War-damaged Buildings in Mostar

The last time we visited Mostar was in 2015. We saw lots of war-damaged buildings and assumed that most of them would have been renovated by now. But here we are 8 years later, and not much has changed. All the damaged building that we remembered look just the same.

I’m not sure why they haven’t been fixed, but I assume that lack of money is the main issue.

Sniper Tower

Sniper Tower is one of the most well-known war-damaged buildings. It used to be the building of Ljubljanska Bank and was the tallest building in Mostar at the time of the war. Due to it’s height and strategic location it was used as a sniper tower during the war.

Other war-damaged buildings around Sniper Tower

War-damaged building near Sniper Tower, Mostar

It’s surprising how many other war-damaged buildings there are in this area. You can see some artwork hanging from the building above. See Mostar Street Art for more.

I think it’s a good thing to have some war-damaged buildings remaining as a reminder of the horrors of war. But after 30 years, I think Mostar has too many of them. It’s time to move on.

Neretva Hotel

Before the war, the Neretva Hotel was one of the best hotels in Mostar. Today, it’s still an empty shell. The location is great, so I’m not sure why it’s never been renovated and brought back into use.

Building near Mostarski Bataljon

Looking at the outside of this building, it appears somewhat Egyptian. I haven’t been able to find out what it used to be, but I’d guess is was some sort of entertainment complex. Update: I found out that it used to be a department store.

A war-damaged building next to our Airbnb apartment

We were surprised to se a war-damaged building right next door to our Airbnb apartment. The apartment was very spacious and an excellent location, so we’d definitely stay there again.

Other war-damaged buildings

There are so many war-damaged building in Mostar that it was impossible to find out what the all used to be. Many were probably homes or stores.

The building above is right next to Lucki Most. Walk across the bridge and you’ll get great views of Stari Most, the old bridge.

The small, war-damaged building above was built in 1922. It was owned by Mirko Vlaho who was the first president of the football club FK Velež Mostar, which was founded in 1922. His granddaughter lived in the house just before the war. She has been unable to obtain enough funds to renovate the house.

The clock tower next to the house was also damaged during the war.

A war-damaged building next to a cemetery in Mostar

The war-damaged building in the background is next to a cemetery where many of those killed in 1993 are buried. It seems quite fitting that the building should remain in its current state as a reminder of the horrors of war.