Architecture of Bosnia & Herzegovina

Stone Houses in Mostar

The first major architectural style to enter Bosnia & Herzegovina came in the 1400 and 1500s with the Ottoman Turks. The Ottomans introduced Islam to the people and much of the architecture that developed was Mosque architecture similar to the Ottoman style. Later, in the 1800s and 1900s the country was also strongly influenced by the Austria-Hungarians.

During the period under Ottoman rule, the people integrated various styles into the Turkish style creating something that cannot be entirely classified. Many of the building materials used were local as stone work held much sway, while many of the architects in the region were inspired by both the Ottomans and the Renaissance, which was developing in Italy at the time. In addition to these influences, many of the people living in Bosnia & Herzegovina were Croats or Serbs, creating a Catholic and Christian Orthodox influence. Some of the best examples from this time period are in Mostar's old town and Sarajevo, in addition to the Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge in Visegrad (1570s).

Church

In the 1800s and early 1900s the Austria-Hungarians took control in the region and influenced the architecture to a degree. Much of the changes they introduced were in church architecture so were more quickly adopted by the Christian population. Nearly every city with a significant Christian population, particularly Catholic Croat population has examples of this architecture. Again, Mostar is a great example, however this architecture is in the city's new town.

Sadly, during the Balkan Wars in the 1990s much of the historic architecture in Bosnia & Herzegovina was destroyed, particularly in Sarajevo. Fortunately, many of these buildings have been rebuilt or renovated in their historic style.

This page was last updated: March, 2013