SHEEP BRIDGE: A MASTERPIECE OF OTTOMAN ENGINEERING

Over the so-called Sheep Bridge on the Zalomka River in the village of Bratač in Nevesinje, herds of sheep were traditionally led from the lowlands of Herzegovina to the highlands – towards Treskavica, Zelengora, and Morine – for grazing in the spring, and vice versa in the autumn.

The fantastic and unparalleled karst landscape where this bridge is situated represents an oasis of beauty. The structure is considered a masterpiece of the engineering of its time, likely built by the Ottomans in the 16th century or later. It acquired its name from the shepherds who used it to lead their flocks across.

While exact historical data is lacking, this bridge, traversed by nomads, armies, and common folk alike, predates even the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad.

Every bridge, including this one, is a piece of history, but the Sheep Bridge is more than that.

It is a bridge that witnessed growth, where paths led the fortunate and the unfortunate towards justice, freedom, and hope for a better tomorrow.