In each destination I travel to, I always like to enter at least a few religious houses for they offer a beautiful insight into any culture. These peaceful temples hold art, mystery and most of all a gentle place to surround myself with peace. Here are 5 free churches & mosques to explore in Mostar.
Old Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary
Possibly the most charming stone church I have seen in a very long time. I was not able to go inside the day I climbed up the hillside to visit this church, for a service was underway. I did explore the exterior though and climbed even further up behind, into a most beautiful old cemetery.
Built in 1834, this little church was at one time, the city’s first co-ed school. I was on site when the bells were rung, and it was an absolute joy to hear them pealing through the soft warm summers air.
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
When this church was constructed in 1873, it was the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. This magnificent cathedral was destroyed during the Bosnian war, first being shelled, then set on fire and lastly and finally having its bell towers toppled.
Still under restoration today, it is now a UNESCO protected landmark. Its has been 13 years that efforts have been underway to rebuilt this beautiful structure but it is continually vandalized and harmed, making the task everlasting.
Karadjozbey Mosque
Built in the 16th century, this beautiful mosque has a large dome and soaring minaret. Made of white limestone, it is one of the largest in the region.
Suffering great damage in WWII and then again in the Bosnian war, it was quickly repaired and reopened its doors in 2004. In the yard to one side is a beautiful and ancient cemetery and across on the other side of the square, a more modern one.
The interior is large and spacious and offers visitors a sense of peace and tranquility. When I walked through here, there was not a single other person in sight.
Koshi Mehmet Pasha Mosque
Located right in the heart of Old Town Mostar, this beautiful mosque is almost hidden from the street. Visitors must pass under an archway that currently has a seller of lavender products, peddling his wares. It was this that originally drew me into the courtyard and then I was standing in awe.
A trickling fountain is located at the centre with the mosque situated to the left. There are large trees surrounding that provide shade and a level of quiet that is rare in the old part of town. Also located here is the tomb of Mahmud Baba who was the first Imam of this mosque.
Cathedral of Mary, Mother of the Church
This is one of only four Roman Catholic cathedrals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Completed in 1980, it was built upon the site of an old cathedral dating from 1872. The building is quite striking, very modern looking compared to so many other buildings in Mostar.
Right across the street is the Roman Catholic Diocese, a beautiful and classical, light-yellow building that I was able to walk freely around and admire. Here visitors will find a single persimmon tree and multiple olive trees lining the driveway.
Close by is a beautiful statue and square as well as a large art gallery.
Mostar is one of the most densely populated cities for churches and mosques that I have come across in a long time. One can view this city from just about anywhere and the minarets and bell towers that hover over the city skyline are breathtaking. Simple wander around and have a look, both inside and out, at all of these wondrous temples.
