Podgorica: TOP 15 attractions of the capital of Montenegro

Old Town

The Old Town of Podgorica is one of the best places to get acquainted with the history and culture of the city. The atmosphere of the old town is unique thanks to its narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional cafes. Here you can see the rich history of Montenegro and enjoy local delicacies.

The Old Town reliably preserves the centuries-old history of the capital, despite the fact that many local landmarks were significantly damaged during World War II. However, it concentrates evidence of the centuries-long rule of the Ottoman Empire and the formation of Christian Montenegro.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

The largest Orthodox church in the capital, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, was built on George Washington Boulevard in Podgorica. Construction work on its erection lasted ten years and was completed only in 2013.

The grandeur, monumental architecture, and luxurious interior decoration of the cathedral make a powerful impression on visitors. All walls and ceilings of the church are decorated with magnificent frescoes. They are executed in rich light tones with a large amount of gilding, which gives the cathedral a solemn appearance.

Millennium Bridge

The beautiful monumental bridge was built in Podgorica relatively recently – in 2005, but it has already become beloved by guests and residents of the city and turned into a landmark of the capital. This bridge connected two parts of the city – the old and the new.

From the Millennium, as the Millennium Bridge is also called, tourists usually admire the panorama of the city, observe sunsets, and the bridge itself is amazingly beautiful with evening illumination. The bridge crosses the emerald-colored mountain river Morača, framed by lush banks.

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King Nikola's Palace

A genuine royal palace is located in Podgorica, amidst Kruševac Park, on the bank of the Morača River. Today, the palace complex is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.

The small but elegant 2-story building attracts special attention from travelers. The palace was built in 1885. Despite its name, it never belonged to the Montenegrin king, but was always referred to as the "Castle of Crown Prince Danilo". Later, it began to be used for the needs of Nikola's daughter.

The grand palace is used today as a local history museum.

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Literary Cafe Ithaca

Podgorica has many cozy cafes and bars, but Ithaca stands out from the rest. Firstly, this cafe is located under a bridge, in a building of a former Turkish hammam. The location alone is worth visiting!

There you can meet local artists, buy an interesting book, or visit an exhibition. The cafe serves signature cocktails and Montenegrin wine.

Archaeological Museum of Podgorica

History and culture enthusiasts must visit the capital's museum, which opened back in 1950. Ethnographic, historical, and archaeological exhibitions and events are regularly held here.

The archaeological findings presented in the museum provide important information about the past of Montenegro and nearby regions. The earliest findings date back to the 3rd century BC. And on the first floor, you can view works by contemporary artists and sculptors.

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Clock Tower

In the old part of the city stands a former Turkish watchtower, which the Turks called Sahat-kula. It was built in the 16th century, after which it was converted into a minaret. It is a 19-meter-long structure that miraculously survived a barrage of bombings and now represents a historical and cultural value.

The tower is located on the square of Vojvoda Bećir-beg Osmanagić, which we also recommend visiting at leisure. In 2012, the tower's chime was replaced with a modern digital clock.

Ruins of Doclea

Doclea (or Duklja in Montenegrin) is the ruins of a Roman city, first mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC. They are located 5 km from the center of Podgorica. Unfortunately, the ruins are not protected in any way and are simply left to live out their days on the outskirts of the capital. Archaeologists have taken all artifacts from 300 ancient tombs and moved them to museums.

We recommend this place to romantics who like to wander through ruins and imagine what was here 2000 years ago. You can recognize former baths, carved columns, a basilica, and the city forum.

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Dajbabe Monastery

Dajbabe Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox Christian monastery, founded in 1897. It stands on Christian catacombs adorned with old frescoes.

In essence, beneath the modest red and white building lies an entire cave city! It's unknown when the catacombs appeared. Possibly, they date back to the first centuries of our era, when early Christians held services in caves.

The etymology of the Slavic name "Dajbabe" includes the prayerful request "Daj!" (Give!) and an address to a Woman (the Slavic word "baba" did not have a derogatory connotation in ancient times). The place has long been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Slavs preserved this tradition in the name: "Dajbabe" is an address to the Mother of God.

Church of Saint George

One of the oldest structures in all of Montenegro dates back to the 11th century and is located near the central part of Podgorica. One should visit the church to immerse oneself in the spirit of centuries preserved here, despite the fact that the church itself was once partially destroyed and later restored.

Tourists are interested in the ancient frescoes by an unknown painter and the sacred objects that are still protected by the state today.

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Lesandro Fortress

Lesendro Fortress was built on Lake Skadar in 1832. Previously, the fortress occupied a separate island in a strategic location where the Morača River and the Crnojević River flow into Lake Skadar. It became an important stronghold for Montenegrins during the war with the Turks.

Later, a highway and a railway were built here, and now Lesendro can be admired from the window of a train going from Podgorica to Bar. You can get off at Vranjina station and walk to the ruins of the fortress. It's abandoned and overgrown with dense bushes, but that makes it even more interesting! Also, it offers a picturesque view of the lake.

Morača River

The Morača River flows through almost all of Podgorica and is considered one of the most beautiful in Montenegro. Its water is emerald in color and crystal clear. It flows from the north of Montenegro from a canyon and empties into Lake Skadar.

In summer, the capital's residents catch trout and enjoy swimming, escaping from the scorching Montenegrin sun in the cool river and lush green thickets.

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Niagara Waterfall

Of course, this Montenegrin namesake of the famous American waterfall is much smaller in size, but it's recommended for tourists to visit. It's beautiful in spring or after a heavy rain, but from mid-summer to early autumn, it dries up.

Near the waterfall, there's an excellent restaurant with a terrace that offers a magnificent view. The chefs prepare local fish, and the atmosphere itself is authentic and infused with Montenegrin national touches.

Lake Bukumir

This picturesque natural spot in the form of a crystal lake is located at an altitude of 1443 m above sea level. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there from Podgorica, but it's worth it.

According to local legend, the lake was created by gods in response to the fervent prayer of a lost traveler. Another legend states that the newts inhabiting the lake are descendants of dragons that were once punished by the local Bukumir tribe. It's believed that the lake can fulfill cherished wishes.

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Ribnica Bridge

Ribnica Bridge is one of the most famous places in Podgorica. The bridge here was built by the Romans. It was then renovated during the Ottoman period, which is why it is also known as the Adzi Pasha Bridge.