Podgorica is the business capital, the main city of Montenegro and the administrative center of the municipality. According to one of the versions, its name came at the beginning of the 14th century from the name of the high hill Goritsa. By the way, in the second half of the 20th century, the city was renamed in a communist fashion - Titograd, in honor of the famous Yugoslav marshal Tito, but later the historical name was returned.
Like most other ancient settlements in Montenegro, Podgorica was originally listed as an Illyrian settlement, and then as a Roman one. Located at the crossroads of major trade routes, the city constantly attracted invaders, but for the same reason it was rich until the occupation by the Turks, which slowed down the development of the entire region. The capital of Montenegro gained independence only at the end of the 19th century, but another misfortune awaited it ahead - the Second World War, which leveled the city to the face of the Earth. Today, walking along the small restored streets, this is no longer noticeable.
The population of Podgorica is 150,000 inhabitants (the largest city in the country), which is the fourth part of the population of all of Montenegro. More than half of them consider themselves Montenegrins, a quarter - Serbs, and just over 10% call themselves Albanians. The city is located on a large plain of the Skadar basin, on the banks of the Moraca River, less than 50 km from the Adriatic Sea. The climate here is Mediterranean, which means that it is quite warm in winter and summer.
The central part of the city is the best place to start the tour. In addition to the fact that there are many attractions, each house is a kaleidoscope of eras, so walking here is like traveling through time. What will be the surprise Russian tourists when will they see the monuments to Pushkin and Vysotsky? And yet, travelers are attracted here primarily by picturesque landscapes - there are few cities in the world that are located between five rivers.
Today Podgorica is the main transport hub of Montenegro, the administrative and economic center of the country. There are many young people here, so the city is full of life day and night, and the attitude towards guests is the most cordial.
Cathedral of Christ's Resurrection
The Cathedral of Christ's Resurrection is the main religious building of Podgorica and Montenegro, which is located in the city center, on Washington Boulevard. The construction of the temple began in 1993 according to the project of Ristic Pedrag, and the foundation stone was laid by the Patriarch of Russia Alexy. The shrine was built by the joint efforts of the Montenegrin government and local residents: the government provided tangible financial support, and the townspeople brought their own building materials and provided all possible assistance to the builders. The main work and installation of the cross on the main dome ended in 1999.
The hall of the temple is designed for 5,000 parishioners. In the design of the cathedral, one can guess the neo-Byzantine style, which is given out by walls with blocks of raw white stone. The interior of the temple is decorated with murals and frescoes of biblical themes. An important part of any cathedral - the belfry - here has 14 bells, and 2 of them were brought from Voronezh, and the weight of the largest is almost 11 tons.
Skadar Lake
If you look at the map of Montenegro, you will involuntarily pay attention to the fact that a significant part of the country is occupied by Lake Skadar (Shkodra). It can be called the heart of Montenegro, although it belongs not only to her, but also to Albania.
The coastal area of the lake has long been a place of mixing of cultures and civilizations. Today, on the banks of the reservoir, you can see numerous traces of human presence: old military buildings, abandoned fishing villages. Orthodox monasteries have survived on the islands of the lake: Morachnik, Starcheva Goritsa, Beshka Kom. Most of them used to be scriptoria - workshops where church texts were copied.
Lake Skadar is a nature reserve, the largest European wading bird reserve and an important habitat for trout, ukulei and Skadar carp.
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge (Millennium) is one of the symbols of Podgorica. It was opened in July 2005, which was a kind of gift to the townspeople on Statehood Day. Its cost cost the budget of a small town 7,000,000 EUR, which is quite a lot. The cable-stayed bridge was designed by Mladlen Ulichevich, professor of civil engineering. The building has not only a decorative role - it connects the central part of Podgorica with the streets of the new city (the objects are separated by the Moraca River).
The name “millennium” was given to the bridge, because it marks the entry of a small and conservative Montenegro into the 21st century, where technological progress comes first. The building fits perfectly into the general view of modern Podgorica, and it also offers a beautiful view of the plain and the city, which explains the popularity of this place among tourists.
Ruins of Duklja
A couple of kilometers from Podgorica are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Dioclea, in which, according to legend, the great Roman emperor Diocletian was born. When these lands were settled by the Slavic peoples, Dioklei became simply Dukla. For some time the city was a semi-autonomous region of the Principality of Raska, which managed to visit both the Roman Empire and Byzantium. Only in the XI century, being under the rule of the Voislavlivechi, this land became independent.
First excavations ancient city began at the end of the 19th century and continued until 1998. In the course of research, archaeologists managed to find out that the city was surrounded by fortress walls, interconnected by towers. A monumental basilica, a town square and a courthouse were discovered in the city center, secular houses were also studied, and they found a large number of household items.
Duklja today is one of the most popular traveler's stopping points, as the ruins are well preserved and arouse genuine interest.
Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky
In Podgorica, on the picturesque coast of Moraca, not far from the Millennium and Moskovsky bridges, there is a monument to the famous Soviet poet, actor and singer-songwriter Vladimir Semenovich Vysotsky.
What connected him with this pride? Only two meetings during the filming and tour, but that was enough for Vysotsky to fall in love with this place and dedicate a poem to it.
The grand opening of the monument took place relatively recently, in 2004. The composition consists of a granite pedestal, a frame and a skull at the feet of the statue of the poet - a reference to the role of Hamlet. The pedestal also engraved the last quatrain from the poem "Handfuls filled with water ...", the same one that is dedicated to Montenegro.
Leisure
There are several museums in Podgorica: City, Archaeological and Natural History. The castle of King Nikola I is also a great place to learn about history, and tours of the royal chambers are often held here.
Other ruins, further away from Duklja, Medun is an important place where you can trace the connection of the city with Illyrian history. It is especially good to relax on Skadar Lake in summer, because it is cool and very beautiful here, and lovers of peaceful leisure with a fishing rod can organize fishing for themselves.
The loudest events in Podgorica are the FIAT World-wide Theater Festival, the December DEUS art show and the Podgorica Cultural Summer, which hosts rock and jazz concerts.
How to get there
Podgorica is a major transport hub of Montenegro, through which the Bar-Belgrade railway, highways from the coast to Belgrade and Sarajevo pass.
You can get to the city by plane, train or bus - there are international Airport, railway station and bus station. There are no direct flights from Russian cities to Podgorica, flights with transfers are operated by airlines Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia, , Air France, Aeroflot, Alitalia, Adria Airways, Air Moldova, AirBaltic, Belavia, CSA Czech Airlines, Lufthansa, Montenegro Airlines, Onur Air, SmartWings. The schedule of trains through Podgorica can be found on the website of the Montenegrin Railways (Željeznica Crne Gore).
Urban transport
The main form of public transport in the city is buses and fixed-route taxis, which make it easy to get to your destination. Buses do not run very regularly. A trip around the city costs about 0.6 EUR, a ticket can be purchased from the driver.
Taxi in Podgorica is a relatively inexpensive and very convenient type of public transport. Parking lots are located everywhere, you can also call the car by phone. As a rule, all cars are new, drivers are in uniform, air conditioning is working in the car. The average cost of a trip around the city is about 4-5 EUR, the price consists of 2 EUR for landing and 1 EUR for each km of travel. However, the actual fare should be specified in each taxi company separately.
Hotels
Hotel Crnogorska Kuća is a cozy three-star hotel located in a quiet area of Podgorica, a couple of kilometers from the central part of the city. It offers a restaurant serving traditional regional dishes, spacious and bright rooms with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and other amenities. Free parking is also available on site. The nearest grocery store and pharmacy are located 100 meters from Crnogorska Kuća.
Hotel M (3*) will please its customers with a lounge-bar, a dining room and a free taxi transfer to the center of Podgorica. All rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms or showers. The rooms are decorated with wood and furnished with the necessary furniture. Other hotel amenities include rooms with a minibar, a safe and a balcony.
Kerber is a luxury hotel located in the very center of Podgorica, 20 meters from the main street of the city, where cars are prohibited after 17:00, so the hotel is quiet and calm in the evenings. The Kerber rooms are luxuriously decorated and equipped with all the necessary options for a comfortable stay. The restaurant serves free breakfast every morning.
Also located in the city center is the four-star Hemera Hotel. There is a restaurant and a fitness center for guests, and there are parks around the hotel. All rooms are equipped with seating and dining areas, safe, minibar and TV with satellite channels.
Restaurants
Restaurant Plavnica is part of the tourist complex of the same name, which is located on the shores of Lake Skadar. Despite the fact that the restaurant is far from the city center, it is very easy to get to it by taxi. Plavnica serves European and traditional dishes.
Hemera is the pride of Podgorica, as representatives of the local bohemia come here in the evenings. The restaurant has a luxurious interior and a long list of dishes on the menu. Everyone will be able to satisfy their gastronomic passions, as Hemera serves European, traditional Montenegrin and specialties. There is also an extensive map of Italian and French wines.
Mantra is one of the restaurants in Podgorica that specializes in Indian cuisine. “A place that will take you to India and immerse you in oriental culture. The interior and even the utensils in the restaurant are original from India,” say the restaurant owners. Mantra is also worth a visit for vegetarians.
You can watch the locals and feel the flavor at the Pod Volat restaurant, which is based on meat dishes. Excellent steaks and delicious homemade sausages are guaranteed!
shopping
What souvenirs to bring from Podgorica? Delicious, of course! The most famous appetizer of Montenegro - prosciutto - is quite transportable. Prosciutto is meat smoked on coals, then dried in the wind. A real prosciutto is a whole pork leg. You can complement the souvenir delicacy with a bottle of local wine or rakia (fruit vodka). One of the most popular brands of local wines "Vranz" is a tart, dry or semi-dry wine made from several grape varieties. The best white wine in Montenegro is Krstach. Popular brands of vodka are Kurnak and Vine. You can also look at the ceramic or wooden products of local craftsmen. Due to the fact that Montenegro is located not so far from Italy, Italian jewelry and clothes are often sold here. In bookstores, do not forget to look through thick, beautiful guides to Montenegro and Podgorica, which contain the best photos of the most interesting places in the region. The largest and most popular shopping complex in Podgorica is Delta Centr, which has more than 70 stores where you can buy any clothes, shoes or accessories.
Many do not understand why Cetinje was called the capital of Montenegro for several centuries, they do not understand what to see in this city, except for the monastery ... Yes, I agree that at the beginning of the 21st century, Cetinje resembles a village, not the main city. But it has its own mysterious appeal, a lot of beautiful buildings, interesting corners and parks. Here is the real Montenegrin architecture, which appeared during the Principality and the Kingdom, not inherent in the coast or the north. In winter, the city is covered with snow and a veil of clouds from wood-burning stoves, and in summer it pleases with mountain coolness. I also did not immediately understand Cetinje, I fell in love with him not from the first arrival.
With this post, I want to introduce you to Cetinje in its difficult years, when in 1946, for no reason, they took away the main attribute - the title of the capital - and gave it to Titograd. The industrialization of Cetinje began, but it entered a period of protracted crisis in the 50-80s. The social structure has changed, the external picture of the life of the townspeople. But the ex-capital fought for survival and did it with dignity.
In 1968, many streets were not paved. The communists decided that it was necessary to take an additional payment from the townspeople for asphalting the roads.
The children here did not have the most pleasant childhood, many knew what poverty was, but at the same time they knew how to find toys in simple things.
Child labour. Sale of watermelons in Balsica Pazar
The child is the peddler of the daily news
Notice where the ball is flying
Cetinje winter idyll does not leave anyone indifferent.
The monastery with white roofs looks like a fabulous house.
Snowdrifts are not a hindrance to work!
The photo shows the snow-covered Lokanda Hotel and the American Embassy building in the early 20th century.
It was demolished after the 1979 earthquake. And the house was built back in 1864, at first it had 8 rooms and a restaurant. Later, another floor was completed, there were 20 rooms, there were 2 restaurants, a cafe, a cellar with French wines and liqueurs, not Montenegrin, but French dishes were served. The guests played billiards, chess, cards, carnivals and fun were organized. The hotel sold Italian, Russian, Greek and German newspapers.
Half an hour drive from the sea coast and such a difference in climate
The streets of Cetinje remember the arrival of Sophia Loren and Marshal Tito with Jovanka
Old photographs can also show the period of economic development of Cetinje. For example, Tito visits the OBOD enterprise, which produced refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, etc.
Various celebrities came here, and some residents of Cetinje added charm to the city
Specific picture of the funeral
It's hard to guess the former Royal Capital...
And once Cetinje was the most important in Montenegro
Transport during communism was different
To whom give the horses, to whom - Zastava
And who - a public bus. The man on the right resembles actor Sean Penn :)
Pedestrian street of Negosh, named after the beloved ruler, poet and metropolitan
Cetinje is still the spiritual center of Montenegrins
During the independence of Montenegro, Cetinje was returned the status of "historical capital". The returned important status of the city is spelled out in the Constitution. It turned out an incident - in a small but proud country there are 2 capitals :))) Now the President's Residence is located in Cetinje, where he meets important guests, and the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro. The industrialization of the city was a misguided path under the communists. Finally, tourism began to develop here, I have not seen any other city in the Czech Republic with signs, codes and explanations in two languages at the sights. And it continues to be an important religious center, the seat of the metropolitan. But most state institutions remained in Podgorica. In order not to transport the government of the country, it was decided to make appropriate changes to the status of cities.
This photo story about the historical capital of Montenegro was prompted by the exhibition "Cetinje in 1950-1980", which showed about 100 b/w photos from Krsto Djuricic's album. It was held in mid-February 2015 in Podgorica. Photographer Krsto Djuricic always tried to be at the right time in the right place, taking pictures of both official events and funny scenes on the streets of the city. The family of this photographer provided a collection of 12,000 old photos, thanks to which Montenegrins were able to nostalgic at the exhibition, and I wrote a story.
general information
In the world, a small state on the Balkan Peninsula is known as Montenegro, but in the native language of the local population it would be correct to say Crna Gora. The Lovcen massif, which was once called the very "black mountain", rises above the Bay of Kotor - the largest bay of the Adriatic Sea - and has been a national park for more than half a century. Despite the fact that the length of land borders is only 625 kilometers, it has five neighbors: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and the partially recognized republic of Kosovo.
Today, more and more travelers are discovering Montenegro as a new destination for an interesting and eventful holiday. A quarter of the three hundred-kilometer coastline is occupied by excellent beaches, next to which infrastructure has been developed for guests with different financial capabilities. But not only the sea can boast of Montenegro! The ancient architecture of Herceg Novi, Kotor, Cetinje and other cities, the vibrant nightlife of Budva, the beauty of Lake Skadar and the canyon of the Tara River, mountains and monasteries built on their slopes, noisy festivals and fairs, mild climate and temperamental locals ... Everyone will find something to Decorate your collection of vacation memories!
Cities of Montenegro
All cities in Montenegro
Geography and climate
Montenegro is a state so compact that, for example, within the boundaries of the Greater New York agglomeration, it could comfortably accommodate twice. At the same time, on an area of 13,812 sq. km, only 622 thousand people live: Montenegrins, Serbs, Bosnians, Albanians, Gypsies, Croats and representatives of other nationalities.
Don't let the name fool you. Montenegro is not at all the Balkan analogue of high-mountainous Nepal, most of the country is located on the Dinaric highlands. Central regions, including two largest cities, Podgorica and Niksic, lie in a relatively flat basin of Lake Skadar. Only in the northeast, where the border with Albania and Kosovo passes, does the ridge of the North Albanian Alps rise. The slopes of the Prokletiye mountains, as this massif is also called, are covered with deciduous and coniferous forests up to a height of 1700-1800 meters. 8% of the territory of the republic are considered protected areas, here they try to preserve the endemic flora and fauna of the Balkan Peninsula.
The climate of the main part of the country is temperate continental, and the Adriatic coast belongs to the Mediterranean zone, which is characterized by long and relatively dry summers with average temperatures of +23–25°C. This allows you to open the holiday season at the end of April and actively receive tourists until the end of October.
When to go
The most pleasant times of the year in Montenegro are spring and autumn: from the end of March, when snow and cold leave even the mountainous regions, until the beginning of June or September-October, when the summer flow of vacationers subsided and the trees were covered with gold, but the sea is still warm and in it can swim. July and August will be best months only for those who love crowds and fun family holidays. As one hotel owner recently put it about the "Montenegrin Riviera": if those under 30 enjoy the bustling nightlife and busy beaches in July-August, those who appreciate a quieter holiday will benefit if they arrive in April-June or September -October. In the mountains in July and August, the temperature is guaranteed to be moderate.
A bit of history
The Slavs settled in the territory that once belonged to the Roman province of Dalmatia in the 6th century, and already in 1042, the Serbs, after a resounding victory over the Byzantines, defended the independence of their own state, known as Duklja. Soon it received recognition as the head of the Catholic Church and the status of a kingdom. But the descendants of Stefan Vojislav, who did not have the firm hand and strategic mind of their ancestor, gradually lost power over Travunia, Zachum, Bosnia and Raska, which he conquered. In the XII century, these lands became the prey of more powerful neighbors, and the latter completely swallowed up the Duklyand state by the end of the century.
The newly formed principality in the Byzantine chronicles began to be called Zeta, after the name of the river flowing in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. After a short period of independence, it was forced to accept the protectorate of the Venetians in order to avoid capture by the Turks. However, it was not possible to restrain the encroachments of the Ottoman army for a long time. The triumphant Feriz Bey annexed Zeta to the Sanjak of Skadar. In one of the official documents of Dubrovnik for 1376, the former principality was called Montenegro. It is believed that this is the first documented mention of a new toponym.
From 1516 to 1852 there was an ecclesiastical state of Montenegro, which was led by lords and metropolitans with the title of bishop. When the country became secular again, the rulers turned into princes and kings. During the Balkan Wars of the early twentieth century, Montenegro expanded its territory, and in 1918 became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which after World War II was transformed into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Every European knows about the armed confrontation that followed the collapse of this state formation, but it is not worth discussing a painful topic with local residents.
From 1992 to 2003, Montenegro was part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and after its renaming - the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. According to the results of a referendum held in May 2006, the country received the status of an independent republic. Today it is a member of NATO and has the official status of a candidate member of the European Union.
Resorts
Where to go to those who decided to get to know the nature and culture of Montenegro better? The choice is quite wide, it all depends on what kind of leisure you and your companions prefer. For example, Sveti Stefan is an ideal option for wealthy travelers who are used to getting the best service and especially comfortable living conditions. Holidays in Herceg Novi will give a lot of bright and pleasant moments to families with children of different ages. Budva will not let the regulars of nightclubs and bars get bored. Kotor invites guests to touch the heritage of distant eras. And Ada-Bayan attracts many naturists from all over Europe every year. But first things first!
Tivat
It comes first on our list not because of particularly enthusiastic reviews, but because it is from here that most tourists begin their adventures - four kilometers from the city, in the Grbal valley, there is an international airport. It was built during the Second World War as a military one, but since 1957 it has been reoriented to work with civilian flights - first domestic flights from Belgrade, Zagreb and Skopje, and after the construction of a modern terminal it receives Boeings and Airbuses from London, Moscow, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Prague and other European capitals.
If you don't like long journeys, you can stay right here. Not at the airport, of course, but in a vending hotel near one of the best sandy beaches in Montenegro - Plavi Horizonti - or apartments on the Island of Flowers. The latter, contrary to the name, is not famous for its flora (there are many flowers in any of the seaside resorts of Montenegro). The locals call it Miholska Prevlaka, because the monastery of the Archangel Michael stands here.
The main disadvantage of this generally very pleasant place is that at the peak of the holiday season the city is crowded with vacationers, and it is not so easy to find a free sun lounger on the warm sand.
Budva
The most famous resort of the country from the "gates of the Adriatic" is separated by some 20 kilometers. However, the way from the second international airport of Montenegro, Podgorica, will not take more than an hour and a half. The developed tourist infrastructure is successfully complemented by clean beaches with amazingly clear water, interesting architecture of the old city, atmospheric restaurants and taverns, amusement parks for the whole family, nightclubs and bars with a noteworthy cocktail menu.
Of course, popularity goes hand in hand with a corresponding price level. But even with a modest budget, it is quite possible to have a good time in Budva. The main thing is to think in advance about booking affordable housing - in the "high" season, only expensive hotels can offer free rooms upon arrival.
Within the city there are 6 equipped beaches at once, both sandy and pebble. Most of them are free, you only have to spend money on renting sunbeds and umbrellas if you want to sit comfortably. Central "Slavyansky" is quite "densely populated", but this disadvantage is compensated by the presence of showers with fresh water, changing rooms, playgrounds and water slides.
The small municipal beach "Guvantse" also provides vacationers with good infrastructure, a gentle shore with a convenient entrance to the water and the opportunity to admire the sunset, but due to its location on the outskirts, there are much fewer people here. And don’t let this definition scare you - with the modest scale of the city, you can get here from the center on foot or by public transport, which moves towards Becici.
You can combine sightseeing in the Old Town and swimming on the beaches of "Richard's Head" and "Pisana", and if you are not too lazy to walk a little, you will find yourself on the most picturesque beach of the Budva Riviera, "Mogren". To lie down by the water, surrounded by layered rocks and lush greenery, we recommend taking a seat in the morning, by noon in July-August there is nowhere for an apple to fall. The territory belongs to one of the hotels, so an entrance fee may be charged, but in practice travelers rarely encounter this.
A certified diving center has been opened in the vicinity of Budva, where beginners can be trained and order dives with an instructor at interesting points on the coast. Experienced divers will be interested in coral reefs, the Galiola rock with tunnels and several sunken ships in the bay.
The historical center will delight fans of antiquities with the medieval citadel, which is the hallmark of the city and is depicted on most samples of souvenirs, the ancient churches of St. John, St. Mary, St. Trinity, St. Sava and a rich exposition of the local museum of archeology.
Becici and Rafailovici
These compact resort villages are located a few kilometers from Budva, it is easy to get here along the Adriatic highway or in a tourist mini-train that stops near the hotels. Narrow and winding streets, entwined with greenery, descend to impressively clear water. Travelers can choose between hotels of different "stars", villas and private guest houses. Accommodation here is often preferred by families with children or people who seek a quiet and secluded holiday. But peace does not mean boredom! When you want to diversify the course of "beach" days on a wide sandy shore, you can go in for sports. There are excellent conditions for lovers of water skiing, rafting, paragliding, tennis, beach football, basketball and volleyball. Would you like to bring back more beautiful photos from your vacation? Embark on one of the many bus tours in Montenegro and Albania. And if you have an open Italian visa in your passport, take the ferry to Bari to admire the medieval architecture and three dozen ancient churches, one of which houses the relics of St. Nicholas.
Another place for peace and relaxation. The town on the shore of a beautiful bay is surrounded by pine and olive groves, where it is pleasant to walk in the hottest hours. The rest of the time I want to spend by the water. The city beach has access to the promenade, along which there are cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, shops. Lučice is a little more “wild”, but there are also showers, toilets, changing rooms and sunbeds for rent. And also - a fish restaurant, from the terrace of which a wonderful view of the sea and rocks opens. The Venetian fortress of the 16th century has now been converted into a nightclub, but the music from here will not interfere with the sleep of vacationers. The main attraction is boat trips to the nearest islands. There is a small chapel on the rocky peak of the island of Holy Week, and Katic is interesting for its lighthouse.
Much richer in sights than other cities of the Montenegrin Adriatic. In 1979, due to the unique architectural ensemble and well-preserved medieval quarters, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Old city are surrounded by truly massive fortress walls: their height in some areas reaches 20, and their thickness is 16 meters. Inside are the Prince's Palace, the Clock Tower, palaces of noble families, churches of the XII-XVIII centuries and Cathedral Tryphon, where the first Croatian king Tomislav was crowned. In addition, Kotor has been the center of the cultural life of the region for many years; it welcomes participants of various festivals.
The city and its surrounding nature are very beautiful, but they are not very suitable as a place of permanent deployment for a seaside holiday. There are no really good beaches here, and the water is not as clear as in other parts of the coast.
An option for a relaxing family holiday and people who want to improve the body. It is here that the huge center of physiotherapy, rehabilitation and spa treatment "Igalo" is located. With the help of qualified personnel, modern medical equipment, sea mud, mineral radon baths in the mild climate of the Bay of Kotor, they improve the condition of people suffering from cardiological, neurological, gynecological, skin diseases, or recovering from injuries of the musculoskeletal system, surgical operations.
But there is a lot of attraction in Herceg Novi for ordinary travelers. More than a hundred species of tropical and subtropical flora, including relic plants, flaunt in municipal gardens and parks. Over the centuries of its existence, the city remembers different rulers, so the features of traditional Balkan, Ottoman and even Austrian architecture are intertwined in its architectural appearance. The latter gave the city hall and a fort on the island-prison of Mamula, to which you should definitely sail by boat.
The sea fortress, built on the coastal rocks by the founder of Herceg Novi, King Tvrtko I, keeps evidence of the presence of Bosnian nobles, Turkish troops and Venetians in it. The Turks left Kanli-Kula - the Bloody Tower, where today there is a beautiful summer theater, Sat-Kula - the Clock Tower, as a memory of their rule. Monuments of religious architecture are the Church of St. Michael the Archangel on Belavista Square and the baroque Savina Monastery, two kilometers east of the city.
Herceg Novi's own beach is too small to accommodate all vacationers, but the beautiful beaches of the Luštinice peninsula are located nearby. You can get here by boat, which runs several times a day according to the schedule during the season, or with the help of local boatmen.
Ulcinj
If from Herceg Novi a stone's throw to Croatia, then Ulcinj is located near the Albanian border. At the southernmost resort of the country, on average, there are 217 sunny days a year. More only in Spain, Italy and Cyprus! Features of the mineral composition of the water and the physical properties of the sand make the rest here not only relaxing, but also healing.
Founded by the Greeks, named after the Romans, under the Ottomans it became a pirate citadel of the Mediterranean and a safe haven for Christians under the Venetians... On the streets of the Old Town, you can see architectural monuments of different styles and peoples. Churches were rebuilt into mosques, and the palaces of the Venetian nobles became modern hotels.
According to local legend, the Turks held Miguel Cervantes captive in the Ulcinj fortress, and it was here that the image of Don Quixote's beloved Dulcinea of Toboso was born. If the beauty of nature excites you more than literary characters, go to the nearby Skadar Lake. In this national park, you can watch the life of birds and just admire the scenery.
A small island is separated from Ulcinj by 25 kilometers. The status of the reserve allowed to keep the nature almost untouched. An interesting feature is that the triangular piece of land is washed by the salty Adriatic on one side, and on the other two by the fresh waters of the Boyan River. On the "sea" coast there is a wide beach with unusually soft sand, which shimmers in different shades in the sunlight. Directly above the water are the photogenic wooden houses of local fishermen.
But famous for the whole continent, this place is made by hotels and beaches for naturists. Nude vacationers swim, sunbathe, play sports on the tennis, volleyball, basketball courts and even ride horses at the riding school.
Saint Stephen
In this corner of elite recreation, there is little that can suggest the past of an ordinary fishing village. Luxurious apartments with panoramic terraces, designer furniture and "smart" plumbing are designed to make the rest of the guests truly luxurious. Yacht trips, diving, cocktails in cozy bars, a promenade in the magnificent park of the village of Milocer attract the rich and famous to the Montenegrin resort: businessmen, Hollywood stars and even members of the royal families of Great Britain and the Netherlands.
In Montenegro, to the delight of foreigners and locals, many spectacular events are held, some of them have historical roots, others have been organized quite recently.
With the beginning of the sea season, large-scale international music and dance festivals will start on the Budva Riviera. "Song of the Mediterranean" has become a launching pad in the careers of many young performers, and both professionals and ordinary spectators are happy to watch the competition of the best dance schools in the region.
In July, a large stage is being built on the Jaz beach near Budva for the Sea Dance festival. Bar hosts the multicultural "Bar Chronicle", within which you can visit the performances of Montenegrin and foreign theater troupes, literary evenings, art exhibitions, sacred music concerts and the Mediterranean Book Fair. Herceg Novi opens its doors to fans of classical melodies and young talents - music lovers from all over Europe come to the local "Days of Music" and "Sunny Stairs". The festival of classical, spiritual, instrumental and chamber music KotorART gathers no less than the public.
And already in mid-August, Kotor, rich in monuments of medieval architecture, is waiting for guests for a large-scale celebration. "Bokelska noch" is reminiscent of the Venetian celebrations. Its main highlight is the defile of boats, on the intricate thematic decoration of which the owners work for several days or even weeks - it is very honorable to become a winner in this competition. Live music is heard on the city streets, theatrical and dance performances are held, and the evening ends with a grand fireworks display, which is reflected in the dark waters of the Bay of Kotor.
At the end of the "high" season, we recommend visiting Petrovac. As part of the "Petrovachka Night" you will see a festive procession of the city orchestra and beautiful Budva majorettes - drummer girls in bright military uniforms, you can listen to performances not only by city musicians, but also by popular pop singers of Montenegro. Gourmets will definitely be impressed by the tasting of local wines, beer, spirits and seafood. Note, it's free!
Fans of contemporary art will be happy to see the well-established festival of alternative theaters FIAT in Podgorica. And those who prefer traditions and folklore will find charming the Lastovo festival in a village near Tivat, the International Festival of Tambourine Bands in Bijelo Polje, the festival of Montenegrin folk music in Cetinje. Looking for something especially authentic? Have you ever heard about the unique manner of singing of the peoples of the South Adriatic? Welcome to the International Clapper Music Festival in Perast!
In general, boredom in Montenegro happens only to those who are too lazy to look for information about events taking place nearby!
Montenegro is a young sparsely populated country with two capitals: Podgorica - the administrative and business center, and - cultural and historical. Podgorica is known to the age generation of our country under a different name - Titograd. Once named after Broz Tito, the city regained its former name only in 1992. In 2006, when Montenegro became an independent state, Podgorica became its capital.
In the last ten years, the city has been actively developing, so it is not surprising that the international airport of Montenegro is in no way inferior to the airports of other cities in the world. To the east of it are vineyards, to the west is the district of Moyanovichi - one-story houses with tiled roofs against the backdrop of gray hills. Having flown by car past the entire area in a matter of minutes, we drive onto the E80 highway, which leads directly to the center of Podgorica.
The largest square in the country - Republic Square
The deeper we drive into Podgorica, the more the city becomes like settlements near Moscow such as Zelenograd or Khimki. Ten-twelve-story buildings stand out against the background of small houses not only for their height, but also for their slum appearance - walls mutilated with cracks, doors decorated with graffiti. Here and there you can hear the rumble of a jackhammer. These are the southern outskirts of the capital - one big construction site. Podgorica is growing.
All attractions are collected in the Stara Varosh (Old Town) area. At the intersection of Kralzha Nikole and Oktobarsk Revolasizh (can you guess how it translates!?) there is Sahat-kula - a small mosque in the form of a tower.
Sahat-Kula clock tower in Podgorica A couple of kilometers north to the football arena where the national team plays. We leave for Ivan Chrnoevich Boulevard and we have a view of the masterpiece of bridge building of recent years - the Millennium Bridge. Stylish modern beams look like the Leaning Towers of Pisa and strive to collapse on us.
The Millennium Bridge across the Moraca River on Ivan Chernoevich Boulevard. Length 140 meters A little to the south along the Moracha River there is a small bridge called Moscow. After enjoying the view of Moraca, we walk along the bridge to the west to feel pride in Vladimir Vysotsky. The monument to the Soviet bard is one of several spots of our culture in Podgorica.
Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky. On the pedestal, lines from Vysotsky's poem dedicated to Montenegro are carved in two languages. In 2002, a monument to Alexander Pushkin was erected in the central part of Podgorica. He is depicted reading poetry to his wife, Natalia Goncharova. This monument is a symbol of the kinship of two Slavic peoples, so close to each other in spirit.
Monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova Where to stay in Podgorica
According to the Constitution, the capital of Montenegro is the city of Cetinje. But most of the administrative administrative buildings are located in the city of Podgorica. Today it is here that the official capital of the country is located.
In the last century, this beautiful town on the banks of the Moraca was called Titograd, after the leader of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. It was during the Yugoslav times that the city became the de facto capital of Montenegro.
It is located just a few kilometers from the Adriatic in the picturesque Skadar basin. As Wikipedia informs, the cultural, economic and political life of the region is concentrated here, the main transport arteries of the country pass, and an airport operates.
Story
The first people settled in these parts in the Stone Age. The ancient Illyrian tribes lived here. The basis of the city was an ancient Roman settlement, and in the 5th century a Slavic state arose with the main city of Ribnitsa.
The twentieth century brought rapid development to the republic in the sphere of industry, construction, and national culture. During World War II, it was under Nazi occupation.
Liberated by Soviet troops in 1944, Montenegro followed the socialist path of development. The whole region was transformed, Podgorica was rebuilt, an international airport appeared.
The mild warm climate, fertile soil, rich vegetation have always attracted people to these parts. Podgorica knows no snow. Almost 5 months there is summer heat. The peak of summer temperatures reaches 44 degrees. In winter, freezing temperatures are extremely rare. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by the proximity of the sea.
Wikipedia shows that 60% of the total population of the region lives in the city of Podgorica. These are Montenegrins, Serbs, Albanians. Military operations at the end of the last century led the region's industry to decline. But the enterprises are gradually recovering and adapting to market relations. There are investors who invest in the development of the region. The tourism business is booming.
Architecture
During the 5 centuries of Turkish domination, many Turkish-style buildings were built in the city. Narrow cobbled streets, mosques and natural stone clock towers are all found in the old districts. The historical monument of that time is the tower-mosque of Sakhat-kula.
During the time of Broz Tito, the cities of Montenegro began to be built up with Soviet "Khrushchevs". Many of them are still found in some areas. Modern quarters are overgrown with European-style residential buildings and offices. Parks, squares, squares adorn the city.
- An outstanding project was the Millennium Bridge, linking the banks of the Moraca River. Stylish slanted beams are reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The length of the bridge is 140 meters.
- The Cathedral of Christ's Resurrection is a majestic temple for the Orthodox.
- The monuments to V. Vysotsky and A. S. Pushkin testify to the cultural kinship of the two Slavic peoples.
Culture and education
The University of Montenegro is a state higher educational institution that has branches in some cities of the republic. In addition, special education can be obtained at the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts. Children study in 44 schools and gymnasiums.
Cultural traditions are preserved national theater. The city has theaters for children. The national library contains old books and historical documents.
In the museums of Podgorica, artifacts of the history of the region and the life of the indigenous population are collected. There are museums of ethnography and nature. The former royal palace is open to visitors.
The history of Montenegro is a story about the struggle of a freedom-loving people for the independence of their homeland with the Turks, the Nazis. The heroic epic is full of legends about heroes.
Podgorica is becoming a modern European city and a transport hub. The railway station connected it with the cities of Bar, Shkodra, Belgrade. Highways go to Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, to the Adriatic. A few kilometers from the city there is an international airport that connects Montenegro with European capitals, Moscow.
Cetinje
The monastery was protected from enemies by mountains. The fortress was constantly besieged by the Turks and became a stronghold in the fight against them. Public secular buildings - a hotel, a hospital, the palace of the first king of Montenegro - appeared already at the end of the 19th century.
In 1946, Podgorica became the main city of the country. But grateful Montenegrins honor the historical significance of their former capital, and in the Constitution Cetinje is called the capital, and Podgorica is the main city. In Cetinje are the State Archives, the Institute of Conservation cultural heritage. The town of Cetinje itself is more like a picturesque village.
In the vicinity of Cetinje there is a historical site associated with the struggle for liberation from the Turkish yoke. This is Mount Lovcen. At the top of the mountain there is a chapel in which one of the princes of Montenegro is buried. At its foot there is a park of the same name - a monument of garden art.
The mountain itself is notable for the fact that 1150 species of plants grow on its slopes. From each turn of the road to the top, a stunning view of the surroundings almost from a bird's eye view opens up.
