Podgorica

Old Town history and striking landmarks

During the Ottoman period from 1474 to 1879, the Old Town was the historic heart of Podgorica. Its urban and architectural forms, customs, way of life and Oriental features shape its historic character. A stroll through the cobbled streets offers a direct way to get to know this part of the city. The clock tower stands in Bećir-beg-Osmanagić Square and is a landmark of the Old Town. Hadži Mehmed-paša Osmanagić had it built in the 18th century.

At the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers stands an old stone bridge, considered Podgorica’s oldest bridge and said to date from Roman times. The Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is also notable for its size: its two pyramid-shaped towers are each 26.7 metres high, and the upper floors house a total of 17 bells. The heaviest weighs 11 tonnes and is considered the largest on the Balkan Peninsula. The Kruševac palace complex lies in Kruševac Park beside the Morača River. The Petrović Palace there was once a residence of the Petrović dynasty.

Art, archaeology and discoveries of all kinds

At the Modern Gallery, artworks illustrate the development of modern art as well as important movements and influences in Montenegro’s art scene during the second half of the 20th century. The collection of the Fund of the Centre of Contemporary Art of Montenegro comprises more than 1,000 exhibits from 60 countries and is considered unique in Southeast Europe. Those interested in archaeology can also find valuable burial finds from Doclea in the City Museum’s permanent exhibition: ceramic and glass vessels, jewellery, tools, weapons and coins.

The remains of ancient Doclea date from the first decade of the 1st century AD. They lie four kilometres from the centre of Podgorica, on a broad plateau between the Morača, Zeta and Širijana rivers. Medun is also nearby, about 12 kilometres northeast of Podgorica in the Kuči region. The archaeological complex includes the remains of the Illyrian city of Meteon and the Church of St Nicholas. These sites complement the city’s museums and landmarks with an archaeological perspective.

Panoramic views, wine and regional cuisine

Those seeking a landscape experience alongside the city’s culture can consider the loop trail around Korita. It is Montenegro’s first fully signposted panoramic trail and runs from Podgorica into the Kuči mountain region, reaching the edge of the Cijevna Canyon. Gorica Hill offers another way to spend your time: it is close to the centre and has an adventure park. Sastavci and the stone bridge are a popular meeting place by the river, where people enjoy the natural surroundings.

Wine is another discovery to make. At the Plantaže winery, visitors can explore the estate, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and take a relaxed ride through the vineyards on a tourist train. Twenty-nine grape varieties are grown there, including the indigenous Montenegrin varieties Vranac and Krstač. At the Šipčanik wine cellar, visitors can experience its special atmosphere, as well as the aromas and flavours of the wines. Lake Skadar is also part of the wider region, and its culinary offerings include numerous traditional fish specialities.

Getting there and finding your bearings

Podgorica offers several points of reference for getting there: the airport is a public airport with international traffic. The railway station is close to the city centre and right next to the bus station. If you want to focus your stay on the city’s attractions, you can use the location of your holiday apartment in Podgorica as your starting point. If you also plan to visit Korita or Medun, or enjoy wine experiences, decide which areas to include in your trip based on these interests.

Other sub-areas

For further orientation within the destination: Podgorica, Tuzi, Golubovci, Berislavci, Donje Stravče, Mitrovići and Vranjina.

For the overview of the wider destination: Montenegro.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Kolašin.