Partisan Memorial Cemetery Mostar
A hauntingly beautiful modernist masterpiece, this cemetery honors WWII Partisans with striking architecture and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light
Partisan Memorial Cemetery Mostar
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful modernist masterpiece, this cemetery honors WWII Partisans with striking architecture and panoramic views.
"A modernist masterpiece in a state of decay, offering a powerful glimpse into history."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is large and involves walking on uneven paths. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Striking Monumental Architecture
Central area
A unique modernist masterpiece, this cemetery features rows of white tombstones and a powerful central monument.
Panoramic City Views
Top of the monument
Ascend the monument for breathtaking views overlooking Mostar and the surrounding landscape.
Rows of White Tombstones
Main cemetery grounds
The vast expanse of white tombstones creates a solemn and visually impactful landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Solemn Space for Reflection
Preservation Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is large and involves walking on uneven paths. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:
Capture the Architecture
The modernist design is a key feature; take time to appreciate its unique style. :camerawithflash:
Check for Local Events
Sometimes art installations or events are held here. :newspaper:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is large and involves walking on uneven paths. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:
Capture the Architecture
The modernist design is a key feature; take time to appreciate its unique style. :camerawithflash:
Check for Local Events
Sometimes art installations or events are held here. :newspaper:
Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated as there are limited facilities. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Partisan Memorial Cemetery a peaceful and solemn place, deeply impressed by its monumental modernist architecture and the panoramic views it offers. However, many note its state of disrepair and neglect, lamenting the decay of this significant historical site.
"Peaceful and solemn place honoring the Yugoslav Partisans who fought in WWII. The layout is impressive, with rows of white tombstones and a striking monument overlooking the city. It’s quiet, reflective, and full of history — a meaningful stop for those interested in socialist architecture or wartime heritage. The views from the top are beautiful, adding a sense of calm to the memorial’s powerful atmosphere."
Dani Baal
"Tito of Yugoslavia built this for the Partisans Heros who fought WWII. Now there’s no more Yugoslavia & this site is abandoned. History happened, but history is always written by the winners. The weak & defeated is forever forgotten. This is a beautiful place of the abandoned history. God bless their souls."
Connie Wan
"That's a shame that a true modernist masterpiece is abandoned and decays quickly. It isn't even shown in the tourist map of the city, as if it didn't exist. The "flowers" with partisans' names are almost totally broken. So, if you appreciate the 20th century architecture, hurry to see."
Timur Guselnikov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is located on the outskirts of Mostar. Taxis are a convenient option, or you can consider renting a car for more flexibility. Some tours also include this site.
It's a significant walk, likely over an hour. Taxis or a short drive are recommended to save time and energy.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity can be infrequent. Checking local bus schedules or opting for a taxi is generally more reliable.
Yes, driving is possible, and there is usually parking available. The roads leading to it are generally accessible.
Many local tour operators, like YugoTour, offer specific tours that include the Partisan Memorial Cemetery as part of a broader historical exploration of Mostar.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the cemetery is generally free, as it's a public memorial site.
There are no strict official opening hours, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the site.
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Partisan Memorial Cemetery.
While there are no official hours, visiting during daylight is recommended. Avoid visiting too early or late for safety and visibility.
The site has uneven terrain and stairs, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic view from the top of the monument is stunning. Also, capture the geometric patterns of the tombstones and the unique modernist architecture. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the architecture and the landscape. A drone can offer unique perspectives, as seen in some aerial shots.
Always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the textures and atmosphere of the memorial.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Built in 1965, it honors the 810 Yugoslav Partisans from Mostar who died fighting fascists in WWII. It's a significant example of socialist modernist architecture.
The cemetery was designed by the renowned architect Bogdan Bogdanović.
Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the site has suffered from neglect and damage, leading to its current state of disrepair. +1
The monument symbolizes the struggle and sacrifice of the Partisan fighters against fascism during World War II.
Maintenance is reportedly minimal, leading to the decay of some elements. Visitors often note its 'abandoned' feel. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Consider researching the history of Yugoslav Partisans and Tito's era beforehand to fully grasp the context. The site offers a powerful, tangible connection to a significant period in European history.
Photographers
Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the concrete structures and the stark beauty of the white tombstones. The golden hour in the late afternoon provides the most atmospheric light. Be sure to explore different angles to showcase the scale and unique design of this memorial.
Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk or a short taxi ride to maximize savings. Pack your own water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Legacy of Bogdan Bogdanović
+1Despite its architectural significance, the cemetery has faced considerable challenges. The breakup of Yugoslavia and subsequent conflicts led to neglect and damage, impacting its preservation. Many visitors lament the state of disrepair, noting broken elements and overgrown vegetation. However, even in its current condition, the site retains a profound sense of history and artistic merit, drawing those interested in 20th-century architecture and memorial design.
Experiencing the cemetery is often described as hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking. The sheer scale of the monument and the vastness of the tombstones evoke a strong sense of remembrance. The panoramic views from the top of the monument offer a contrasting sense of peace and perspective over the city of Mostar, making it a complex and moving destination.
A Symbol of a Bygone Era
+1Today, the cemetery's state of partial abandonment reflects the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the shifting historical narratives. Some visitors feel it represents the forgotten history of the 'losers' of that era, a poignant reminder of a nation that no longer exists.
For travelers interested in the Balkan region's history, this cemetery offers a unique and somber perspective. It's a place where the grand ambitions of a past state meet the realities of the present, creating a deeply reflective experience.
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