Andrićgrad is not just another “theme park”; it is a small stone world that tries to look as if it grew out of the pages of The Bridge on the Drina. It is an ideal theme for a city break in Višegrad, especially if you already plan to see the famous bridge on the Drina.
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What is Andrićgrad Višegrad (Stone Town)?
Andrićgrad, often called Stone Town, is a stone city within Višegrad, a project by Emir Kusturica dedicated to the life and work of Ivo Andrić. Located at the confluence of the Rzav and the Drina rivers, just a few minutes’ walk from the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, it is practically experienced as an extended part of old Višegrad.
The idea was to build a “city from Andrić’s books” – a place that looks as if Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian styles collided over centuries, just as different epochs and civilizations collide in Andrić’s works. The city was built in the early 2010s and opened with great cultural events and the announcement that it would serve as a film set, cultural center, and tourist attraction all at once.
Architecture of Andrićgrad Višegrad: A Film Set That Looks Centuries Old
At first glance, Andrićgrad Višegrad looks at least 200 years old, but it is actually a completely modern project purposefully built of stone. White and grayish stone was used, reminiscent of traditional Balkan bazaars, cobblestones, and squares of old towns.
The architecture is a mixture of several styles:
- Byzantine elements (domes, arcades)
- Ottoman details (cobblestones, fountains, inner courtyards)
- Austro-Hungarian and Renaissance motifs (taverns, balconies, arched facades)
All this together creates the impression that you are walking through a condensed version of Balkan history in a few streets. The central square, with the monument to Ivo Andrić, is imagined as the “heart” of the city – a place for gathering, events, and coffee breaks with a view of stone facades.
What to See in Andrićgrad Višegrad?
Andrićgrad is small but packed with content – you can see everything in an hour, but easily stay the whole afternoon. If you like to know exactly what to look for, here are the key points:
- Central Square and Monument to Ivo Andrić
In the middle of the square stands Andrić in bronze, thoughtful, with a book in his hand. This is the natural starting point for a tour and a mandatory photo spot. Around the square are cafes and restaurants with gardens, so you can watch people and soak up the atmosphere. - Church of the Holy Prince Lazar
A small but striking Orthodox church, built after medieval Serbian monasteries (inspired by Dečani and other Raška buildings). Even if you are not religious, it is architecturally interesting, especially in contrast to the stone streets around it. - Cinema, Gallery, and Cultural Center
In Andrićgrad there is a cinema that is also used as a theater hall, and galleries where exhibitions, screenings, and literary evenings are occasionally organized. They are often used as a backdrop and logistics for film projects by Emir Kusturica and other authors. - Taverns, Pub, and “Zlatna Moruna”
There is also the famous restaurant/pub inspired by the Belgrade tavern “Zlatna Moruna” (Golden Beluga), the place where members of Young Bosnia gathered. The interior is deliberately stylized to look like a tavern from the early 20th century, with wood, old photographs, and details reminiscent of Andrić’s time.
Andrićgrad is not a museum in the classic sense – it is more of a living scenography: people eat, drink, watch movies, perform plays, and host festivals here.
The Connection Between Andrićgrad Višegrad and the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
There is no Andrićgrad Višegrad without the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge – and vice versa, today they are experienced as an inseparable part of the same story. The bridge is the historical foundation, and Andrićgrad is the contemporary, “cinematic” interpretation of Andrić’s world.
The bridge is just a few minutes’ easy walk from Andrićgrad, and many tourists first visit Andrićgrad, then walk to the bridge, or vice versa. On tourist tours Belgrade–Višegrad or Sarajevo–Višegrad, arrangements almost always include visiting both Andrićgrad and the bridge on the same day, as a naturally linked package.
For the full experience:
- Morning – coffee in Andrićgrad, short tour, monument to Andrić.
- Noon – walk to the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, photos, and a break at the “kapija” (gate).
- Afternoon – boat ride under the bridge and along the Drina, then return to Andrićgrad for lunch or a beer.
Food, Drink, and Atmosphere in Andrićgrad Višegrad
If you like to combine culture and good food (and who doesn’t), Andrićgrad Višegrad will not disappoint you.
- Restaurants with domestic cuisine – expect classic Balkan specialties: cevapi, trout, lamb, veal under the sač (bell), pies. Prices are generally lower than in big cities and quite affordable for tourists from the EU or Serbia.
- Pub and Taverns – excellent for evening hours when the buildings of Andrićgrad light up and the atmosphere becomes semi-cinematic, semi-tavern-like.
- Cafes with a view of the Drina – since Andrićgrad is located by the river, you will easily find a place where you can sit, drink coffee, and watch the Drina or the bridge in the distance.
If you stay longer than a few hours, the right “rhythm” is: walk – coffee – tour – lunch – walk to the bridge – boat ride – return for a drink in Andrićgrad.
Practical Guide: Andrićgrad Višegrad – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Although Andrićgrad Višegrad is experienced as a separate city, it is actually part of the wider tourist offer of Višegrad. The good news is that most things are either free or very affordable.
The location is ideal – Andrićgrad is located at the confluence of the Rzav river into the Drina, just a few minutes’ walk from the old Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge. It is easily found by following signs from the center of Višegrad, and parking is available near the complex.
Entrance to Andrićgrad is free – you can freely walk the streets, squares, and take photos of everything you want. You only pay for individual services you use: lunch in a restaurant, a drink in a tavern, a cinema ticket, or potential organized cultural tours. This means you can spend an hour or two touring the complex without emptying your wallet, which is rare for tourist attractions of this type.
As for opening hours, the streets and squares of Andrićgrad are practically accessible throughout the day and evening – it is an open space. Individual facilities like restaurants, cafes, galleries, and the cinema have their own working hours – restaurants and cafes usually work from 08:00 to 23:00 (often longer in summer), while the cinema and cultural center have programs according to schedule, mostly in evening slots.
Restaurants and cafes in Andrićgrad offer domestic cuisine at prices significantly lower than in larger cities. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is authentic, and many tables have a direct view of the Drina. The cinema and cultural program organize screenings, literary evenings, and exhibitions – tickets are usually affordable, and you can check the schedule on the spot or on official pages.
Connection with the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is key – you only need 5 to 10 minutes of easy walking to get from Andrićgrad to the famous bridge. This means you can easily make a circular tour: Andrićgrad – bridge – boat ride on the Drina – return to Andrićgrad for lunch or a drink. Many tourists organize their day in Višegrad exactly like this, combining culture, history, and gastronomic pleasure into one whole.
FAQ: Questions About Andrićgrad Višegrad That Really Interest You
Is Andrićgrad the same as old Višegrad?
No. Andrićgrad Višegrad is a newer, planned stone complex, while old Višegrad is a “real” city with local life, schools, buildings, and neighborhoods. Andrićgrad is more like a thematic district – a combination of film, culture, and hospitality.
Is there an entrance fee for Andrićgrad Višegrad?
Entrance to the complex of Andrićgrad Višegrad itself is free – you can freely walk the streets, squares, and take photos of everything you want. You only pay for what you use: lunch, drinks, a cinema ticket, potential organized tours
Is it worth visiting Andrićgrad Višegrad if I’ve already seen the bridge?
Yes, because the bridge tells you the original history, and Andrićgrad Višegrad is the contemporary “scenography” of that world. The bridge is harsh, authentic, UNESCO; Andrićgrad is a stylized, semi-cinematic version of that universe, with coffees, galleries, and events.
4. What is the best order: bridge first or Andrićgrad Višegrad?
If you arrive in the morning, many choose a quieter, more emotional visit to the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge first, and then coffee and lunch in Andrićgrad Višegrad. In the afternoon, when it is warmer and livelier, Andrićgrad is better for walking and “people watching”, while the bridge is most beautiful before sunset.
Our Most Popular Tours To Sarajevo
We offer many tours that include a visit to Sarajevo and its most popular locations:
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade (Most Popular)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Međugorije & Mostar
- Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Travnik and Jajce
- Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina (Mostar)
- Full day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split)
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