Podgorica may not be the most famous capital in Europe, but it was interesting to explore and gave us a unique glimpse into Montenegro’s history and daily life. The city has a long and complex past, having been influenced by the Romans, Ottomans, and Yugoslav rule before becoming the capital of an independent Montenegro. As we walked around, we saw remnants of these different eras, from Ottoman-era clock towers to stark communist architecture. The Millennium Bridge was a modern highlight, spanning the Morača River and offering nice views of the city. We also wandered through the Old Town, Stara Varoš, which still holds traces of its Ottoman past, with narrow streets and old mosques. Near the center, we saw King Nikola’s Palace, a reminder of Montenegro’s royal history, and admired the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a strikingly ornate Serbian Orthodox church. While Podgorica doesn’t have the charm of the coastal towns, we still enjoyed strolling through its streets and parks. Montenegrin food was hearty and delicious, and we made sure to try dishes like ćevapi, grilled minced meat sausages, and kačamak, a rich polenta-like dish with cheese. The city’s cafés were also a highlight, as Montenegrins take their coffee culture seriously, and we had some of the strongest and best espresso of our trip. Though Podgorica is often overlooked by travelers, it was an interesting stop that gave us a different perspective on Montenegro beyond its famous coastline and mountain landscapes.
