Podgorica between history, art and wine

On a broad plateau between the Morača, Zeta and Širijana rivers lie the remains of ancient Doclea, four kilometres from the centre of Podgorica. They date from the first decade of the 1st century AD. Burial finds from Doclea—including ceramic and glass vessels, jewellery, tools, weapons and coins—are part of the permanent exhibition at the City Museum.

City history between the Old Town and its landmarks

A later chapter in the city’s history takes you to the Old Town: during the Ottoman period, from 1474 to 1879, it was the historic heart of Podgorica. Urban and architectural forms, customs, ways of life and oriental features shaped this place. The Clock Tower, a landmark of the Old Town, stands in Bećir-beg-Osmanagić Square. Hadži Mehmed-paša Osmanagić had it built in the 18th century.

An old stone bridge stands where the Ribnica flows into the Morača. It is believed to date from Roman times and is considered Podgorica’s oldest bridge. Sastavci and the stone bridge are also a popular riverside meeting place where people enjoy the natural surroundings.

Architecture, palace and art

The Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ makes a striking architectural statement with its two pyramid-shaped towers. Each tower is 26.7 metres high, and their upper floors house a total of 17 bells. The heaviest weighs 11 tonnes and is described as the largest on the Balkan Peninsula.

The Kruševac Palace Complex is located in Kruševac Park on the banks of the Morača River. The Petrović Palace within it was once a residence of the Petrović dynasty. The Modern Gallery offers a different focus: its works illustrate the development of modern art, as well as key artistic movements and influences in Montenegro’s art scene during the second half of the 20th century. Special attention is given to the collection of the Centre for Contemporary Art of Montenegro: it comprises more than 1,000 exhibits from 60 countries and is considered unique in Southeast Europe.

From the city hill to the scenic route

Gorica Hill is close to the city centre and includes an adventure park. For a different scale of landscape, take the circular route around Korita: it is 65 kilometres long, starts in Podgorica and leads into the Kuči mountain region, reaching the edge of the Cijevna River canyon. It is considered Montenegro’s first fully marked panoramic trail.

Nearby is Medun, about twelve kilometres northeast of Podgorica in the Kuči region. The archaeological complex comprises the remains of the Illyrian city of Meteon and the Church of St Nicholas. Alongside Doclea, this gives visitors another archaeological site in the area to choose from, with a history reaching back to the Illyrian period.

Wine and regional cuisine

At the Plantaže winery, visitors can explore the entire estate, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and take a leisurely ride through the vineyards on a tourist train. The estate grows 29 grape varieties, including the indigenous Montenegrin varieties Vranac and Krstač. You can also experience the unique atmosphere, aromas and flavours of the wines at the Šipčanik wine cellar. Check the latest arrangements and offerings before your visit.

Further afield in the region, Lake Skadar also features in the local culinary scene: the area’s gastronomic offerings include numerous traditional fish specialities. Wine enthusiasts and travellers wishing to explore regional cuisine will find a range of options to consider when planning their trip.

Getting here and planning your stay

Podgorica railway station is close to the city centre and right next to the bus station. Podgorica Airport is a public airport with international traffic. For specific travel arrangements, check the latest travel information.

Discover more destinations: Podgorica, Tuzi, Golubovci, Berislavci, Donje Stravče, Mitrovići, Vranjina, Pljevlja.

View the main travel guide: Montenegro.