3-082-281 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ten Days in Bosnia: the bridge at Mostar, 1895. '...when you come to the bridge, and a guide informs you that the inner arch is 17.85 metres, and that it was built during the Roman occupation, you must not contradict him, though you are perfectly well aware that an Italian from Dalmatia has the glory of it, and that the Sultan Sulejman was the inspiring genius. For Mostar loves its ancient arch, and to all your reproaches he will answer with praise of it. The city may be baked like an oven - but there is the bridge; its evil odours may cause you to gasp for breath and consult your time-table - pause a moment, do not forget the bridge; the north wind may blow through you and ague bite your bones - say nothing; you must remain to the adoration of the bridge. And speak of it in hushed whispers because the Roman did not build it, and the guide-book devotes a chapter to its want of history'. The 16th-century bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War. It was reconstructed, and reopened in 2004. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.