OLD CLOCK TOWER OF PODGORICA CALLED “SAHAT KULA”

 

One of older symbols of the city. The finest example of architecture from the Turkish period is certainly the Sahat kula(Clock Tower).

It still dominates the area of Stara Varoš with its height (16 m). It was built in the 18th century by Hafis Pasha.

Extremely significant examples of oriental architecture, which form and primary purpose slightly changed over time, are the mosques of Osmanagic and Glavatovic, then the old Hamam, later turned into a public bathroom, and today is below the newly built bridge over the river Ribnica (Banja -Spa), and finally Turkish jail, and then the Montenegrin state prison, which was named Jusovaca after Podgorica`s recluse, Jusa Mucin Krnic.

 

LOCATION OF PODGORICA With a population of 170,000, Podgorica is the largest city in Montenegro and it is also the capital of the country. Situated close to Central Montenegro, the area is crossed with several rivers: theMoraca and Ribnica rivers flow through the city itself, while the Zeta, Sitnica, Mareza and Cijevnarivers flow nearby.

Podgorica is one of the inland gems of the darling little country of Montenegro. It grew as a settlement thanks to an advantageous geographical position where significant rivers and natural routes converged. As the capital city, it is certainly the most important commercial and cultural hub of the country.

Not big enough to hold your attention for a week, the city can most definitely captivate you for a day a two, and thanks to its location, it makes a good base for touring Montenegro. In summer, it is close enough to get to the beautiful Adriatic beaches, and in winter, the snow field playgrounds are within easy reach.

A picturesque cypress-covered hill overlooks the city, which like all the settlements in this region of Europe bears the marks of conquest after conquest. Visitors can spot the influences and indelible impressions left by Romans, Greeks, Turks and Venetian, as well as the communist footprints of Tito. (Indeed the town once bore the name Titograd). Sadly, much went to ruin in periods of conflict, most notably WWII, but the remains and ruins are interesting for culture vultures.

The Old Town - Stara Varos - is magnetic. It draws visitors into its narrow winding streets, where a Turkish influence dominates, with 2 mosques and an Ottoman style clock tower. The New Town sits on the opposite bank of the Ribnica River, and is more distinctly European in flavor. Thankfully, the old grey slab communist-bloc buildings, mainly seen on the right bank of the Monaca River are gradually being replaced by modern edifices of concrete steel and glass, with the cramped areas being opened up with beautifully manicured parks and gardens. The multitude of waterways in Podgorica has given rise to some great examples of bridges, from the ancient Blažo Jovanović Bridge to the Millennium Bridge.

Recognized as being culturally significant, Podgorica as the capital, is naturally home to a number of Montenegrin institutions. The National Theater is based here, and the City Theater is also home to a children's theater and a puppet theater. There some noteworthy museums including the City Museum, the Archeological Research Center, Museum of Natural History and the History of Marko Milijanov.

Significant buildings in the city hold some impressive works of art in their galleries including the Dvorac Petrovica, the castle of King Nickola, and the castle chapel. Other interesting buildings are the Christ's Resurrection Church and St. George's Church. Most tourists also enjoy a visit to the Skaline and its old Turkish Bridge.

The most pleasant side of Podgorica is its laid back Mediterranean cafe culture. The entertainment hub is centered in and around the pedestrian street Hercegovacka, and the squares Rimski Trg and Trg Republike, and city life truly congregates here. Shop by day and enjoy refreshments in sidewalk cafes and bistros. By night, feast in restaurants with affordable but quality menus, and join in the merriment of lively bars and clubs.