Jablanica · History · Yugoslav history · Food
Jablanica and the Battle of the Neretva Bridge
Near: Tito's Bunker (ARK D-0) · Stari Most (Mostar Old Bridge)
The blown-up WWII bridge over the Neretva in Jablanica, made famous by an Oscar-nominated film. The museum, the story and the lamb restaurants.
- Time needed
- 1 hour, plus lunch
- Region
- Jablanica
In early 1943, Tito's partisans were trapped with about 4,000 wounded soldiers in the Neretva valley. They blew up the railway bridge at Jablanica to trick the German and Italian forces, then built a temporary crossing and escaped with the wounded. The Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva became one of the most famous episodes of WWII in Yugoslavia. The wrecked bridge, blown up again for the 1969 film The Battle of Neretva starring Yul Brynner and Orson Welles, still hangs over the river. The film was nominated for an Oscar.
Jablanica is also famous across Bosnia for its roadside restaurants serving lamb roasted on the spit.
Practical info
- Entry
- Bridge viewing free. Museum small fee
- Museum hours
- About 8:00 to 16:00
- Getting there
- On the main road between Sarajevo and Mostar, about 45 minutes from Mostar
- Last checked
- October 2026. Prices and hours change, so confirm before you go.
FAQ
Why is the Jablanica bridge broken?
It was blown up during WWII in 1943, and the later replacement was blown up again for the 1969 film The Battle of Neretva.
What food is Jablanica known for?
Lamb roasted on the spit (janjetina).
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