• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Architecture of Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnian Architecture - Stone House in Mostar
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).

Bosnian Architecture - Church
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