Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Balkans. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire (completed in 1566), it spans the emerald Neretva River and connects the historic Old Town on both sides.
One of the most famous traditions here is bridge diving, where trained local divers jump from the 24-meter-high arch into the cold river below. This practice has deep cultural roots and has been part of local identity for centuries.
The first recorded written mention of a jump dates back to 1664, described by Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi. Shortly after, the tradition became more organized, and the first known diving competition began in 1668, marking the start of structured public diving events at Stari Most.
Today, bridge diving remains a strong cultural symbol and tourist attraction. In summer, members of the local diving club perform scheduled jumps for visitors, and annual competitions are held where experienced divers compete in front of large crowds.
There are two main types of jumps used in modern competitions:
- “Lasta” (Swallow Dive – Head-first)
A classic and most iconic dive style where the diver enters the water head-first in a straight, controlled position, similar to a swallow diving into the sea. It requires precision, control, and perfect body alignment. - Feet-first dive
A more cautious but still skillful dive where the diver enters the water feet-first. This style is often used depending on conditions and technique, focusing on stability and safe entry into the river.
These dives require significant training due to the height of the bridge and the cold, fast-flowing river below. The divers are highly experienced and usually begin training at a young age.
In addition to local traditions, Stari Most is also known for hosting international events such as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, where professional divers from around the world perform high-difficulty dives from the bridge into the Neretva River. This event has helped bring global attention to Mostar and highlights the bridge as one of the most spectacular natural diving stages in the world.
Visitors can watch the jumps from cafés, river viewpoints, or directly from the bridge itself. The surrounding Old Town offers cobbled streets, traditional shops, and Ottoman-era architecture, making the entire area one of the most visited cultural sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Note: Only trained professionals are allowed to jump due to the extreme danger and required skill level.