The story behind the beautiful building graffiti art in Mostar.
Off the beaten track in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
When you think of Bosnia & Herzegovina you can’t help but think of watching the news in the 90’s, as the nation was devastated.
Nearly three decades on, after the end of the war in December 1995, following three tragic war torn years, Bosnia is beaming with beauty again. Mostar is one of Europe’s most underrated tourist spots, following significant reconstruction and development.
It is undeniable that the heartbeat of Mostar is the magnificent Stari Most (old bridge), which symbolises the Bosnian people, and their resurgence from the most tragic events imaginable. The Stari Most stood for 427 years before getting destroyed during the war, and then rebuilt in 2004. This historical landmark is the centre of most visitor’s day trips, as they dine around the Neretva river, or shop in the bazaar’s.
However, there is also a quirky and alternative side to the city.
Einstein mural in Mostar.
A perspective change is flowing through the city, a new identity, about a bright future, embodied through the building graffiti art, which has been created by international street artists, all wanting to be involved in Mostar’s resurgence as a Balkans gem.
If you can escape the tourist traps on every corner in the Stari Most area, then head over to Alekse Šantića Street to admire the beautiful street art, and make your Balkans getaway one to remember.
The Balkans region never ceases to surprise you!
Mural by MEDIANERAS.
Mostar 2021 is one of many projects that Medianeras have completed globally, each telling a unique story and bringing their beautiful art to life. Medianeras is a unifying project based around urban space, mixed with public art - bringing individuals and communities together!
Mostar has a bittersweet story to tell the world, and Vanesa & Analí did a captivating job in 2021, at the Street Arts Festival in Mostar.
“If we think of the outer walls as a skin that envelops the cities, Mostar is full of scars. It is impossible to walk its streets without thinking about the past, but also about the present and the future.”
The location of the Mostar project is surreal, as buildings have been used which were constructed after the war, in the spots that were in the first firing line during the war. Still some remnants of the war remain close by in the form of buildings covered in bullet holes.
It is interesting walking the streets of Mostar and new murals revealing themselves on every corner - certainly adds a creative layer to the famous Bosnian city that is just known for its famous old bridge to the majority of visitors.
A beautiful vision for the future through street art.
An important message by Medianeras in Mostar is the bright future for the youth of the city.
In the not so distant past youngsters had to evacuate Mostar as refugees, so it is fair to say that the youth of the magical city have a rare and precious story to tell.
The street art demonstrates that the new generations hope to face a completely different future to their ancestors, with bright opportunities available to them, so they can really express themselves.
The street art in Mostar is a breath of fresh air for culture lovers!
Street art is an amazing way for locals in a city to express themselves, and it is increasing in popularity in many cities around the world, as they all have their own stories to tell.
You can feel the creative vibes flowing through the air in this clip of the Mostar Street Arts Festival (Source, Rek1 stf.3c, Youtube).
Building with bullet holes close to the street art murals.
How to visit the graffiti building art in Mostar?
Mostar is a fairly small place, so the majority of the art can be found within walking distance of the tourist centre. Extremely hot temperatures hit the city in summer months though (40°C when I visited), so be aware of this when making plans - it makes for a very difficult walk without refreshments.
Below you will find a detailed mural map from the official Street Arts Mostar website. You can click on each bit of art to find out more details about its story and location.
The murals on the ‘frontline’ are the most authentic works of art, as they tell the most turbulent story. Visible war damage, mixed with brand new buildings and colourful art certainly adds a unique dimension to the backstreets of Mostar - A vibe like nowhere else I have visited.
Alekse Šantića Street is full of colourful murals. A lot of Medianeras’ future vision creations are located in and around this area also.
You are looking at around a one mile walk from the Stari Most area to Alekse Šantića Street.
From the bridge:
Walk west towards Jusovina.
Walk 61 m.
Turn right onto Rade Bitange.
Walk 400 m.
Turn right onto Adema Buća.
Walk 500 m.
Continue onto Alekse Šantića.
This is a must visit in Mostar for any visitor who is interested in the story of a city once reduced to ruins and is definitely a contender for one of the best free things to do in the Balkans.
Another infamous spot within Mostar which is now home to some beautiful graffiti art is the ‘Staklena Banka’ - a former sniper tower, which is now abandoned, giving local artists free reign to tell their story there.
War stories depicted through the art are very common here also.
You will also find impressive work in the form of an open air gallery around the bus station.
Street Arts Festival in Mostar.
The best way to rejuvenate a city with a history of division is to form a new identity, which includes every corner of the city. The fresh visual identity associated with Mostar now reaches a global network, and is ever-growing since its creation back in 2012.
After a decade of revitalising abandoned spaces and war ruins, the young activists’ vision is now a reality with different urban areas glowing with colourful murals by world class street artists.
There are over one hundred murals dotted around Mostar today, offering a great alternative/quirky tourist spot.
Annually, the Street Arts Festival takes place for ten days, to allow artists to co-create special art and showcase their skills to a global audience. Working together to brighten a city which once had no hope is the perfect way to bring the community together and grow a culture which allows the youth of Mostar to express themselves as individuals.
You can find more details about dates and exciting projects on the official website of SAFMO here.
Other quirky and unusual things to do in Mostar.
Mostar is a fascinating place with an array of quirky tourist spots. Here are three great activities that are a must when you are Backpacking Mostar:
There’s simply no better place for an adrenaline junkie to visit than the old bridge in Mostar.
The 24m jump is one that only the brave will even consider. If you are a chicken like myself then head down and watch the local professionals jump off - it will cost you a few quid in donations mind!
Christmas Charms in Mostar - Walking Tour.
It is hard to imagine a city as magical at Christmas time as Mostar.
If you are lucky enough to be in the charming Bosnian city at this time of year, you can really embrace the quirky charisma on a private walking tour.
Book here.
Mostar: Sarajevo Grand Tour with Tunnel of Hope Museum.
Explore Bosnia and its beauty with this tour.
See highlights in Trebevic and Sarajevo. The Tunnel of Hope Museum caters for the historians.
Grab your tickets here.
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