The most beautiful religious buildings Podgorica (Подгорица)

Dating from the ^10th century, this beautiful church was erected on the hillside that gave its name to the city, Gorica. It is the oldest religious building in the country. Small Greek-Orthodox chapel dedicated to St. George, covered with frescoes of more than seven hundred years covering the vault and the holy of holies, it is worth the trip. This small church, placed in its green setting, has a certain charm, at the doors of a very beautiful park to visit as well.

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, more commonly called Hram by locals, is a Serbian Orthodox cathedral, the largest in the capital. It is located in the Momišići district, not far from the city centre, in the "new" district. Built between 1993 and 2013, based on the plans of Serbian architect Predrag Ristić, the building is one of the main monuments of modern Podgorica. Several different styles were used: Roman-style architecture and arches, Italian-style frescoes and stained glass windows, but also typical Byzantine bas-reliefs and decorum. After 20 years of construction, the long-awaited opening ceremony on October 4, 2013, the date chosen to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan (an important religious text for both Catholics and Orthodox), was celebrated in the presence of many prestigious Orthodox priests, such as the Serbian Patriarch Irenaeus and Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem. The central dome, almost 42 meters high at its peak, is decorated inside with golden and very colorful paintings and frescoes. The most important of these is the one visible at the entrance of the building, which tells the story of the Resurrection of Christ, the event from which the cathedral takes its name. The marble floor reflects the richness and importance of the work. The two towers of more than 26 meters protect the bells. One of them is the biggest in the Balkan countries, weighing 11 tons. At the foot of these towers there are two chapels, erected in memory of St Simeon (1114-1200) and St Jovan Vladimir (990-1016).

Moreover, access is relatively easy because, unlike the complicated parking streets in the city centre, the Hram can accommodate hundreds of visitors thanks to its giant car park next to the cathedral; on the sides, a beautiful terrace will save you from the hot summer heat. At Christmas or Easter, it is a real fervour that brings thousands of orthodox Montenegrins to gather by turning several times around the cathedral at the end of the celebration. Now known throughout Europe, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ has become a real place of pilgrimage for Orthodox from all over the region. With its imposing stature and representing one of the most beautiful testimonies of Serbian Orthodox art, the Hram is one of the most touristic places in the capital.

This mosque, erected by Skender Čauševa in the 15th century, has been restored several times. Now the seat of the Mufti of Montenegro, it is located near the fortifications in the park of Stari most.

Starodoganjska is a small but typical Ottoman mosque. With a sober and modest interior, it has a rectangular hall with a terracotta tile floor. It has preserved three elements of Islamic art: mihrab, minbar and a medium-sized minaret.

Built in the 18th century by Mehmed-paša Osmanagić, it was severely damaged during the American bombing in November 1944. Dating from the Ottoman era, this mosque was restored in 2011 with Turkish support and some success. It offers an interesting example of the Ottoman style. The exterior walls are unplastered, red tiles cover the roof of the main hall and a white needle-like minaret completes the structure.

Located a few kilometers from Podgorica, this small monastery was erected in 1897 by Father Simeon Popović. Here, it is the interior of the building that deserves a visit. At the heart of the building is a curious cave covered with religious paintings. Made by Father Popović, these "frescoes" were painted directly on the irregular surface of the rock. Although humidity has caused the loss of many details, visiting the place remains a singular experience.