Montenegro / Podgorica

Removed from Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coastline, Podgorica is often an overlooked destination in the small country. The small capital city does not pair up to the massive urban scenes of some of its European counterparts; nonetheless it offers vibrant art and culinary scene that warrants a visit.

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Podgorica’s neighborhoods are separated with the two rivers that flow through it, Moraca and Ribnica Rivers. The remains of Ottoman rule are visible across Podgorica’s oldest neighborhood, a 400 years old Stara Varos which lies to the south of Ribnica River. While many historic buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, Stara Varos remains an interesting part of the city with sites such as the Clock Tower, the remains of Ribnica fortress, the restored 18th-century Osmanagic Mosque and Doganjska Mosque dating back to 15^th century. On the other side of Ribnica is Nova Varos, the more modern center of Podgorica’s culinary and bar scene. Many of the streets in this neighborhood are closed for traffic, as streets are lined with cafés and boutiques. Art aficionados will likely want to head out to Podgorica’s Contemporary Art Centre housed in the Petrovic Palace in the Krusevac Park, including over 1,000 exhibits. It is not unusual to spot locals cool off in the Moraca River during summer months, as Podgorica has its own city beach.

Visit:

• The Old Town and the Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) in the Stara Varos
• The medieval Ribnica Fortress
• The Petrovic Palace in Krusevac park, home to modern art gallery
• The 18^th century Osmanagic Mosque and the Clock tower

Podgorica surroundings;

• Skadar Lake, only half an hour from Podgorica, Skadar is the largest lake on Balkan
• Moraca River Canyon and 13^th century monastery
• Cetinje, former capital of Montenegro offers remarkable historic heritage
• Lovcen National Park, offering breathtaking vistas and historic villages