Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is located in the central part of the country, between the Dinaric Alps and Lake Skadar. The city combines Slavic and Ottoman traditions with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Although Podgorica’s historical appearance was severely damaged during World War II, it was restored and today offers an interesting blend of architecture and culture.
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica
One of Podgorica’s most significant landmarks is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. This Serbian Orthodox Church cathedral, built between 1993 and 2013, impresses with its architecture and interior design. The church is adorned with frescoes and mosaics that reflect the region’s rich Orthodox tradition.
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica is the largest Orthodox church in Montenegro. It represents a unique combination of traditional Byzantine style and modern architectural solutions. The church covers an area of 1,270 m² and has a height of 41.5 meters. It houses 17 bells cast in Russia, one of which weighs more than 11 tons, making it the largest bell in the Balkans.
A particularly striking feature is its massive stone walls, with the foundation laid from thick, rough-cut stones. As the walls rise, the stones gradually become smoother and more refined, creating an impression of antiquity and monumentality.
The church’s interior decor is equally impressive. The central piece is a huge chandelier (choros), manufactured in Lviv. It weighs over 1,200 kg and has a diameter of 9 meters, making it one of the largest in Europe. The chandelier decorates the cathedral’s central dome, emphasizing the grandeur and beauty of the church’s interior.
The church is also adorned with stone carvings, frescoes, icons, and mosaics, creating a unique atmosphere. The chandelier and lighting elements were made in Ukraine, the fresco “The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and All the Nations of the Earth” was created in Belarus, and the silver royal doors were carved by Romanian craftsmen.
The Cathedral left a strong impression. I continue to be amazed by the fact that in Montenegro, churches have a separate space for candles. In this church, the designated area is quite large and is located underneath the main structure.
Itaka Library Bar
Itaka Library Bar is located in a historic building in the center of Podgorica, which has a rich and diverse history. Originally, the site housed a Turkish women’s bathhouse (hammam), giving the building special significance in the city’s culture.
In the post-war years, the building was repurposed for various uses, serving as a medical center, art gallery, and café. In the early 21st century, a bridge was built above the building, adding to its uniqueness and making it a prominent part of the city’s infrastructure.
Today, Itaka Library Bar is a unique space that combines elements of culture, sustainability, and nature preservation. The bar promotes the art of living, the beauty of existence, and love as the foundation of everything.
The bar’s interior has preserved the building’s historical features, creating a special atmosphere for visitors. Located on the banks of the Ribnica River, the bar offers additional charm, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views and a pleasant setting.
Overall, this bar left only positive impressions.
Academy of Beer – A Craft Brewery in the Heart of Podgorica
We also visited Academy of Beer, a pub known for its wide variety of beers and cozy atmosphere, making it a popular spot among both locals and tourists.
Academy of Beer is a craft brewery with its own bar-restaurant, located in the center of Podgorica. It offers several beer varieties, including IPAs, lagers, and seasonal specialties. Visitors often praise the high quality of the beer and the delicious food. The interior combines elements of a traditional pub with a modern brewery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for relaxation.
The brewery actively engages with customers through social media, providing updates on new beer varieties and special events. This makes Academy of Beer a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for a unique craft beer experience in Podgorica.
However, here are some downsides of this place:
- Very inattentive waiters – tables were left dirty, and they refused to issue individual receipts for group orders.
- Lack of an informative menu – the menu is only available digitally via QR code, many items were out of stock (including several beers), and there was no description of the beers.
- And the “cherry on top” – entry to the restroom requires a PIN code, which, of course, you first have to find out and then remember.
Final Thoughts on Podgorica
Visiting the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and the Academy of Beer allowed us to experience the spirit of Podgorica, where history and culture intertwine with modern pleasures.
The weather that day was overcast, with rain threatening to start at any moment. Eventually, it did start around 7 PM, just as we were getting ready to return to Bar.
After a day full of cultural experiences and a hearty meal, we finally headed to the place we came to Podgorica for – a local board game club.
As expected, the club was empty, but it had a large selection of board games and souvenirs. Naturally, most of the games were in Serbian, but there were also some in English. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to play “Eksplozivni Mačići” (Exploding Kittens in Russian).
We met MTG (Magic: The Gathering) players from Podgorica and played a few rounds with them.
Our mission was complete, and we headed back to the train station. There were still many exciting things waiting for us back in Bar that evening.
