Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and its administrative, cultural and economic centre. This quickly developing city, with some 150,000 inhabitants, is located in the northern part of the River Zeta basin. It is the centre of a municipality containing some 1,500 square kilometres, that is, 10.7% of the territory of Montenegro. It sits at a relatively low altitude of 44.5 metres above sea level, which, along with its geographical position and some other factors, causes the climate to be very mild in winter and very hot during summer. The city sits at the confluence of two rivers. West of the broad Morača is what passes for the business district. The smaller Ribnica River divides the eastern side in two. To the south is Stara Varoš, the heart of the Ottoman town. North of the Ribnica is Nova Varoš, an attractive, mainly low-rise precinct of late-19th-/early-20th-century buildings housing a lively mixture of shops and bars. At its heart is Trg Republika, the main square.
Podgorica is situated in the south part of the north mild zone, on the touch of the Mediterranean continental climate. Opened towards the sub tropic climate zone Montenegro is dominated by the mild Adriatic sub tropic climate. Located on the biggest Montenegrin plain it is situated on the composition of the three rivers: Moraca, Ribnica, and Zeta. Sudden urbanization of towns in the XX century made that the big and modern settlements are formed exactly in this type of geographic space, which allows a good connection with other towns and has the conditions for the agricultural and industrial production in the immediate surrounding. The view towards the south west leads to Lovcen on whose peak we have the mausoleum on the biggest height above the sea level in the world.
Towards the south we have Sozina and Rummija, rich Skadar Lake and Mediterranean sun, on the east bare peaks of Prokletije covered with ice and snow for the most part of the year. Whirlpools and rapids of Moraca through the narrow sides of Platije, of height even up to 1.000m, connect Podgorica, with a narrow passing through, with the north. Towards the west there is the valley of Zeta and the famous history. Around Podgorica, the wreathe of mountains and history closes the circle in which the old civilizations – Greek, Byzantium, Celtic, Illyrian, Roman, Turkish and Slovenian, have fought for land and for better life.
The name Podgorica was first mentioned in 1326 in a court document from the archives of Kotor. Sharing the same geographic advantages as Doclea and Ribnica, Podgorica also quickly developed. However, the economic growth of Podgorica was brought to an abrupt halt in 1474 with the Turkish occupation of the city. The Turks turned the previously flourishing trading post into their main fortified bastion, which served from then on as the main base for launching attacks against the rebellious Montenegrin clans. Podgorica remained under the Turkish rule until the Berlin Congress in 1878, when it was annexed to Montenegro. From that date, a new era of development began in Podgorica. Trade was restarted and economic growth renewed. Podgorica quickly developed. The first forms of capital accumulation began to appear, and in 1904 the first important financial institution was established - the Zeta Savings Bank. The construction of roads leading to other Montenegrin towns and settlements also began. Two years before the Zeta Savings Bank was founded, in 1902, the first significant company, the tobacco factory, was established in Podgorica.
The best time of year for this is spring and one of the most attractive places to do so would be one of the three terraces of the Hotel Podgorica, located right on the bank of the River Moraca, right opposite from Stara Varos. For those interested in religious architecture, there is the Monastery of Dajbabe, four kilometres south-west of Podgorica, off the Virpazar-Petrovac Road. The last, but certainly not the least of the landmarks of Podgorica, is the hill from which the city derives its name, Gorica. If you enjoy a nice walk in the evening or if you like jogging in the morning, then this is the place for you.
Montenegrins know how to throw some of the best parties in the region, but they’re laid-back with it. It’s a combination that makes for some of the friendliest and buzziest nightlife in Europe.Bar Skaline, Podgorica: Montenegro’s small capital city makes the most of the warm summer nights with a host of open-air clubs. This is one of the best, located at the confluence of two rivers, and has a real beach-bar feel, despite being inland. With some of the best parties around Gossip brings you all the top music in this prestigious multi functioning restaurant, café and lounge bar. Gossip is the epicentre of the social scene in Podgorica so get ready to hear some secrets. Dress to impress in the evenings as you enjoy the tunes from resident disk jockeys as well as frequent exhibits of photographs, paintings and sculptures. With the best entertainment in town on offer Gossip is the place to spend the night listening to the biggest dance music hits and great live bands.
Classically decorated with smart looking staff, this slick bar hosts many functions, exhibitions and even singles nights. With a taxi service luxuriously provided you can be sure to receive first class treatment, leaving you feeling like a star. Be the talk of town and spread some rumours of your own at Podgorica's most discussed club, Gossip. Buda Bar is one of the iconic places in Podgorica. During the day the venue functions as a modern cafeteria serving up some delicious coffees and soft drinks and is the popular choice for the young urban generation. Featuring an oversized golden statue of the deity the bar has a bright elegant interior decorated in an Indian style and two distinctive gardens that are perfect for lounging in the sun. Always popular due to being located near the park, Buda Bar's terrace is a hotspot for locals and their delicious sandwiches are a favourite choice for lunchtime diners. With a delectable menu available with a range from salads and pasta to some incredible looking desserts served in elegant glasses and filled with fresh fruit and cream you are sure to get your fill here. In the evenings local and regional big name DJs regularly feature to liven the mood and get the party going.
