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Podgorica

Given it’s undergone five name changes, passed through the hands of everyone from the Romans to the Turks to the Austro-Hungarians, and twice been wiped off the map entirely, it’s little wonder that Podgorica (Подгорица) seems permanently gripped by an identity crisis. Its streets are a hotchpotch of Ottoman oddments, Austrian shopfronts, brutalist blocks and shiny new malls, and it has a fraction of the big-smoke buzz other European capitals can claim. But with some excellent galleries, plenty of parks and a vibrant cafe culture, pint-sized Podgorica is worth a look.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Stara Varoš
Podgorica
Podgorica's oldest neighbourhood retains traces of the 400 years in which it was the centre of a bustling Ottoman Turkish town. The blocky clock tower…
Šipčanik Wine Cellar
Podgorica
Wine tasting doesn't get more curious than at this wine cellar, 8km southeast of Podgorica, operated by Plantaže, Montenegro’s largest wine company. The…
Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection
Podgorica
Finally consecrated in 2013 after 20 years of construction, the large dome, white stone towers and gold crosses of this immense Serbian Orthodox cathedral…
Petrović Palace
Podgorica
The Montenegro Contemporary Art Centre stages high-profile exhibitions in this pale-pink 19th-century palace. The surrounding park is peppered with…
Dajbabe Monastery
Podgorica
Even if religion isn't your bag, a trip to this unusual little working monastery is worth your while. Established in 1897, Dajbabe houses a remarkable…
Museums & Galleries of Podgorica
Podgorica
Despite Cetinje nabbing most of the national endowment, Podgorica is well served by this collection of art, artefacts and folk costumes. There’s an…
St George's Church
Podgorica
Sitting behind castle-like walls on the lower slopes of Gorica hill (Podgorica means 'under Gorica'), this little Orthodox church is the city's oldest…
Natural History Museum of Montenegro
Podgorica
This small but well set-up museum has informative displays of Montenegrin flora, fauna and fossils, including all the taxidermied birds, bears and baying…