Reconstruction of Mostar Bridge Complex

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The 16th-century Mostar bridge was blown up during the bitter fighting in the Bosnian war in 1993. Its reconstruction is seen as symbolic of the healing of divisions between the city's Muslims and Croats. The single-arch masonry bridge and related structures were rebuilt using the original methods and materials: stone, traditional lime mortar, metal (forged iron) and lead. Stone for the arch and parapet walls - an oolitic limestone that starts out ivory but turns grey over time - came from the quarry mined for the original bridge. Breccia was used for the abutment walls, while the walkway is of a marble-like limestone.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture