Montenegro

Guide around Montenegro

Town-fortress Kotor is situated in the north-west of Montenegro, not far from Croatian Dubrovnik, in the south-west part of Boka Bay, at the foot of the mountain ridge Lovcen. The Bay of Kotor (Boka Bay, Italian Bocche di Cattaro) is one of the most butted into deep of the continent part of the Adriatic Sea. It consists of a few small bays, connected with each other with rather narrow straits, making together one of the best natural harbours of Europe. Because of unique mixture of different cultures, the Old town of Kotor and fortification around it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you can find the traces of various epochs: the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque.   Fortress around of old town Kotor.Fortress of Kotor is a beautiful example of medieval fortification, which includes: main, massive fortified wall, 16 meters wide, 20 meters in height and length - 4.5 km, which surrounds the Old Town of Kotor and rises to the top of the hill;. stone staircase leading to the bastion of St. Roko (Sv Roko) and the Church of Our Lady of Remedy (Gospa od zdravlja); the highest point of Kotor is the strengthening of Saint Ivan (bastione di San Giovanni - "Illyrian fort") on top of the mountain. The fortification wall was erected around the Old Town of Kotor from IX to XIX century so that the fortified ring protects the town against attack both from sea and from land. The main part of the walls which surrounded the town, was built in the XIII-XIV centuries in the time of Kotor (Cataro) was an outpost of the Venetian Republic in southern Dalmatia. Considering, that during almost all the time of the Venetian domination, Kotor and Bay of Kotor were a battlefield with the Ottoman Empire (whose tenure was a few hours away from the town walls), this period can be called the most dramatic in the history of the town.Until now one can get inside the town only through 3 entries:   Sea Gate - the main entrance to the center and the old town of Kotor, leading to the Armory Square; River Gate (northern) - entrance from the Shkurda river across a beautiful arch bridge (built in memory of the victory over the Turkish troops); Gurdich Gate (southern) - entrance on the Gurdich river (the only gate in Old Kotor, which are equipped with a drawbridge). It is not easy to get to Kotor from the River gate and Gurdicha gate, as the two rivers - Shkudra and Gurdich protect the town reliably. Historians write, that first, who build a fortress in this area in ancient times were Illyrians, from whom "Illyrian fort" remained (now - the fortress of St. Ivan) high on a hill. Those Romans, who came in the III century BC. erected hastily fortified bastions, then almost everyone who ruled here (Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks and others), rebuilt it or redesigned the construction on their own way. Of course, every period in the history remained the traces inside the fortress. But particularly active trade developed during the Venetians tenure of the towns of Boka Bay, under the flag of St. Mark. And, apparently, this is why the basic appearance of the town, which we see now, was formed precisely because of the influence of Venice. However, to inspect the entire fortress has been destined neither for citizens nor for tourists over for nearly five hundred years. Why? Because a large part of the fortress has not been available to the public from 1657. This is a very interesting story, in the truth of which is hard to believe, but it’s very tempting to believe – extremely beautiful it is.Image of Kotor in 1615, Henry de Beauvau During the Kandyan war between the Ottoman Empire and the Venetian Republic, in 1657, Kotor was besieged by Turkish troops, numbering 5,000 soldiers. The Turks were very persistent in striving to capture Kotor, as a control over it allowed you to control the whole Bay of Kotor. Residents of which closed themselves inside the fortress, closing with a key the only door leading outside (made, by the way, of the stone). The trouble was that in a burst of patriotism and as a sign, that none of them was going to give up, the key was thrown into the sea. Naturally, the Turks, despite repeated attempts, failed to take the bastion neither by storm nor by siege, and 2 months later they went away. And the townspeople remained at bay (in the full sense of the word). Fortunately, there was a source of water in the fortress (now "Well Karampana"), and rations to the fortress were bombarded by a catapult by Venetians returned to the bay. It took several years before an earthquake occurred in the town and destroyed half of the buildings. However, the walls of the fortress were strong and survived, and only a crack formed through which frightened people had to go outside. And once that happened, the crack was closed by the next push. That half of the bastion was not only inaccessible, but also closed to any attempt at penetration. Of course, they were made, but without any success. In honor of this victory, the citizens built another entrance to Kotor - River (north) gate of the town. But the Turks were not the only calamity threatening the city, fortress and people. No less they suffered from natural disasters, as well as from epidemics and earthquakes. So, in 1422, 1427, 1457, 1467 and 1572 the plague spread in the town. In addition, Kotor was exposed to earthquakes in 1537 and 1563, and it was almost completely destroyed by the great earthquake on 6 April, 1667, two-thirds of all buildings were destroyed, including the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon. For centuries, Kotor was an arena of fierce battles, and as a trophy passed from one country to another, was occupied by Austria-Hungary, as well as French, Italian and German troops. But, despite all this, it survived, and was released in November 1944 and became a part of revived Yugoslavia. Now the date of release (21.XI.1944) is carved in stone above the main gate of the Old Town of Kotor. At present, the walls are interesting because everyone can get up and walk around the perimeter of which at the roof level. The passages are in several places (you need to walk along the wall and look for the stairs).   The walls and the fortress of St. John (San Giovanni).St. John Fortress – most pictures of Kotor are made from its walls. This fortress was built during the Venetian and strengthened by Austro-Hungarians. She is so naturally blends with the landscape of the mountains, that in cloudy weather fortress walls are almost invisible. Today, available for sightseeing part of the fortress can be visited by paying only 3 €. There, at a height of 280 meters, leads a serpentine of 1,400 steps, sometimes unbroken, sometimes entirely destroyed, therefore, deciding to climb the mountain, you need to wear comfortable shoes, make sure to bring your camera and drinking water. Having gone there people say, that after 15 minutes of the way, a view over the red roofs of the old Kotor opems, and after another 15 minutes, over the sea and the bay, well, the most courageous and persistent, reaching the highest point (the observation deck with the Montenegrin flag), will see the south Kotor fjord of extraordinary beauty in all its glory. On the way you will also come across with the Chapel of Our Lady of Salvation. Almost 500 years ago (in 1572) it was built by locals in gratitude for the salvation from the plague. We do not know how true this story is, but since then the streets of the old town of Kotor is washed twice a day with soap and water to avoid a repeat of the tragedy. The bell tower of the chapel is an architectural dominant of Kotor.Fortress of Kotor is an absolute must see object in Montenegro.  

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Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

The Old town of Ulcinj is situated in the southern part of the Montenegrin coast and occupies a rather large area. It is well preserved and does not look like other ancient settlements of Montenegro: there is a peculiar atmosphere of the Middle Ages and surprisingly few people. You can get to the fortress through the gates located on the beach. To do this, you need to go along the embankment to the walls of the fortress and climb a small staircase.The fortress of Ulcinj is on a hill, therefore from here the magnificent panorama of a seaside part of a city burst upon the eye. The thickness of the fortress walls reaches 20 m, and in some places they are built by cyclopean masonry from large stones without gaps and fastening mortar. The fortress of Ulcinj has a rich history, and the proven facts are intertwined with fiction. For example, they say that at the end of the XVI century, after being captured by pirates for five years, famous Miguel de Cérantes lived here. Adherents of this theory connect the name of the heroine of his novel "Don Quixote" of Dulcinea del Toboso with the Venetian name of the city – Dulcigno. However, from the biography of the writer it is known that, having been taken into prison, he lived in Algeria.Walking along narrow streets to the northern part of the fortress, you will see the unique St. Mary's mosque-church, built in 1511. Initially it was a Catholic church. The oldest parts of this building are a door jamb and fragments of the western wall. From the Christian period, the Gothic rosette window above the main entrance and the edging of the archway have also been preserved. In some places under the limy coating of the facade you can see the remains of fresco painting of the 16th century. In 1693, the church was rebuilt into a mosque, one of the exits were immured, four windows were cut in the facade and a minaret was built. Today there is the Museum of Local Lore. Among its exhibits there is an antique pedestal for sculpture with a carved dedication of the ancient Greek goddess of hunting Artemis V-IV BC. e., medallion depicting Artemis in the helmet, tools of the Bronze Age era, fragments of the church of the IX century and other artifacts. In front of the mosque church there is the Slave Square. On it in the XVII-XVIII centuries there was the largest market of the slave trade - pirates from Malta, Algeria and Tunisia sold here "live goods." At the highest point, next to the museum, is the Citadel, which was an important defensive structure, as well as the Balsic Tower. The tower was built in the first half of the XV century and for a long time was the tallest building in Ulcinj. Its name was received on behalf of the Serbian dynasty Balsice - here was their summer residence. In the next two-story building, restored in the XX century there is the Ethnographic Museum. In its exposition there are objects of everyday life of almost all peoples who inhabited the surroundings of modern Ulcinj at different times: Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Albanians and Montenegrins. At the entrance there is a fountain with drinking water, built by the Turks in 1779 and it’s still functioning. The era of the Venetian Republic in Ulcinj is represented by only two palaces - the Chamber of Venice, built in the XV century as the residence of the governor, and the Balsic Yards of the XIV century. Now they are both converted into hotels, but the appearance has almost remained unchanged.In the evening the fortress is highlighted, and numerous cozy restaurants and cafes are waiting for their guests.   What to see in the vicinity of the city?  To the west of the Old Town is the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1890 on the site of a medieval monastery. This is a very quiet place, from where you can see a beautiful view of the fortress walls. Near the church there is a picturesque grove of mighty olives and an old cemetery. It is also recommended to explore the amazing shore of Ulcinj, riddled with small picturesque bays. This amazingly beautiful place is located to the east of the Small Beach, near the Hotel Albatros. You can get here by the road leading to the hotel, but not reaching it. From the "Albatross" along the coast through the forest there is a path that ends at the canal. Behind it the Great Beach begins - the main attraction of the Ulcin Riviera. And although to go 2 km to it, you will not regret, because along the way you can enjoy beautiful scenery and swim in the place you like.Lifehack: next to the beach hotel "Albatross" is the Women's Beach. It is believed that the local hydrogen sulphide source, volcanic sand and pine forest air create a special microclimate that has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system of women.  Hotels in Ulcinj  Hotels in Ulcinj are ready to offer their guests accommodation of different levels. Quite large is the choice of modest hotels, designed for unassuming travelers. But, regardless of the cost of living, hospitality and joy are waiting for the guests of all hotels. In the Old Town, too, there is where to live. The doors of many cafes, restaurants and bars are open almost around the clock: they all work "to the last client". The menu is usually based on local products, very fresh and tasty. As in other seaside towns, there are many restaurants offering a wide variety of seafood dishes.Picturesque, like almost all the coastal cities of Montenegro, Ulcinj has its own special face, its own special color. And the night illumination of streets in Ulcinj is considered the most bright and beautiful on all the coast.  

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Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

Moraca Monastery: the gem in the Montenegrin Mountains.Moraca Monastery (serb. Manastir Morača) is a Serbian orthodox monastery, located in the mountainous Moraca river-valley in the central part of Montenegro. It is one of the most monumental and the most significant monuments of medieval Serbian Orthodox not only in Montenegro, but also on the Balkans. The monastery belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church and is an active monastery of Montenegro and the Seaside diocese. Located in a picturesque setting on the banks of mountain canyon of Moraca river (in some places the canyon reaches the height of 1000 meters) in the municipality of Kolasin, the monastery is popular with pilgrims, numerous tourists who come here every day. And because of its close location near the highway, the visit of it includes in almost all the program of tourist routes and excursions. Monks do not mind all that - they generously share the beauty, tranquility and spirituality of this place, and even try to help the pilgrims as one as able. For example, in the territory of the monastery, you can find a free toilet, buy the monastery honey and rakija (Montenegrin brandy). History. Moraca monastery is one of the most unusual medieval monuments in Montenegro.Moraca monastery was founded in 1252 on the right bank of the river Moraca by Prince Stefan, the son of the great Serbian King Vukan II Nemanjic, who was later buried in the local church of the Assumption of the mother of God. According to legend, the complex was built with a special yellow stone, which was quarried far away from this place. Residents of the region lined up in the column of tens of kilometers long and passed stones from hand to hand to the construction site. Lifehack: still on the front, above the western portal there is an inscription indicating the year of construction - 1252. In the XVI century, with the invasion of the Ottoman soldiers who sought to wipe out reminders of other religions, the monastery was ruined and destructed: for military purposes, a lead roof was demolished, which resulted in the damage and loss of many original frescoes. In this regard, the monks had to leave the friary for a while. In 1574, the main church of the monastery was restored by a village chief Vukic Vuchetich, internal frescoes were re-painted in the 1577-78, and the outer temple painting was executed in 1616, by the artist George Mitrofanovich. Small church of St. Nicholas was rebuilt in 1639 and painted by renowned Kozma master. At the beginning of the XVIII century master Dimitriy painted the church of Our Lady of Assumption, and his son finished a large icon depicting the life of St. John the Baptist. The last layer of frescoes was completed by Kotor masters from Gylf school at the beginning of the XVIII century. In the XVIII century the monastery once again was attacked by the Turks and the monks were forced to fight with weapons in their hands. It is known that Archimandrite Mitrofan led the battle against the Turks and successfully repelled their attack, for which a gold medal for bravery was awarded. Later Mitrofan became a Metropolitan. From then onwards, the complex of Moraca continued to be restored, subjected to change, and its current copper roof, it got only in 1935. During its centuries-old existence Moraca monastery played a significant role in people's lives. It witnessed important historical events, like the recent, as well as the distant past. Here sentences were handed down, important decisions were made, books were copied and reading and writing were taught.The architecture of the monastery complex Moraca. The architectural complex of the Monastery Moraca includes: A large cathedral church of the Assumption of Our Lady (the Assembly); A Small church of St. Nicholas; Several buildings with monks' cells; Accommodations for travelers; Rich gardens and farms.  Here you will see an apiary, and sheep herds, turkeys and ducks - and all this against the background of beautiful nature and relaxing murmur of a mountain river, which rushes its emerald water somewhere below. The church is a typical example of religious architecture of the ancient Serbian state Rashka (the so-called "Raska style") with a noticeable influence of the Romanesque tradition. Both churches are made of stone and has a large hall, crowned by a single dome - nave. The external simplicity is offset by rich interior - frescoes and icons of the monastery is considered one of the finest examples of Serbian and Byzantine wall painting.1. The Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God - the Assembly.Church of the Assumption, which is one of the oldest buildings, built in the style of "Raska school" and modeled on the so-called "Zadužbina" - structures built on bequests for the salvation of souls bequeathed ("Zadužbina" - that is, "for the soul"). It is a large building with one room, a barrel vault, a semicircular gallery, choir and dome. Unlike churches of seaside style, the main temple of monastery Moraca is plastered. The main entrance is built of gray marble in the Romanesque style. The gray marble tiled the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God itself. The large ambo in front of the Holy Doors is made of multi-colored stone. In the dome over the ambo hangs a large Chandelier "Bogorodicino kolo", under which once people vowed during the trial, when it was impossible to gather evidence in another way. In the middle part of the church there is a stone sarcophagus - the tomb, where the churchwarden (headman) of the monastery - Prince Stefan is buried. The gem of the church is a double door at the entrance to the middle temple, decorated with ivory. A chair, a table and a cane, which, according to legend, belonged to the St. Sava were also decorated with it. These items are considered to be the most beautiful and the most complex and original samples of marquetry. In addition to architecture, paintings have particular importance – on one of the pictures you can see 11 scenes illustrating the life of the prophet Elijah, having preserved since the 13th century. It is interesting to note that these 11 murals are preserved only in fragments, and present the only known example of this cycle in a monumental medieval painting. The church is famous not only for its unique paintings, but the icons. The most important relics stored here, considered an icon of Saint Simeon and Saint Sava, works by the painter Cosmas, Cetinje Oktoikh (the first printed book of the South Slavs) and handwritten gospels of XV and XVI centuries. The church was partially destroyed in the XV century - fought with Orthodoxy Turks removed the roof and banned local residents to protect the icons and frescoes. For many years the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God stood without a roof, rain and snow got inside. This has caused catastrophic damage to many frescoes, paintings and icons, and now preserved, unfortunately, not as much as we would like. 2. The Church of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas Church was built in 1635 and also may boast a rich interior painting. It is much less than the Church of the Assumption of Mother of God and its architecture is not very similar to the actual church building: the length and width of it is 5 m and height about 8 m. It is said that during the Ottoman rule, it was very popular to build churches, which exterior were almost impossible to distinguish from ordinary houses. In such way Montenegrins tried to preserve their faith. Lifehack: There is another interesting story. During the Turkish yoke, the Lords of Montenegro, who were both rulers of the country, and its spiritual leaders personally went from one house to another, trying to persuade people not to renounce the faith. 3. Monastic buildings and cells. Monastic buildings and cells fit perfectly into the monastery and as if to form the outer wall. Unfortunately, tourists cannot get inside, but even outside they look very nice. On the territory of the monastery, you can also see: A small source of holy water. The water is very tasty and is considered curative. We recommend to take it on a bit for the future. the Monastery apiary, where the bees are working peacefully. The collected honey can be tasted and buught in a nearby shop on site. the Monastery belfry. It looks quite modest in reality, despite the fact that on the Internet you can find many beautiful pictures of the belfry, made from some particular perspective. The monastery complex also has a well-tended garden and a courtyard decorated with flowers and shrubs, where visitors can sit on a bench, enjoying the view of old buildings. Behind the walls of the monastery, a small café runs, where you can quench your thirst and take a breath in the shade of a canopy during hot summer days. Subsistence farming of the monastery is quite interesting - not in every zoo cite dweller can see rare species of feathered fowl, turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens, etc. Obviously, the monastery is self-contained and completely done without the benefits of modern civilization - the monks have a vegetable garden, pasture, apiary, breed chickens and sheep, growing grapes. The churchyard is surrounded by a high wall with two gates, which during the Balkan wars of the late XIX century was used as a fortification in the battles with the Turkish army. In honor of the defenders of the monastery, killed in its defense, there is a memorial plaque. Relics of the Moraca monastery. Moraca Monastery is one of the most famous medieval monuments of Montenegro, which has unique murals and icons, which are among the best examples of wall painting in the Balkans. As we have said, there are no special shrines in Moraca, but we will try to list some of them, that we know of: Hand of Holy Martyr Harlampy - the main shrine of the monastery. Consecrated by it olive oil take home the pilgrims from around the world. Oktoikh (vosmiglasnik) - the first printed book of the South Slavs. It was printed in Cyrillic in 1493. Apostle, printed by Ivan Fedorov (the first printed book in Russia), released only 70 years later. Manuscript Gospel and other unique documents are stored in the library of the monastery; Baptistery of marble; Nail, which according to legend, belonged to the St. Sava; Cross in altar made of walnut in the XVI century. In addition to the shrine in the monastery there are especially beautiful icons that are located next to the iconostasis. They are made by the greatest masters of the XVIII century, and an icon of St. Sava and the icon of St. Luke are considered the most valuable in the Balkans.Sightseeing near the Moraca monastery. Moraca Monastery is quite popular destination among tourists and pilgrims. The necessary minimal infrastructure is set up here for visitors: a small camping and a café. Near the monastery there are the objects that are worth a visit as you get to this region. On Mrtvitsa river near the area of Green vir (Green whirlpool) is preserved an old stone bridge built by Prince Danilo in memory of his mother. Near Kolasin the ruins of the Turkish powder depot have remained, protected by law. According to legend, on the orders of the Turkish, the architect, being an orthodox, built it... in the form of a cross. When the Turks found cheating, he was immediately killed. The building survived, but was never used for its intended purpose. Under the walls of the Moraca, the river of the same name rages fast, and on the east side of the monastery in its marvelous waters flows the Svetigora waterfall. In the immediate vicinity there is an attractive river canyon Mrtvitsa, the length of which is 9 km. Its depth sometimes reaches 1,100 meters, and the entire length of the canyon is carved with the wall path. Harsh, but at the same time wonderful nature - the perfect background for a significant cultural and historical monument. Moraca Church is one of the most important medieval Orthodox monuments in the Balkans.How to get to the Moraca monastery? In Montenegro, there are several options to get to the monastery: - To buy a tour in the city where you are resting. For example, at a travel agency or on the promenade of Budva, Petrovac, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, etc... You will be picked up early in the morning by a comfortable bus, and after the completion of the tour will be brought back. - To take a regular bus. During the season regular buses from different cities in Montenegro go to or by the Moraca monastery daily: from Podgorica (6 times a day), from Herceg Novi and Budva (3 times a day), from Bar, Virpazar and Sutomore (2 times a day) from Pljevlja (5 times a day). In addition, once a day to the Moraca monastery buses from Berane, Plav, Gusinje and Bijelo Polje go. You can also take any bus going along the route Podgorica - Kolasin, and ask the driver to stop at the Monastery ("Stanite kod Manastir Moraca, molim te").View the every-day schedule of buses in Montenegro here. - To drive your own or a renting car. The landmart of the monastery is a small town Kolasin (in winter a popular ski resort), from which the monastery is only 28 kilometers away on the E80 highway. If you are coming from the coast, your route will lie through the capital of Montenegro - Podgorica, and from it follow about 60 km by signs for Kolasin along the Moraca River. The road runs along the beautiful canyon Moraca, and along the way you will definitely make more than one stop to capture the breathtaking, panoramic views on camera or phone. On the way there are also brown signs "to Manastir Moraca". Soon, on the right you can easily see the black dome of the Church of the Assumption of Our Mother of God - the central structure within the monastery complex. Moraca Monastery is well visible from the road, and having come closer, you will see the mass of tourist buses, meaning that you have come to the right place. Mountain Monastery Moraca is one of the most beautiful churches in Montenegro. Yes, it is not stored such important Orthodox shrine as relics of St. Basil of Ostrog (Ostrog Monastery - Manastir Ostrog), or the Hand of St. John the Baptist (Cetinje monastery); the monastery is not visited by thousands of pilgrims of all faiths; Yes, it is not included in the list of the most important religious monuments in the world - but with all the above mentioned it is really worth coming, because it is here you can find spiritual peace, appeasement from pleasant silence and enjoy the genuine beauty of the surrounding nature.  

Administration, Way to Montemegro

Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

Niagara is one of the loudest waterfalls in Montenegro. Local people named it after American Niagara waterfall. In contrast to its famous namesake, Montenegrin "Niagara" is much smaller, but quite broad, beautiful and fast (especially when flood), located in an easily accessible place for any local person or tourist. In fact, this "reduction" of Niagara waterfall makes good on Montenegrin nature. The waterfall is located not far away from Podgorica, in a few kilometers from Cem river (Cijevna) flows into Morača river. Cem river originates in Prokletije, Albania, flows into Morača river and continues its way in Skadar lake. Cem is a small river, its depth does not exceed 10 meters. Though the decision was taken to build a dam, which created waterfall. The dam was built to the south of Podgorica and a small water storage reservoir was created. Overflowing the dam, water falls from 10 meters height. After a while, water has made its way through the rocks and created one main waterfall and some smaller side waterfalls. When Cem river starts flowing from both sides, waterfall provides the bright impression during snow melting or heavy rain. You can enjoy this view sitting on the bench or at the restaurant located near waterfall. By the way, the restaurant creates an additional attractiveness as a tourist spot. The restaurant is designed in country style. Here you can try fresh caught fish and many delicious local dishes.  

Administration, Way to Montemegro

Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

Bukumirsko Lake is one of the legendary lakes in Montenegro. It is surrounded by the mountains and located 1443m above sea level. There are some legends about this lake. One of the legends goes about fabulous dragons living there and protecting the lake from ancient people. One says in Montenegro "Water brings happiness". This legend is closely connected with the lake. Long ago, a traveler passing by, stopped to look for a spring to quench his thirst. But he had never found water. And then, he exclaimed: "If the God could provide me possibility to drink some water, I would gain strength and make my way". At that moment water started flowing out of rocks and filled the whole valley. It is not very big, but quite deep 17m, the depth is 210m and the width is 130m. The water is transparent and you may see water-lily on the surface. Here you can swim, fix a camp on the shore next to reed thicket and enjoy the mountains, bright starts above and listen to the stories about the lake all night. Tritorus montenegrinus is a unique endemic lizard triton living near the lake. It is believed that it is a descendant of the fabulous dragons lived in this lake. Formerly the lake was inhabited by Bukumirsko tribes, non Slavic nation arrived from Romania. They had on their mind to eliminate the dragons. So the fire was set up near the rocks. They threw huge fire stones into the lake. In return, dragons cursed the tribe as a punishment for their unwillingness to live in harmony with the nature. The legend says, that the curse came true and the tribe disappeared by mixing with other nations, just the name of the lake was left. Today Bukumirsko Lake becomes a popular place for visiting. There are electricity, guest houses and motel. Probably, numerous tourists will destroy the charm of the lake, but more people can enjoy this beautiful place. You can get here by an asphalted road from Podgorica.

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Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

Church Gospe od Shkrpjela is located on the island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Skrpjela) in the Boka Bay near Perast.  

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Guide around Montenegro

Grahovsko lake is located in the south-western part of Niksic town-council near Grahovo town. An artificial lake created for agricultural needs, as well as for sports, leisure and fishing. This small lake is practically unknown to the tourists. It can boast with almost ideal natural conditions, such as water, sun and lush vegetation

Administration, Way to Montemegro

Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

Bielo Pole (translated as "White Field") is a city with a population of 16,000 inhabitants, located in the north-eastern part of Montenegro, in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Lim and Lesnica mountain rivers, near the Bihor mountain at an altitude of 550 m above sea level. In the spring, a large chamomile field blossoms out in the district of the city and because of this the city looks like a huge white field, thanks to this amazing phenomenon the city acquired such a beautiful and unusual name.   History of the city Settlement on this territory was founded in the Neolithic era, which is confirmed by many archaeological finds. Here lived the Illyrians, and later the Romans. One of the proofs of this are Roman tombstones (2-3 centuries BC) near the city in a cemetery near the Church of the Blessed Virgin. Bijelo Polje (Akova) in the medieval period was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, as well as many cities in Montenegro. After the final expulsion of Turks in 1912, Bijelo Polje became a Montenegrin city. In the Middle Ages on this land the Turks dominated and the settlement was called Akov. But in 1912 they were expelled, the city received a new name and became part of modern Montenegro. By the standards of the country, Bijelo Polje is a fairly large settlement, almost 20 thousand people live in it.   City Sights The area, in which the city was built, itself is already a natural landmark. Here are stunning views and landscapes. Tourists come here not only from abroad, Montenegrins themselves are eager to see the local beauties. Among the architectural sights the Gushmir Mosque, erected by the Turks during the Ottoman rule is worth mentioning. The mosque is located in the center of Bijelo-Polje near the park named after Risto Ratkovic. The city (or Yusuf) mosque was built in 1741, during the Turkish occupation of this area. It received its name in honor of Imam Hafiz Mustafa Gushmirovich, whose tomb is today in the courtyard of the mosque. And though after the liberation of Montenegro at the end of the XIX century the Turkish troops left this land, the locals kept their Muslim temple until the present time. Although during the long history mosque in Bijelo Polje underwent several renovations and restorations which to some degree have changed its original appearance, it is a valuable cultural monument, placed under the protection of the Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage of Montenegro. An important Montenegrin-Serbian spiritual center, which for many years played an important unifying role in the north of Montenegro, is undoubtedly the Church of the Holy Apostles of Peter and Paul. The church is located in the center of the city on the street of Prince Miroslav. In this temple, one of the oldest written monuments of Serbian Orthodox culture, the Miroslav Gospel, was created. At one time the center of the Diocese of Hum and Lim was located in the church, until the region fell under the onslaught of the Ottoman Empire. The church was built in the typical style of Serbian architecture of that time, the style of Raska - a combination of Romanesque and Byzantine heritage: the cruciform in its basement has one nave with a dome and a rectangular apse, the walls were erected from a brown carved stone, and the arched entrance from the west is already made in Romanesque style. For a long history the temple was repeatedly reconstructed and expanded. During the reign of King Uros I on the western side of the church, two tall 28-meter high bell towers and a vaulted porch between them were built - a typical Raska element of the temple construction. The porches from the north and south sides are the changes of the times of King Milutin (1317-1321). With the Turks at the end of the 17th century, the Fethija Mosque was built on the basis of the church, and one of the bell towers was destroyed, but after the expulsion of the Ottoman Empire in 1912, the Orthodox church was rebuilt here again, it happened in 1922.The Nikolaevkaya church, built on the site of the modern Bijelo Polje in the era of Nemanici, gave its name not only to the monastery, but also to some other objects - the neighboring bazaar was nicknamed the Nikolsky market, and the residential district in the city to this day bears the name remaining from Villages of Nicolac. The monastery is in Bijelo Polje in the district of Nicolac. The monastery also became famous as a center for copying hand-written church books, a local school of copyists brought up many monks who later dispersed in other monasteries. And in the era of the desolation of many Orthodox monasteries in the north of Montenegro in the 17th and 18th centuries, which was caused by Turkish dominance in this territory, the Nikolsky Monastery became a place of preserving valuable books, manuscripts and liturgical objects from the closing monasteries throughout the nearest district. At the moment the monastery library has 84 manuscripts and 97 printed books, among which there is a particularly valuable Gospel of the end of the XVIII century, written on parchment. In the XX century the monastery gradually turned into an ordinary parish church, but today it is completely renewed and is an active male monastic abode of the Budimlian-Nikshich Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.   What to see in the vicinity? Bijelo polje is a popular place among speleologists. Great impression on the visitors make Novakovic caves, cave Dzhalovicha (say it can compete in beauty with the famous Slovenian Postojna pit), and the cave Osoya. All of them are well researched and examined. 25 kilometers from Bijelo Polje there is the cave of Djalovicha, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and large in Europe. Dinar highlands is referred to the youngest mountain species - to the Alpine folding; Its geological age is no more than 65 million years. It is known that the process of mountain building in the regions of Montenegro has not been completed so far. In the rocky depths of nature created and continues to create unique beauty and scale of the cave with the giant halls, rivers and lakes. For example, some of the arches of the cave of Djalovich reach a height of 30 meters.Lifehack: tours to the cave are included in the category of adventure tourism, and therefore, the descent allowed only for experienced speliologists, well prepared physically and psychologically. You can see about 2.5 kilometers of the cave today. The excursion is long in duration, the inspection of only the cave after the descent takes about 4 hours, the climb up can take 2 hours. In the vicinity of the city there are several thermal springs, and for the healing water of the source Kiseljak people from other cities of the country come here specially.Fans of mountain skiing are also frequent guests in Bijelo Polje. The 300-meter-long track was opened not so long ago at an altitude of 930 m above sea level on the slope Zavratica-Majstorovina. In the plans - the opening of tracks for snowboarding. Every year in August, you can get to the International Festival of tamburinovy orchestras, which brings groups from all over Europe, and they tirelessly playing their music in the streets and squares. Although the festival lasts only one day, it does not end with the onset of darkness: after the official program of orchestras gather public into various cafes and restaurants, and set the night on fire! Visiting the neighborhood of the city, you will be able to continue acquaintance with the history and architecture of the region. Here you will find: an ancient stone bridge on the river Bistrica in village Lozno Luka, Monastery Voljavats with Stretensky Church of the XIII century (monastery is located in the municipality of Bijelo Polje near the village Voljavats, where the river Bistrica flows into the Lim one), Majstorovina monastery with an old church of the Holy Trinity. Today's city is a large and modern settlement, the main economic sphere of which is tourism. Several roads run to Bijelo Polje, there is also a railway station along the Bar-Belgrade line, so it's no problem to get there. You can also take a bus. Staying in Bijelo Polje for a while will not be difficult - you can easily rent a flat, an apartment or a room.The town and its suburbs have numerous historical and cultural monuments:   Gushmirskaya mosque in Bijelo Polje, erected by the Turks during the Ottoman rule. The oldest stone bridge on the Bistrica river in the village Lozna Luka. Mineral and thermal healing springs, from which the water "Bijela Rada" is produced. Blishkova monastery with a temple dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Volyavats Monastery with Candlemas Church of the XIII century. Maystorovina monastery with an old church of the Holy Trinity. Nikolyats monastery, which library holds many valuable books and manuscripts. Podvrh Monastery, located at the source of the River Bistrica. Monastery Samograd, that origin dates back to the early Christian era. Caves of Dzhalovich, Novakovic and Osoya attract speleo tourists from over the world. The Church of St. John in the Creek. The Church of St. Thomas in Brzave. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Bijelo Polje, place of creation "Miroslavsko gospel." Bijelo Polje is a promising, dynamically developing tourist center of Montenegro. There is everything that attracts guests: amazing nature, clean mountain air, healing water, interesting sights and fascinating cultural events.    

Administration, Way to Montemegro

Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504

Guide around Montenegro

There are more than 14 offshore islands in Montenegro, and, in addition, small islands on Skadar Lake and in the Bay of Kotor. Each of these islands is beautiful and does not look like the others - and here are rocky islands and the islands with golden beaches, the island with dense vegetation and ancient fortresses.Katic and Holy Sunday Islands (Montenegrin - Svete Nedelje) are amazing, compact and rocky islands in the bay of Petrovac, which are located very close to each other. They are located near the tourist town of Petrovac, opposite the city beach - distance from the coastline is only one kilometer. Every tourist, visiting the town of Petrovac, has a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscape, boundless expanse of the Adriatic Sea and given islands.Katic and Holy Sunday Islands in Petrovac are almost perpendicular to the coastline, and if you look at them from the city beach, then one island covers another one. But if you go to the edge of the town of Petrovac, to one of the distant beaches, the islands of Holy Sunday and Katic will appear before you in all their glory.How to get to the island? To reach the islands one can only by water. At the city beach, or on the pier you can rent a boat, a cutter, a kayak or catamaran and reach the islands on your own or with the help of a guide. But some experienced swimmers and daredevils get to the island by swimming (remember that there is 1 km from the coast to the islands).  During the trip, you can forget about the everyday hustle and leisure, enjoy the tranquility, great views of beautiful nature, clean air and wonderful atmosphere.Why are the islands so attractive? Without a doubt, Petrovac and its surrounding islands of Katic and Holy Sunday are one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. But not only because of this fact, the islands could become a well-known even outside Montenegro.Holy Sunday Island is one of the most interesting islands in the world, which is certainly remembered by everyone who ever saw him alive. Residents of the town of Petrovac tell an interesting legend about the island of Holy Sunday and the church of the same name on it.Long ago, there was a strong storm in the that destroyed a ship and crew. Only a few sailors miraculously survived and were able to find refuge on the small stone island. As a sign of gratitude to the Lord for their salvation in the storm, they built a small church (chapel) on this place. Shipwreck happened on Sunday (in Montenegrin word sounds like "nedelja"), respectively, and the church was called Svete Nedelje (Holy Sunday). At present, the locals believe that the church and the island of Holy Week protect each sailor in these places.  An earthquake in the second half of the XX century, destroyed many architectural sights not only in Petrovac, but around the whole Montenegro, and it didn’t spare the little church either, and now it is dilapidated. But despite this, in chapel the bells still can be rung, and the church is illuminated at night and looks simply amazing.Katic Island is a small, rocky and uninhabited areas of land. Despite this, a few pines still managed to adapt to the difficult conditions of existence on Katic. There is also a beacon pointing the way to mariners. Take a chance to walk on the islands of Katic and Holy Sunday, enjoying beautiful scenery, tranquility and time to spend alone with the closest people, because such a possibility happens quite rarely nowadays. Get convinced, that all this splendor and diversity will charge you only with positive emotions and give a true delight and admiration of what you see.  

Administration, Way to Montemegro

Way to Montenegro Estonia, Harju maakond, Kuusalu vald, Pudisoo küla, Männimäe, 74626 +3727120504