. And Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is one of the remarkable World Heritage Site that marks extraordinary Ottoman classic. This Višegrad Bridge has really marked the history and culture of the place! Along with our rest, World Heritage Sites visit Mehmed Paša once in a lifetime!
Till you ponder over this, it’s a bye from me.
Bon Voyage!
