Montenegro's small capital, Podgorica, is not one of the most visited capitals in Europe. Some find it unattractive and depressing, and with its abundance of gray communist apartment buildings and numerous abandoned properties, it's pretty easy to jump to that conclusion. If you compare it with the beauty of some Montenegro cities along the Adriatic coast, such as Budva and Kotor, it is clear why many do not spend much time in Podgorica. Nevertheless, Podgorica is full of Instagrammable surprises, which we will tell you about in this article.
Where is Podgorica located?
The city was known as Titograd from 1946 to 1992 - the period when Montenegro formed the Socialist Republic of Montenegro, part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) - in honor of Marshal Josip Broz Tito. The favorable location of Podgorica at the confluence of the Ribnica and Moraca rivers, as well as at the confluence of the fertile Zeta Plain and the Bjelopavlici Valley, contributed to the settlement. The city is close to the winter ski centers in the north and to the seaside resorts on the Adriatic Sea. What to see in Podgorica? From interesting architecture to exciting nightlife, lots of green spaces, and lots of historical Podgorica attractions, Podgorica is the European destination you need to visit when you are in Montenegro.
1. Millennium Bridge
More recently, this stark white piece of modern architecture has been added to the urban landscape, which is now one of the most remarkable sights of Podgorica. The Millennium Bridge, 173 meters long, stretches across the Moraca River. A thoughtful and innovative cable-stayed bridge, it has one main 57-meter pylon, with 12 cables on one side supporting the roadway and 24 cables on the other side acting as a counterweight. The official opening of the bridge took place on July 13, 2005, the National Day of Montenegro, which coincided with the anniversary of the uprising in Montenegro, when the local Communist Party staged an uprising against the occupying Italian troops. The greatest pleasure of the bridge is a slow walk along the footpath (one on each side) for close observation of the cables and personal observation. Another recommended option is to walk along the nearby Moscow Bridge, a pedestrian bridge, or go down to the river to take the bridge in the distance. From any of these locations, you can photograph the entire bridge, seeing how it connects the two banks of the city, as well as capture the river flowing below and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
2. Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky
Fans of the strange and unusual will be interested in the monument to Vladimir Vysotsky. Located near the Millennium Bridge, the monument is a gift from the Russians and was installed in 2004. Come and see this Russian singer and songwriter surrounded by a gleaming metal frame, standing barefoot and naked, with a guitar in one hand and raised in a jubilant celebration. Vladimir Vysotsky, a popular Russian artist, tragically died in 1980 at the young age of 43, after years of drug and alcohol use. Although not very well known to the locals, he once visited Montenegro and fell in love with the country (like everyone else). On the plaque of the statue is written a line from one of Vysotsky's poems: "I regret in this life that I do not have two roots, and I can not call Montenegro my second homeland."
3. Independence Square
In 2006, the vast 15,000-square-meter Independence Square was renovated, expanded, and re-paved, decorated with palm trees, and reinforced with water channels and a fountain. Previously, this Instagrammable place was known as Ivan Milutinovic Square, named after an influential communist politician and military general. After Montenegro gained independence in 2006, it was renamed Independence Square. The car-free zone currently hosts political rallies and social events, such as New Year's Eve parties. It is also home to the city library and the state gallery "Art." Sit here for a while and treat yourself to watching some people.
4. Communist apartment blocks
Where is Podgoricalocated is quite a bit in the communist past. The Communist block of apartments in Podgorica is an odd recommendation as something to see, especially considering that there are so many other Podgorica attractions worth visiting in the city. However, it is impossible not to pay attention to the presence of these buildings in Podgorica. A walk through some of the residential neighborhoods not only provides a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents but also brings insight into the somewhat tragic history of the city. During the Second World War, Podgorica was bombed about 70 times and was almost reduced to rubble. More than 4,100 people were killed. Liberated on December 19, 1944, the city experienced rapid growth in the coming years. To accommodate the growing population, several residential and business blocks were built in style typical of the Eastern Bloc countries of the time. While these structures in the style of "Tito" provide the necessary housing, they have been criticized for their dark and gloomy appearance. After the breakup of communist Yugoslavia, there were many urban development projects in Podgorica, including the introduction of more modern buildings and Podgorica attractions, creating an interesting mix of old and new.
5. Old Town
More than 400 years ago, the Old Town of Podgorica, or Stara Varos, was once a thriving Ottoman Turkish city. Although not much remains today, it is a great area to explore and experience its Ottoman past. The list of "Instagrammable places" includes the Starodoganjska Mosque and the Osmanagic Mosque, dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries, as well as the Old Bridge and the Clock Tower. Walking through the streets of the Old Town of Podgorica, you will not find tall apartment buildings (communist or more modern) but smaller and sometimes spacious villas.
6. Old Ribnica River Bridge
Old Bridge is one of the popular Instagrammable places in Podgorica. The origin of this Old Bridge is debatable; some of them refer to the fact that it was built during Roman rule, while others claim that it was built by the Ottomans in the 15th century. Given its similarity to other arch bridges in the region, such as the Stari Bridge in Mostar, it can most likely be attributed to the Ottomans. Despite the controversy, it is the oldest bridge in Podgorica, which stretches across the Ribnica River, near where it merges with the Moraca River. There also seems to be confusion about the official name of the bridge. Some call it the Old bridge and other bridge Ribnica or bridge Sastavci. To make it more complex, it is even called the Adzi-pasa's Bridge, as Adzi-pasa Osmanagic financed the reconstruction of the bridge during the 18th century. Call it whatever you want, but it will definitely be seen when you visit Podgorica.
7. Clock Tower
Apart from the Old Bridge, the Clock Tower, or Sahat Kula, is one of the few remaining Turkish landmarks in Podgorica that was not destroyed during World War II. The impressive 16-meter tower, which located in the center of the Becir Beg Osmanagic Square, was built in 1667. The clock, which is said to have been imported from Italy, was the only public clock in the city and signaled the time of the Muslim call to prayer. In 1890, a cross was installed on the top of the tower in a bizarre way.
8. Street Bokeska
When you're outside and going to visit Podgorica in the afternoon, you won't meet too many other tourists or even locals for that matter. They go out in the evenings, dressed in their best, ready for fun. You will see them crowded along the busiest street of the city - street Bokeska. Equipped with tons of cool bars and chic restaurants, this street is about as hipster as you can get in Podgorica.
9. St. George's Church
What to see in Podgorica? At the foot of Gorica Hill is the Church of St. George, built in the 10th century. The oldest Orthodox church in Podgorica has been rebuilt several times, and it has preserved Instagrammable frescoes from the 17th century, made by an unknown artist. Surrounded by stone walls, the pristine cemetery behind the church is also worth a look. If you are tired of all the time you have spent exploring Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, stop for a drink at the cafe across the road for coffee, beer, or local wine.
10. Pod Volat
Near the Clock tower in the Old town is Pod Volat, a place where you can eat in Podgorica. Pod Volat is open daily from 7 am to 12 am and serves traditional Balkan dishes, and is filled with a good mix of locals and tourists. Their large menu offers many options, and the portions are huge. In warm Podgorica weather, you can dine on the patio. Beware of smokers, as people smoke both inside and outside - at their desks!
11. King's Park
King's Park is one of the best Instagrammable places in Podgorica. This oasis in the center of Podgorica has a pavilion covered with red Spanish tiles, a fountain, many benches, playground equipment, and even free Wi-Fi! The King's Park is the Instagrammable place for a picnic, lunch, reading books, or for locals to participate in a lively chess game in the pavilion.
12. Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
The cathedral, which has a monumental, architectural, and artistic value to the country, especially to the capital of Montenegro, is a unique, new, religious building. The construction of the cathedral began in 1993 and lasted for 20 years. The cathedral is dominated by two piers-towers with a height of 26.7 meters and 17 bells located in its attic. The heaviest bell weighs about 11 tons and is the largest bell in the Balkans. At the foot of the pier, there are chapels (small temples) dedicated to Saint Simeon (with baptism) and Saint Jovan Vladimir.
Useful to know:
1. Podgorica is an easy weekend trip from Berlin. You can book a cheap ride there via Ryanair, and the flight will take about two hours. 2. Montenegro uses the euro, so there is no need to worry about currency exchange at the airport. Expect prices for everything to be significantly lower than in most other European capitals. 3. When you arrive at Podgorica Airport, there are not many transport options to get to the city. Avoid airport taxis at all costs, as they are very overpriced. Book a taxi through your hotel or hostel in advance for a fraction of the price and let the driver meet you at Podgorica Airport. Buses also rarely run during the day. Another option is to walk 1 kilometer to the nearest train station, but pay attention to the timetable, as trains only run four times a day.
