It had been the symbol of Mostar since its completion in 1566 and indeed gave the city its name as "most" means bridge in the local languages. The bridge was flanked by two fortified towers and had a single hump-backed arch that was 4m wide and 30m long. It was made of 456 white stone blocks.

It has been rebuilt with stone from nearby quarries and according to traditional methods. Reconstruction began in June 2001 after two years of scientific and archeological research, under the supervision of UNESCO. The first arch stone was placed in April 2003 and the new bridge was completed in April this year.