Montenegro：A Destination in the Balkans with Interesting Attractions Worth Sightseeing

An increasingly popular destination for sightseeing, Montenegro is one of the countries in the Balkans which is situated on the Adriatic Sea. It is bordered by countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and Albania. Montenegro is home to several attractions which describe the history of the country. Here are several attractions in Montenegro which are worth sightseeing.

1. Bay of Kotor (Kotor)

The Bay of Kotor is a winding bay situated in southwestern Montenegro. Also known simply as Boka, the body of water if the bay of the Adriatic Sea. Breathtaking and beautiful, the Bay of Kotor is filled with fascinating gulfs and straits, towering cliffs, and azure coves. The Bay is included in the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Montenegro. When sightseeing across Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor is something you should not miss.

2. Kotor Old City (Kotor)

The old city of Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro widely known for its medieval structures and gorgeous natural setting. The Old City is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built like a maze for protection. Attractions inside the old city include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon which was built in 1166, ancient walls which stretch for three miles, and the islets of Sveti Đorđe and Gospa od Škrpijela. Indeed, this place is one of the places you should visit when sightseeing across Montenegro.

3. Kotor’s Castle Of San Giovanni (Kotor)

The Castle Of San Giovanni, or the Castle of St. John, is another destination worth sightseeing at Kotor, Montenegro. This fortress date back to medieval times. The walls of the castle are remarkably well-preserved. To reach the castle, you will have to walk through more than 1,300 stairs on a height of around 1,200 meters. When you are at the top of the castle, you could see the expanse of Kotor including the Kotor Bay, and the town.

4. Tara River Canyon (Zabljak)

The Tara River Canyon is a canyon found on the Tara River which is bordered by Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The stretch within the region of Montenegro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canyon is a portion of the rafting route of Tara River. The most prominent drop of the river could be found in the canyon. This is by far the most exciting part of the rafting route. When you are sightseeing in Montenegro, be sure to stop by this place.

5. Ostrog Monastery (Danilovgrad)

The Monastery of Ostrog is a Serbian Orthodox Church monastery found high up in the large rock of the Ostroška Greda, Montenegro. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog whose remains lie on the monastery. The Ostrog monastery is a significant pilgrimage site in Montenegro. From the monastery, tourists could witness a stunning view of the Bjelopavlići plain. The monastery itself a superb view. It is enriched with a distinctive architecture set against an almost vertical rocky background.

6. Lovcen National Park (Cetinje)

The Lovcen National Park is a mountain and a national park found in the rocky region of Montenegro. The national park houses nine various habitats where several flora and fauna species thrive abundantly. There are around 2000 plant species in the park. Aside from sightseeing for endemic and exotic species, tourists could also see the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Nejegos, a poet and a former ruler of Montenegro. Old houses and authentic cottages in katuns even stand on the park.

7. Lipa Cave (Cetinje)

The Lipa Cave is a karst cave located in the Montenegro, specifically at the Skopska Crna Gora Mountain Range. It is the first cave in Montenegro which is open for sightseeing. Lipa Cave is known as one of the largest caves in Montenegro. Moreover, the cave contains the most number of preserved cave formations. A part of the cave includes an underground river. Most of the cave is covered with ice and snow, making Lipa Cave a notable cave for sightseeing. Due to its distinct feature, Lipa Cave has become one of the best places for sightseeing in Montenegro.

8. Đurđevića Tara Bridge (Zabljak)

The Đurđevića Tara Bridge, or simply Tara Bridge is a concrete arch bridge situated over the Tara River in Montenegro. It located between villages of Trešnjica and Budečevica. Designed by Mijat Trojanović, the bridge was built starting 1937 during the era of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Due to its beauty and elegance, the bridge has become one of the most visited attractions by tourists who are sightseeing around Montenegro. Tourists could relax and savor unique cuisines on restaurants found near the bridge.

9. Crno Lake (Zabljak)

The Crno Lake, or Black Lake, is a lake situated in Žabljak, a municipality in northern Montenegro. It is a glacial lake found on Mount Durmitor and has an area of 0.515 square kilometers. Crno lake is composed of two smaller lakes, the Malo jezero, or the little lake, and the Veliko jezero, or the big lake. A narrow strait connects These lakes. Due to its ease of access, the lake has become a popular destination for sightseeing in Montenegro. Aside from sightseeing, tourists could also do several activities including hiking and recreation.

10. Stari Bar (Stari Bar)

The Stari Bar, is a small town in Montenegro. It is home to several ruins which were built during the medieval times. There are several points of interests in Stari Bar which are worth sightseeing. For instance, a small museum showcases the rich history of the town. The remains of St. Nicholas' Church found in the western portion of the town offer a view of Serbo-Byzantine frescoes. It also has a fortress which was built in the 11th century. Other structures in Stari Bar exhibits the rich heritage of the town and Montenegro.

◎ Closing

The country of Montenegro offers a variety of interesting and breathtaking attractions which are worth sightseeing. It is worth noting that to experience the beauty of Montenegro fully, you have to immerse yourself in the lifestyle and culture of the country. Either way, Montenegro should be placed on your itinerary of countries for sightseeing.