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This Balkan bridge has been named the world’s most beautiful by Time Out

Unesco has described it as ‘a symbol of reconciliation, international co-operation and of the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities’

Liv Kelly
Written by
Liv Kelly
Travel Writer
Historical Stari Most bridge over Neretva river in Mostar Old town, Balkan mountains, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Photograph: Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock
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The various structures humans have built throughout history don’t just continue to serve us today, but also act as steadfast proof of our creative sensibilities and innovative engineering skills. Bridges are a prime example, and plenty of them manage to be absolutely spectacles to behold, too. 

That’s why Time Out has compiled a list of the most impressive of all. From recognisable landmarks like Sydney Harbour and Brooklyn Bridge to remote Scandinavian gallery-hybrid spaces and indigenous Peruvian rope walkways, there are plenty out there to marvel at. 

But the most beautiful on the whole planet? That’d be Stari Most in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its name literally translates to ‘old bridge’, though it actually isn’t that old. 

Old Bridge Area in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Photograph: Shutterstock

‘The surrounding city of Mostar is named for Stari Most, whose pale stone arch curved nearly 25 metres above the Neretva River from 1566-1993,’ writes Time Out contributor Auburn Scallon, ‘Tragically, the bridge was targeted and destroyed as part of the Bosnian War in 1993, but local pride and international funding helped rebuild the beloved structure between 2001-2004, including stone salvaged from the river below.’

As Unesco describes the bridge, which is a World Heritage Site (and was designated as such in 2005), it’s ‘a symbol of reconciliation, international co-operation and of the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities.’

Elsewhere on the list is Double Decker Route Bridge in India, Golden Bridge in Vietnam and The Circle Bridge in Denmark, but there’s plenty more where that came from – have a look below.

🌉Check out our full list of the world’s 19 most beautiful bridges

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