Podgorica is located near many natural wonders of Montenegro. Several rivers flow through the city, the Shkodra Lake is only 15km away, and the seaside is a mere half-hour drive far from the city. Podgorica is home to many sites that attracts many visitors each year: The Petrović Castle, The Gorica Hill, Medun and numerous bridges. To visit Podgorica and not walk over its bridges over Morača, Zeta and Ribnica is a great loss, as these bridges offer wonderful views of the city and its beautiful nature.
Gorica is located in the very heart of Podgorica. This forest park is the go-to location for lovers of recreation, as well as those who just want to take a break from the noise of the city. The forest is home to one of the oldest buildings in Montenegro, The Church of Saint George, constructed before the year 900, which is also the oldest functioning church in the country, which prompts many of the locals to call it “the church with a spirit”. According to a legend, there used to be a monastery where the church stands today, which used to be connected via an underground tunnel to the Morača river. Even today, this mysterious tunnel leading from the main altar to Duklja is a topic of discussion, but these claims are yet to be confirmed.
The Royal Castle or The Petrović Castle used to be the winter residence of King Nikola I Petrović. Surrounded by the beautiful Kruševac forest park, which is the largest park in Montenegro’s capital, this castle is turned into an art gallery during the summer months, and has been turned into one since 1984. Since 1985, the castle has officially been a part of the center of contemporary art, housing around 1500 art pieces. The gallery is located on the second floor of the complex, while the first floor is reserved for the descendants of the Petrović Dynasty’s needs, namely, the regent prince Nikola Petrović who lodges here when he visits Montenegro.
Niagara Falls are located near Podgorica and are a truly perfect place for you to rest and enjoy yourself. The Falls are located on the River Cijevni, a mere 4 kilometers away from the capital. The locals gave the falls their name for their resemblance to the famous Niagara Falls in Canada. The Falls themselves were “built” over 150 years ago to help power the nearby water mill, which was active at the time. So far, the water demolished the falls because of the water mills which were constructed there.
To visit Podgorica and not walk over its bridges over Morača, Zeta and Ribnica is a great loss, as these bridges offer wonderful views of the city and its beautiful nature. Podgorica’s bridges have been sung about in numerous folk songs. The Morača flows through Podgorica and you can see the whole city by simply checking out all of the city’s bridges. The most significant bridges in Podgorica are: the stone bridge in Sastavci (where the Ribnica and the Morača meet)
Medun is located 13km from Podgorica, in Kuči. Medun was once one of the places where the Illyrian tribe of Labeats lived and ruled over the entire Shkodra basin from. The city was established in 3rd century BC, and even today you can see the partial remains of buildings, the fortress, as well as the Church of Saint Nikola, completed in the 18th century. The area is also where the house of Montenegrin Vojvoda Marko Miljanov, where the Memorial Museum is situated and open for visitors.
