Niksic

The city of Niksic is located in the central part of the country at the foot of Mount Trebjes, 50 km from Podgorica. There are many roads leading from the coast to the heart of the country. Through the city goes a road connecting Podgorica with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The surrounding area is no less beautiful than the highlands of Montenegro - there are also lakes here (Krupac, Slano, Liverovici), monumental mountains towers up (the height of Niksic itself is 630 m above sea level), and the Zeta River flows past.

History of the city.

Niksic was founded by the Romans as a fortified military camp in the IV century BC on the site of the old Gothic settlement at the intersection of important roads. Then it bore the name Anagastum. Slavs who came to this region in the Middle Ages, changed the Roman name of the city to Onogosht. After the Ottoman conquest, the Turks once again took over the city - then it became known as Nikshic, and there the Turkish fortress was rebuilt. Gradually, the inhabitants became cramped within the fortress walls and they moved to the valley, where later the main city appeared.

Turkish rule ceased in 1877, when Nikshic was liberated by the army of Nikola I Petrovic Njegos, the expulsion of the Ottoman Empire gave a new impetus to the development of the city - the rapid construction began there, the population began to grow. Most buildings of this period of development are associated with the name of architect Josip Slade, for example, he built the Cathedral of Basil of Ostrog, the palace of Nikola Petrovic Negos, the Royal Bridge, several parks and many other objects.

In 1883, a plan of the development of Niksic was drawn up, which began to be implemented by the architect and town planner Josip Slade of Trogir. The first three decades after drawing up the plan are characterized by the explosive growth of urban production and trade, the establishment of various cultural and educational organizations in the city. By 1900, various attractions were built in Niksic: the Orthodox Church of St. Basil, the Royal Palace, the main city square with six streets that diverged from it, several parks.
After the Second World War, the city was renovated and reconstructed. Niksic grew tenfold and became one of the important industrial centers of Montenegro.

Niksic is the second largest industrial center in Montenegro after Podgorica. Here are located the metallurgical plant "Niksicka Zeljezara", a bauxite mine, a brewery "Niksicka Pivara" and other large enterprises. The wars of the break-up of Yugoslavia passed Montenegro, but left the Nikšić factories without suppliers and markets, which caused a complete decline in production, which lasted until the end of the 1990s. Many enterprises of the city were closed, others fell into decay. The business life of Niksic began to recover only at the beginning of the new millennium. The surviving plants were privatized and have now adapted to the new conditions. However, these enterprises cannot employ as many workers as they were employed in times of socialist Yugoslavia. Therefore, the city's economy is gradually transformed into economy of service. Well-being of the city is held at three large enterprises: the metallurgical plant, the bauxite mine and the brewery "Trebjesa", which produces the popular beer "Nikšičko", which is sold throughout Montenegro and the region.

Sights

There are several interesting sights in the city that you need to visit. It is worth starting from the central square, where the streets run to the north and east, and thus form a "web". Not far from the square there is the palace-museum of Nikola I Petrovic Njegos in the Renaissance style, in which now there is a museum of local folklore, the city park and the Freedom Square.

Lovers of historical monuments can also see the ancient Turkish fortress Bedem at the entrance to the city.

The fortress was built by the Turks in the 18th century after the conquest of the Slavonic Onogost. They surrounded by the fortress walls only the upper city, where the Ottoman administration was located, while the lower part of the settlement, populated by artisans, was outside the fortification and had its own defense system. The fortress was always the site of battles for the city during numerous wars, the last battle near the walls of the bastion occurred in 1878, when Niksic was liberated by Montenegrin prince Nikola I.

Be sure to visit the church of St. Basil of Ostrog, which was built in the 19th century. The Church of St. Basil keeps a memory of the heroes of Montenegro who gave their lives for her freedom. The temple is beautiful itself, and even better it makes a park, laid out. This architectural ensemble is called Saborn.

Visit the bridges on the Mostanica River, Royal and Vukov. The Royal bridge is considered one of the most beautiful bridge structures in the country. It belongs to the creative heritage of the famous architect Josip Slade and was built at the end of the XIX century on the money of the Russian Emperor Alexander III, in honor of which he received his "royal" name. The bridge is located at the exit from Niksic along the route of the old road to Podgorica and goes over the Pandurica River. The stone structure has a length of about 269 m, the embankment on either side of the bridge extends almost 600 m long. The bridge consists of 18 arches, the maximum height of the span is 13 m. A small pedestrian bridge is located in the lower part of the structure in the area above the Pandurica River.

In the middle of Niksic cemetery you can find the oldest church in the district, which bears the names of St. Peter and Paul, which is a rather rare name among the numerous Montenegrin temples. According to legend, this church belongs to the IX century, and once Saint Sava served there - the first patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The church is located in the center of Niksic in the city cemetery and not far from the cathedral of Basil of Ostrog.
Among other things, the ancient Turkish mosque Hadi-Smailov is perfectly preserved here, and in the immediate vicinity of the city an ancient human settlement was discovered - the Red Rock (Crvena stijena).

The city hosts numerous international festivals, such as the International Festival of Actors, the International Chamber Music Festival and the International Guitar Festival. At the end of summer there are the famous "September Days" in Montenegro, during which theatrical and cinema nights, meetings with local poets and writers, various exhibitions are organized.

What to see in the vicinity of the city?

Niksic is waiting for lovers of skiing with a little experience. On the slope of Krnov, near the canyon of the river Komarnica, less than 20 km from the city is the ski center Vučje. At the disposal of holidaymakers - 4 tracks (their total length is about 3 km) and three ski lifts. Slopes are gentle, which is convenient and safe for the development of mountain skiing.

For those who are interested in the history of Orthodoxy, we advise to visit the monastery Zupa. The history of the creation of the monastery is full of unexpected turns and drama. Legend has it that it was originally erected on the right bank of the Gracanica River, but was soon destroyed by a devastating rockfall. The monastery was restored, but history repeated itself. Then the locals dismantled the remains of the monastery literally by brick and moved the construction to the other side of the river. But - again a failure - it was burned by the Turks. And only at the end of the XIX century the monastery was rebuilt in the form that it now has.

In the vicinity of the city in 1960 the Perucica hydroelectric power station was built here, which contributed to the formation of three artificial lakes: Krupac, Slano and Vrtac. These lakes so organically blended into the natural landscape and are beautiful, which gradually became the favorite recreation places for residents. Many people say that this is the best place for walking in the vicinity - Krupac Lake. It is located 5-6 km from the city, and here you can see many interesting things. The lake is full of fish, and in summer there are often competitions of anglers. And if you are not a fan of spending time with a fishing rod, equipped beach and promenade are at your service.

How to get to the city?

Niksic is connected with Podgorica by a two-lane highway E762. Podgorica Airport is 70 km away. Also from Niksic the roads through Shavnik to Zabljak and via Trebinje to Bosnia (with a branch to Risan and Kotor Bay) go. The budget way of transportation will be the bus. But it is also possible to take a taxi. The most convenient variant of the journey will be a rented car.

Food and accommodation.

Niksic is as hospitable as other cities in Montenegro. You can find and choose for yourself any type of accommodation during your holiday: rent a private apartment, book a room in a hotel / inn, or rent a villa or a private house. You can choose the suitable accommodation on the page of our partner - the company Booking.

The cuisine in cafes and restaurants is traditionally European and Montenegrin. In Niksic, as in any major city, there is everything from shops to bars and night discos. For everyone who likes a foam drink, it will be a special pleasure to be in the city, as there is a beer factory producing brands of various kinds of beer "Niksicko", popular in Montenegro.