Podgorica: a place that will surprise you not only with great wine

The capital city of Montenegro is located in the central part of the country at the confluence of the Morača and Ribnica rivers. Podgorica has a long history dating back to ancient Roman times, with a dynamic contemporary life.

The area in the southern part of Montenegro has witnessed various historical events, including the rule of the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians. All have left a rich cultural mark in Podgorica.

Often described as the most boring city in Europe, it will surprise you in ways you never expected.

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Old and new in perfect harmony

The historical parts of the city filled with narrow streets and old mosques remind visitors of the Ottoman times, while the modern part of the city is characterized by wide boulevards and contemporary architecture.

Podgorica offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Surrounded by the Bjelasica and Komovi mountains, rivers, and lakes, it is a paradise for nature lovers. It is home to the largest body of water in the Balkans - Lake Skadar. It lies on the border between Albania and Montenegro, with rich biodiversity, hosting over 280 species of birds, many of which are endangered. In the vicinity of Lake Skadar, you will appreciate picturesque scenery, historic monasteries, and ancient fishing villages.

The city stands out for its contrast between modern architecture and traditional features of the Balkans, which is also a great opportunity for exploration.

Wine region in Podgorica

Montenegro is known for its excellent cuisine. The capital Podgorica, however, offers not only traditional Balkan dishes and fresh fish but also quality wines from local vineyards.

The areas around Podgorica, especially Zeta and the vicinity of Lake Skadar, are among the oldest and largest wine regions in Europe.

The Plantaze winery in Podgorica owns the largest uninterrupted vineyard in Europe. You can find this wine in almost every restaurant in Montenegro. However, you can also taste it directly at the wine cellar, which has an interesting history. It once served as a underground hangar for military aircraft. In 1999, it was destroyed by bombing, but later this unique space was reconstructed by the owners and transformed into a storage for approximately two million liters of wine.

What to see in Podgorica and its surroundings

As the capital, Podgorica has a well-developed transport infrastructure, including an international airport. This facilitates easy access for tourists from various corners of the world. Moreover, being close to other popular destinations in Montenegro, it serves as a convenient starting point for exploring its surroundings.

Bridges of Podgorica

The small city has been destroyed several times in the past, so there are not many monuments left. One of the few historical parts of Podgorica is the so-called Old Bridge, dating back to Roman times. The structure was gradually reconstructed during the Ottoman rule. It stands over the Ribnica River, just before its confluence with the Morača River, overlooking the city.

A few minutes' walk from the romantic corner of the Old Bridge, we find a modern structure called Millennium. The symbol of Podgorica is a fascinating example of impressive architecture with an aesthetic design.

Stara Varoš - Old Town

The historic quarter with narrow streets, mosques, and traditional houses provides a glimpse into the past of Podgorica. The Old Town, dating back to the Ottoman era, is a shopping district with numerous jewelry stores, restaurants, and boutiques.

Massive bombing during World War II destroyed almost the entire historic area. The only remnants from the Turks are two mosques and a clock tower, which was reconstructed in 2005.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

The impressive Orthodox building, known for its modern architecture and rich frescoes, stands in the center of Podgorica. The cathedral is relatively new, built in 1993 in an open field, among gravestones from the 9th century.

The massive white marble walls and large domes dominate both outside and inside, where we find walls adorned with golden paintings. An interesting feature of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is a fresco depicting Marx, Tito, and other symbols of atheism in flames. It underscores the return to spirituality in the region.

When visiting, remember to wear modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees.

Ruins of Doclea

Doclea or Duklja in Montenegro represents the remains of a Roman city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They can be found about 5 km from the city, but all the artifacts discovered by archaeologists have been placed in the Podgorica Museum.

However, you can freely stroll among the ruins from ancient times. An interesting find is around 300 tombs dating back to the 1st century.

Niagara Falls

Heading south, a few kilometers from Podgorica, we find the popular waterfalls on the Cijevna River. Although they are much smaller and less known than their famous American counterpart, they offer a pleasant view of the cascading streams flowing from the limestone rock. If you come here in the summer, the water will refresh you while swimming.

Lake Skadar

The largest lake in Southern Europe divides Montenegro and Albania. Skadar is also a national park with an incredible number of birds and other wildlife.

One way to spend time here, besides walking and birdwatching, is to take a boat trip or visit local villages with traditional food.

Animal Sanctuary

Animal Shelter and Recovery Montenegro is far from a classic zoo. The animal protection organization has created a large open space in the hills near Podgorica, where little goats jump, deer graze, and mother pigs trot. Among other things, you can pet abandoned circus llamas and camels.

Try feeding piglets from a bottle or simply admire the wide range of animals, from peacocks and geese to turtles, horses, dogs, and other species that need help.

For more activities, try visiting the nearby Gorica Park and take a walk through the rope center in the treetops. Fun awaits the whole family here. There are courses for children and adults with various obstacles.

Extra tips

Podgorica boasts lush nature and urban parks. The most famous of them are Karađorđev and Royal Park, which leads to the milestone of King Nikola and back to the Old Town.

Although Montenegro is not yet part of the European Union, it replaced the German mark with the euro back in 1999. Compared to most European capitals, however, in Podgorica, you can shop relatively cheaply. A full meal in a restaurant costs only 7 to 10 euros.

Conclusion

Podgorica, strategically located between Lake Skadar, the Morača River, and the Bjelasica mountain range, has changed its name five times over the years. The area from ancient Roman times was occupied by the Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians, and Serbs. However, World War II transformed this city beyond recognition.

Nevertheless, it has recovered as a significant regional center. Today, vibrant Podgorica thrives with a café culture, exceptional wine, and nature that surrounds it on all sides.