Višegrad

Višegrad is a small town in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina that sits on the banks of the emerald Drina River. The town is most famous for its spectacular 16th-century bridge, the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, which was built during the Ottoman Empire and later immortalized in Ivo Andrić's Nobel Prize-winning novel "The Bridge on the Drina." This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches majestically across the river with its 11 stone arches, offering a perfect spot for photos.

The town has a complicated history that reflects the broader Balkan region's complex past. From Ottoman rule to Austro-Hungarian influence, and then becoming part of Yugoslavia before the devastating Bosnian War in the 1990s, Višegrad has seen many changes. Today, the town is rebuilding its tourism industry and finding ways to share its cultural heritage with visitors.

In recent years, filmmaker Emir Kusturica built Andrićgrad (Stone Town) here, a cultural complex dedicated to Ivo Andrić. This mini-city within the town features stone buildings constructed in different architectural styles representing various periods of the region's history. With its cinema, theater, galleries, and restaurants, Andrićgrad has brought new life to Višegrad.

The surrounding countryside offers lush green hills and the sparkling Drina River provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The local cuisine is hearty and delicious, featuring grilled meats, fresh river fish, and homemade rakija (fruit brandy). Despite its small size, Višegrad packs a powerful historical and cultural punch that makes it worth a visit for those exploring this part of the Balkans.