AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BUILDINGS
Austrian-Hungarian Buildings (19th-20th century.)
In Mostar, there are numerous palaces to be seen, built during the Austrian-Hungarian period, which demonstrate the blending of western and eastern architectural styles (pseudo-Moresque style). Amongst the most interesting: the Secondary School (1898), the most prestigious school of the city (in Španski trg) and the Public Bath (1914), built according to a project of the architect Rudolf Tonnies with the support of Miroslav Loose. These are imposing buildings in the Austrian-Hungarian style where the Moorish ornamental features are particularly notable. In the Public Bath (in Musala b.b. open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday – Friday), recently restored and now open to the public, you can swim in covered swimming pools or ask for relaxing massages and treatments of various types. Moreover, there is a fitness gym, a solarium and a beauty salon. So here you can find a pleasant and relaxing way of combining a knowledge of the city with well-being.
Metropolitan Palace (Vladičin dvor) (1908)
Built for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church, in 1908, during the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy, the Metropolitan is an interesting example of Neo-Baroque architecture. The palace soars on a high point of the east sector of Mostar, on the left side of the Neretva River and offers a romantic, panoramic view of the old city. The inestimable interior decorations and its unusual façade, with niches holding statues of saints, sculptures in shells and urns, render it a decidedly original monument in the local surroundings.
Address: Bjelušine b.b. (Travel agencies can organize visits).
