Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge

The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is an Ottoman-era bridge that spans the Drina River in Visegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina's easternmost city. The Ottoman court architect Sinan designed the bridge around the end of the 16th century. He was one of the best architects and engineers of the classical Ottoman period, and his work can be likened to that of the Italian Renaissance.

The Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolovi ordered the construction of the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge between 1571 and 1577. It was designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and is 179.5 meters in length. During the Bosnian War, it was also a location where Bosniak civilians were killed. The bridge is an example of modern monumental engineering. It has 11 masonry arches ranging in width from 11 to 15 meters. On one side of the river, there is a right-angle access ramp to the bridge.

The bridge was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2007. "The property's distinctive grace of proportion and towering nobility bore testament to the glory of this form of architecture," they write. The monument is accessible by foot. Visitors can sit on the seats and enjoy the view of the Drina. The medieval bridge is located in the heart of Visegrad, which is a 2-hour car or cab ride or a long bus ride from Sarajevo's center.

Location: Republika Srpska, Bosnia và Herzegovina