Podgorica & Central and Northern Montenegro Destination Guide
Montenegro is a traveller's delight. The old clock tower, the charming, old-fashioned town of Stara Varos and the suburb of Drac boast of the lingering Turkish influence, while the narrow, winding streets reinforce the atmosphere of a rather exclusive and quaint town.
The medieval church of St. George and the castle of King Nikola (now a museum) are fascinating tourist destinations.
This Podgorica Destination Guide gives some information about the town, including a historical background, as well as details on some of the things to see and do in Podgorica and the surrounding areas. Take a look at our Podgorica tours page to see what tours and activities are available in Podgorica. Handy information that can be used to help plan your Montenegro holiday can be found on our Montenegro Country Guide.
Things to see & do in Podgorica
If you're looking at a one-day excursion, a journey to the sunny valley surrounding the Scadar Lake, supposedly the largest lake in the Balkans, is a great option. It is also famous for the natural park surrounding it.
Beyond the city lie the ruins of the 2,300-year-old Meteon fortress and the archaeological remains of Duklja, an ancient Roman settlement.
Rubbing shoulders with these historical delights is the city of Podgorica, replete with cafes, bars, restaurants and shopping centres. A word of caution: watch out for counterfeit brands. If you're shopping for bargains, visit the open markets found outside the city.
Follow the links below or scroll further down the page for details on some of the many interesting tourist attractions in Podgorica:
The Skadar Lake is undoubtedly the prettiest sight in Montenegro. Nestling in a quiet little corner of the Balkans, this pristine landscape defies all description and must be experienced to be believed.
Many stretches along the lake have preserved a rather primeval aura and recapture all the magic of the Jurassic age. So much so that a dinosaur sauntering along or a flying reptile alighting next to you wouldn't really surprise you!
Especially striking is the symmetrical lake-moat of Pavlova Strana (translated locally as "Paul's extremely steep hill"). Reputedly one of the most beautiful geological wonders of the world, this stunning crescent of green is found near the Rijeka Crnojevica and has been dubbed as the "emerald pyramids" of Montenegro. With its unforgettable vantage points, this beautiful expanse of land could well turn out to be some of the most cherished locations you'll love revisiting.
If you've always associated fishing with tranquil waters, think again! In Montenegro, things are quite different. Whether you choose a lake, river or sea, you'll have fish queuing up to take the bait!
The calm lake waters are simply swarming with fish. Drop your line, sit back and enjoy the lush greenery and cool shade of the century-old trees of virgin forests that line the Biogradsko or Black Lake. These forests are reputedly the last of their kind in the whole of Europe. At the Skadar Lake, the largest and most magnificent lake of the Balkan Peninsula, you're likely to catch carp, trout and bleak.
The rivers of Tara, Moraca, Bojana and Piva are renowned for their trout, chubs and many other types of fish.
As for the Adriatic Sea, it is simply packed with fish like the dentex, mullet, sea purch, San Pier, sardelle and red porgie, besides all kinds of shellfish, lobsters, shrimps, cuttlefish, octopus and squids. You can fish directly from the beach, hire a fishing boat, or use a fishnet. At night, you can fish by setting traps or by using a harpoon.
Interest for tennis was first evinced towards the latter half of the 18th century. Certain foreign diplomats were then visiting Montenegro and King Nikola Petrovic, in honour of his esteemed guests, donned the national costume and played a round of tennis. This was way back in 1894 in Cetinje.
Since then the sport has gained in popularity and today, it is thoroughly enjoyed by both professionals and amateurs. There are numerous tennis courts dotting the country - all along the coast, the continental region, and even amid the mountains.
Considered "the most important secondary thing", the people of Montenegro are passionate about this sport. Little wonder then that the likes of Ivica Kralj, Dejan Savicevic, Brnovic, Predrag Mijatovic, Saveljic and Jokanovic should have first learnt to kick a ball on the fields of Montenegro!
And it's not just the "big" football that is cherished by the locals. Small football and pro beach soccer are also pretty popular. The latter in particular has many takers, as the sand composition along the beaches, especially in Budva, is peculiarly suited for the requirements of this game.
The cable-stayed Millennium Bridge spanning the Moraca River is one of the most imposing landmarks in the city. It was created by a designer named Mladen Ulicevic and was first opened to the public on July 13, 2005, which happens to be the National Day of Montenegro. Almost 140 m long, the bridge runs along the city's skyline and makes for a beautiful snapshot.
Medun or Medeon was once the stronghold of an Illyrian tribe called Labeati. It came into existence around the 3rd or 4th century AD. Lying about 12 kilometres to the northeast of Podgorica, it played an important role in the tribes' fight against invasion by the Romans.
All through the middle ages and the rule of the Turks, Medeon was a prime town. Today, it is reputed for the museum of the respected Montenegrin leader, Marko Miljanov Popovic.
Some three kilometres from Podgorica, close to the Zeta region, lie the ruins of the ancient town of Doclea or Duklja. The excavations lure a number of tourists every year. Duklja suffered at the hands of the Goths in the 5th century and about three decades later it was hit by an earthquake.
Though it wasn't as advanced as Medun, under the Roman influence, it grew to be the most developed town of Montenegro. The fascinating remains of various palaces, scores of sarcophagi elaborately decorated in bas relief, tombstones engraved with Latin inscriptions and traces of the bridge of Moraca still stand witness to Duklja's heyday.
Nemanjica grad (Nemanja´s town)Top
The central part of the town has some very interesting ruins belonging to the medieval times - the fort of Ribnica. Comprising of bulwarks, towers and picturesque caves, the remains of this medieval fortification are certainly worth exploring. Even after all this time, the fort still remains an imposing structure and makes for a fascinating one-day trip. This cultural monument is also supposed to be the birthplace of the Serbian dynasty's founder, Nemanjici.
One of the many holy edifices of Montenegro, the Dajbabe Monastery is undoubtedly one of the wonders so skilfully wrought by nature. It is found in a cave on the Dajbabska gora hill. Strangely enough, it has been weathered by the elements naturally and resembles the shape of a cross.
Recalling the charm of Venice, Vranjina, standing on the Skadar Lake, is a tiny fisherman lodgement. A scenic fiesta, it stands at the edge of the Podgorica municipality.
When you reach the peak, you'll find an old school. You'll also be pleasantly surprised by the spectacular view towards Zabljak Crnojevica and the islands and fortresses dotting the lake.
One of the most famous shrines of Montenegro, the Ostrog monastery built in the seventeenth century houses the relics of a saint named Vasilije Ostroski.
It is believed that the Saint watches over the lives of his people and calmly awaits their return to their original, unsullied essence. Such is the force of the Saint that one of his disciples, a German prince, noted in 1908 that Ostrog was not just an Orthodox holy place, but also a ‘response' of world religions.
To experience the full power of the monastery, travel like a humble pilgrim - on foot! The monk at the Upper Monastery will recount every miracle that has ever occurred in the monastery.
Situated far up on a rocky mountain range, the monastery is often shrouded in clouds and mists, adding to the ethereal aura. A haven for both the rich and the poor, it offers solace for the soul and body of the world-weary traveller.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét