With the arrival on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy brought a new era in the development of civilization, culture and modern methods of warfare and fortification.
One of the strongest monarchies in history, the Austro-Hungarian one, has left an important mark in the history and development of Mostar. As the city was one of the most important, the Monarchy built a system of fortifications around the city. Forts or permanent fortifications were built on the hills from which a good view was necessary for defense against the enemy, and thus a visual connection with the neighboring fortifications was provided. Most of the fortifications were built southeast of Mostar in the area of Podveležje, where this trail passes. At the same time, the route of this trail belongs to the area of Bike Park Velež, and all the fortifications in that area are more precisely marked there.
Mostar (Google Map)
10.00 AM
Using the existing remains of the Austro-Hungarian heritage on the hill Fortica, the tourist offer of Mostar is enriched by the so-called “The path of the Austro-Hungarian fortifications”, which goes around the remains of the fortifications on the Fortica. Part of the route of the Austro-Hungarian fortifications also entered the bicycle route, which is 42 km long and on which all fortifications in this area are marked with signposts.
The tour is best started from the Mostar settlement of Opine, from where you follow the almost 14 km long road, along which there are six Austro-Hungarian fortifications: Werk 9, Fortica, Mali grad, Guberača, Merdžan-glava and Sveta gora.
Above the Mostar settlement of Opine, the first fortification Werk 9 is reached. Four kilometers further, in the continuation of the macadam road towards the Podveležje plateau, there are the remains of the Mali grad fortress. Continuing further along the macadam, in 15 minutes walk you reach the next fort, Guberača. Half an hour’s walk further you come to the next fort, Merdžan-glava. From Merdžan-glava, there is an Austro-Hungarian road about six kilometers long towards the Mostar settlement of Zalik, which is paved, and which forks in one place towards the remaining two fortifications: Sveta Gora and Fortica.
After visiting the fort Merdžan-glava, we continue the ride towards village Gornje Gnjojnice, and take a short break to have a lunch at the Montanaro restaurant in Podveležje. After lunch we continue cycling to the hill Fortica or the adventure park “ZipLine Fortica”. Rising above Mostar, there is a beautiful view of the City of Mostar, and its peak is at the mountain lodge Fortica where you can try descending to the “Zip Line”, walking on the glass bridge from where there is a beautiful view of Mostar or ViaFerata. This arrangement includes an unforgettable experience of descending to the “Zip line” Fortica in a total length of 1,000m with a beautiful view of Mostar and the surrounding area. There are two cables, one 570m long and the other 430m connecting the two elevations above Mostar. If you decide for a short training is included, with the use of equipment and the help of an instructor.
BEFORE YOU GO:
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