Podgorica: Discover More Than Just Great Wine

The capital city of Montenegro lies in the country's heart, where the Morača and Ribnica rivers meet. Podgorica boasts a history stretching back to Roman times, alongside a lively modern scene.

This southern region of Montenegro has seen Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, each leaving a cultural imprint on Podgorica.

Though often labeled as the most boring city in Europe, it offers unexpected surprises.

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Old and New in Harmony

The city's historical areas, with their narrow streets and old mosques, echo Ottoman times, while modern Podgorica features wide boulevards and contemporary buildings.

Podgorica blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Surrounded by the Bjelasica and Komovi mountains, rivers, and lakes, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts. It hosts the Balkans' largest lake, Lake Skadar, straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro. The lake's rich biodiversity includes over 280 bird species, many endangered. Near Lake Skadar, you'll find scenic landscapes, historic monasteries, and ancient fishing villages.

The city stands out with its mix of modern architecture and traditional Balkan elements, offering great exploration opportunities.

Podgorica's Wine Region

Montenegro is renowned for its cuisine. In Podgorica, you'll find not only traditional Balkan dishes and fresh fish but also quality wines from local vineyards.

The areas around Podgorica, especially Zeta and near Lake Skadar, are among Europe's oldest and largest wine regions.

The Plantaze winery in Podgorica boasts the largest uninterrupted vineyard in Europe. This wine is available in nearly every Montenegrin restaurant, but you can also sample it at the wine cellar. This unique space, once an underground hangar for military aircraft, was bombed in 1999. Later, it was transformed into a storage area for approximately two million liters of wine.

Sights in Podgorica and Surroundings

As the capital, Podgorica features a well-developed transport network, including an international airport. This makes it easily accessible for tourists worldwide. Its proximity to other popular spots in Montenegro makes it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Bridges of Podgorica

This small city has faced destruction several times, leaving few monuments. One of the few historic areas is the Old Bridge, dating back to Roman times and later reconstructed during Ottoman rule. It spans the Ribnica River, near its confluence with the Morača River, offering views of the city.

A short walk from the Old Bridge leads to the modern Millennium Bridge, a symbol of Podgorica and a striking example of impressive architecture.

Stara Varoš - Old Town

The historic quarter with its narrow streets, mosques, and traditional houses offers a glimpse into Podgorica's past. The Old Town, from the Ottoman era, is now a shopping district with jewelry stores, restaurants, and boutiques.

Massive bombing during World War II destroyed much of the historic area. The only remaining Turkish structures are two mosques and a clock tower, rebuilt in 2005.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

This impressive Orthodox building, known for its modern architecture and rich frescoes, stands in central Podgorica. Built in 1993, the cathedral's massive white marble walls and large domes dominate both outside and inside, where walls are adorned with golden paintings. A notable fresco depicts Marx, Tito, and other atheism symbols in flames, highlighting the region's spiritual revival.

Visitors should wear modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees.

Ruins of Doclea

Doclea, or Duklja in Montenegro, features the remains of a Roman city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located about 5 km from the city, all artifacts found by archaeologists are housed in the Podgorica Museum.

Visitors can freely explore these ancient ruins, including around 300 tombs from the 1st century.

Niagara Falls

South of Podgorica, the waterfalls on the Cijevna River offer a pleasant view, though smaller and less known than their American namesake. In summer, the cascading streams from the limestone rock provide a refreshing swim.

Lake Skadar

Southern Europe's largest lake divides Montenegro and Albania. Skadar is also a national park with abundant birdlife and wildlife.

Enjoy walking, birdwatching, taking a boat trip, or visiting local villages for traditional food.

Animal Sanctuary

Animal Shelter and Recovery Montenegro is not a typical zoo. This animal protection organization has created a large open space in the hills near Podgorica, where goats jump, deer graze, and pigs trot. You can pet abandoned circus llamas and camels.

Try feeding piglets from a bottle or admire the variety of animals, from peacocks and geese to turtles, horses, dogs, and other species needing help.

For more activities, visit nearby Gorica Park and enjoy a walk through the rope center in the treetops. Fun awaits the whole family, with courses for children and adults featuring various obstacles.

Extra Tips

Podgorica boasts lush nature and urban parks. The most famous are Karađorđev and Royal Park, leading to King Nikola's milestone and back to the Old Town.

Though Montenegro is not yet in the European Union, it adopted the euro in 1999. Compared to most European capitals, Podgorica offers affordable shopping. 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. From ancient Roman times, it was occupied by the Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians, and Serbs. However, World War II transformed this city beyond recognition.

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