Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Montenegro

Ancient fortified city, built at the foot of Mount Rumija in a spectacular natural site. It is the largest archaeological site of medieval origin in Montenegro. Today in ruins and uninhabited, it deserves the interest of the visitor. Along its narrow streets lined with fig and cypress trees, you can discover the remains of several hundred public and religious buildings.

Stamped with the seal of the various civilizations that succeeded each other, they form an invaluable testimony to the eventful history of Montenegro. Recent excavations have shown that the site was occupied as early as 800 BC. Buses drive there every hour (from 5am to 11:30pm).

Guided tour. The visit of the old city requires at least 2 hours. The best way to discover it is to stroll through its streets in search of architectural details adorning the ruins of its buildings. The panorama is splendid and allows to fully appreciate its strategic position with on one side the sea and on the other a succession of mountains. Here are the main points to remember:

In the northwest of the site, we can see an aqueduct built in the ^seventeenth century during the Ottoman occupation. It was partly destroyed, like the whole city, during the earthquake of 1979.

From the Ottoman period , the city has preserved two other important testimonies: Turkish baths of the ^18th centuryinstalled in a Venetian palace and a clock tower. This tower occupies the site of an older tower dating from the ^15th century.

At the eastern end of the ramparts remain the foundations of a church dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of Bar. Transformed into a mosque in the ^17th century, it was destroyed by an explosion in 1882. Under its walls, archaeologists have found traces of the foundations of a church of the ^sixth century.

On the main alley, in the center of the citadel, an Orthodox church Sveti Luka (Saint Luke) with a very Latin look. It is known for its frescoes and Byzantine icons that decorate its interior.

Not far from there, stands the church of St. Veneranda, built in the ^fourteenth century, it is in a perfect state of preservation and has been converted into a concert hall.

The church of St. Nicholas, now in ruins, and was transformed into a mosque under the Turkish occupation. It retains traces of frescoes Serbo-Byzantine.

The upper part of the fortress built in the ^11th century was used as a prison during the Second World War.

Located about 40 km from the capital, 35 km before Kolašin, these gorges offer a great opportunity for hiking. In some very narrow places, they are known for their path dug in the rock. A beautiful 12 km hike (one way) on a well-marked path allows to discover them. Although quite long, this hike is relatively easy, but caution is required in the part cut into the rock (steep walls).

The Cattaro ladder is the name given to the mountain road that connects Kotor to Cetinje. Built in the 19th century, it was the main access road to the capital. Very winding, narrow, but spectacular, it offers the most beautiful views that one can imagine on the mouths of Kotor.

After 20 km, we arrive in Krstač, a small mountain village. From a Mediterranean climate, we switch to a continental one. Roads lead to ancient fortresses.

An archaeological site to discover the traces of the Roman civilization in Montenegro. This large mosaic dating from the ^second century AD and decorating the floor of an ancient Roman villa was discovered in 2004. Polychrome, it represents geometric patterns and floral decorations, including Hypnos, god of sleep, nonchalantly lying. Away from the tourist flow, the visit of the site is interesting. Modest site with explanatory panels (translated into English).

Wild and remote mountain landscapes. The second largest lake in the country is a man-made creation. It was created by the construction of the Mratinje Dam, which flooded the river canyon and formed a freshwater reservoir. After 10 km and beautiful views, we reach the border post of Šćepan Polje. This is where the Piva and Tara rivers meet in the Drina. This is the starting point for rafting trips organized by agencies.

One of the most beautiful and largest caves on the peninsula, a 20-minute boat ride from Herceg Novi. Around 15 m wide and 20 m high, it has a double entrance and a double exit, where boats enter for a surrealistic swim. Nature can be surprising: from the outside, it looks like a simple rock, but inside, the beauty of the place will surprise you. Check with agencies for excursions (diving and snorkeling available).

Discover Montenegro's neighboring Bosnia with the meeting of three rivers, Piva, Drina and Tara. A breathtaking natural beauty, where crystal clear waters mingle and offer a fascinating spectacle. The turquoise waters of the river Tara and the breathtaking cliffs of Piva make it a unique landscape. An attraction to do? Cross the border (Hum) on a wooden bridge. Adventurers can opt for rafting, while nature lovers can explore the lush forests and surrounding mountains.

The Vidikovac Zarisnik viewpoint near Plužine is a peaceful and relaxing place for nature lovers. Surrounded by rivers and greenery, this site offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal place for an outdoor getaway, to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while contemplating the beautiful scenery around you. Drive in the direction of Household Malović. Park 300 m to the left. Continue walking on the path to the ridge.

The small town of Bistrica is very interesting. Along the canyon Tara, there is a moment when a small river takes its independence. The road follows it in a chicane, in the mountains. On one side of the chicane, it is nice and warm. You can walk around in a simple shirt. On the other side, it's a different story. Without a thick coat or a winter coat, it's best not to get out of the car. You are in the clouds and visibility is zero. It is this contrast in only three minutes of driving that is interesting.

It is rare to have a large lake in Montenegro that does not share a border. This one is an artificial salt lake of a large size. Before it was a stopover for nature lovers, it was a reservoir for the hydroelectric power plant. It is the sodium that makes the water salty. You can notice some houses on the lake. So it is like a mini-Venice in Montenegro, one more, to visit on a small fisherman's boat by asking the resident lovers of the lake.

The small Vrmac massif, which separates the town of Tivat from Kotor, is dotted with ancient villages. For the most part abandoned, these villages are linked by a network of paths that have recently been restored. The local association responsible for restoring these trails has produced a map of the region, which can be found at the Tivat tourist office. The massif's highest peak is 785 m above sea level, and between Gornja Lastva and Bogdašići you can see evidence of the Austro-Hungarian occupation.

One of the largest caves in Europe. It is 26 km long and has several caves as big as a football stadium. Not entirely explored, its access is for the moment reserved for confirmed cavers only in the company of guides. To get there, take the national road in the direction of Belgrade, then, after about ten kilometers turn right (a sign indicates the direction). The best way is to go through the Rams Travel agency which organizes the visit.

Near the Bosnian border, 40 km west of the city, this cave is home to the oldest evidence of human presence discovered to date in Montenegro. Inhabited for nearly 150,000 years, from the Middle Paleolithic to the early Bronze Age, it has not yet revealed all its secrets and archaeologists are still working there. In 2004, they found a human tooth dating back to the Neanderthal period (between 120,000 and 35,000 years BC).