The Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque stands on the Neretva riverbank in the old quarter of Mostar, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a few minutes' walk from Stari Most. Built in the early 17th century, it is one of the most visited Ottoman monuments in the city and is small, compact and intimate compared with the grand mosques of Sarajevo. The prayer hall is a single domed space with carpets, carved wooden details and painted decoration, and it can be entered by visitors outside prayer times, with modest dress expected and shoes removed at the door. The courtyard contains a fountain for ritual washing and a small graveyard, and offers a quiet pause from the busy cobbled lanes of Kujundžiluk nearby. The main reason most people pay the extra fee is the minaret. A narrow, steep spiral staircase leads to the balcony, from which the whole of the old town is visible: the stone arch of Stari Most, the terracotta roofs, the green river and the surrounding hills. This is the classic photo angle over the bridge and is best in clear light. The climb is tight and not suited to anyone uncomfortable with confined spaces or steep steps. A typical visit takes 30 to 45 minutes, including the prayer hall, courtyard and minaret. The mosque is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon, when tour groups arrive from the coast and from Sarajevo, so queues for the minaret can form at the staircase. Mid-morning or late afternoon visits are usually quieter. Prices are around BAM 8-12 for the mosque, with the minaret charged separately. Visitors are asked to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and women may be offered a scarf. The mosque remains an active place of worship and is closed to tourists during prayer times, so it is worth checking the day's timing when planning a route through the old town.
| Admission | About BAM 8-12 (~$5-7) for mosque; minaret extra |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 09:00-19:00 in summer, closed to visitors at prayer times |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning |
| Getting there | Walk from Stari Most, 3 minutes |
| Address | Mala Tepa, Bajatova, 88000 Mostar |
Location
Mala Tepa, Bajatova, 88000 Mostar
43.3382, 17.8141 View on map
Highlights
- Climb the minaret for the classic view of Stari Most and the Neretva
- Enter the small domed prayer hall with carpets and carved details
- Rest in the riverside courtyard with its washing fountain
- Photograph the old town roofline from the balcony
Tips for visiting
- Visit mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid tour-group peaks
- Cover shoulders and knees; a scarf may be lent to women
- Check prayer times, as the mosque closes to visitors then
- The minaret stairs are steep and narrow; allow time for queues
- Carry small BAM notes for the mosque and minaret tickets
When to visit
Mid-morning or late afternoon on weekdays, outside prayer times; late spring and early autumn are comfortable, while midday in summer is hot and crowded.
Accessibility
The courtyard and entrance involve steps and cobbled approaches, and the minaret is reached only by a narrow spiral staircase, so it is unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque take?
About 30 to 45 minutes covers the prayer hall, courtyard and minaret. Longer is needed if a queue forms for the minaret stairs.
Is the minaret climb worth it?
Many visitors consider it the best viewpoint over Stari Most and the old town. The staircase is narrow and steep, so it suits those comfortable with tight spaces.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted in the courtyard and from the minaret. Visitors should be discreet inside the prayer hall and avoid photographing worshippers.