FRANCISCAN MONASTERY - CAMPANILE DE LA PAIX

This Catholic monastery (Franjevački Samostan) is easily spotted thanks to its bell tower (Zvonik Mira), the tallest building in the city: 107.20 m at the level of the cross placed on top. Founded in 1866, the complex is the headquarters of the powerful Franciscan order in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Heavily damaged during the siege of the city by the Yugoslav army in April-June 1992, it consists today of buildings from different periods. The campanile is the most impressive. Built in 2000, it is the second highest religious building in the Balkans, just after the cathedral in Zagreb, Croatia (108.40 m). Although it is dedicated to "peace", it is a symbol of division, dominating all the minarets of Mostar. This square (7.8 m sides) concrete bell tower has a 75 m high belvedere with four windows offering a breathtaking view of Mostar and its surroundings. An elevator goes up to about 50 m, saving 222 of the 370 steps. You then go through an exhibition on the history of the city and next to five huge bells. Beware, these bells ring every fifteen minutes and the sound is powerful. The monastery also houses the vast church of Saints Peter and Paul (daily 8:30am-12pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm, Sundays 12:30pm-5:30pm, masses at 7am and 6pm, Sundays at 7am, 8am, 9:30am, 11am and 6pm, proper attire required). Completed in 2020, it is without charm. But inside, its beautiful contemporary design is worth a look.