This is not Mostar, but a breathtaking old stone bridge in the heart of Western Serbia

A mini version of the Mostar Bridge over the Neretva River is hidden away in the heart of Western Serbia. Somewhere between Valjevo and Ljubovija, in a gorge through which leads an ancient Roman road, surrounded by nature, the old bridge defies time. They call it the Roman Bridge, because it has always been there, but it was restored by the Turks, so that's probably why it's gained an oriental look from the 16th century.

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This bridge no longer has any important traffic function - it is just a historical treasure - on it, or under it, every passer-by will stop. Because walking on the cobblestones over the bridge, high above the moody river, is a real experience, just like listening to its noise while standing under the stone edifice, staring at its magnificent arch.

We reached the bridge along the old road that leads through the gorge from Donja Orovica to Suvodanja. The river that flows through the gorge, but also under this bridge is called - Ljubovidja. So, not Ljubovija, but Ljubovidja.

Its noise followed us all the way, and along the way we came across some old and forgotten watermills, a quiet farm and people eager to chit-chat. One of them says that he has everything - a pension and property, and a nice house - but he misses other people.

And so the bridge, once a part of an important road that led from Sumadija to the Drina, remained on the sidelines. Fortunately, its value has been recognized, it has been protected and completely reconstructed, but, although it is possible to approach it by a cobbled road that is marked with a signpost, it is mostly visited only by nature lovers.

That loneliness, untouched nature and the absence of human touches - like garbage, cigarette butts, graffiti makes this bridge a special attraction, a real historical gem surrounded by wildlife.

The height of the bridge is 5.5 meters, and it is built out of tufa stone. The stone is bound with metal clamps and sealed with lead.

That is how this stable bridge survived the floods of 2014.

As for the strength of the River Ljubovidja, it's evident in the scattered stones along its bed, whose deposits indicate considerable torrents. The river is tamed by two dams, but clear and powerful, it forcefully breaks through every obstacle.

(Telegraf.rs)