Stara Varoš

Podgorica


Podgorica's oldest neighbourhood retains traces of the 400 years in which it was the centre of a bustling Ottoman Turkish town. The blocky clock tower overlooking the square was useful for signalling Muslim prayer times. In the maze of streets behind it, two mosques remain. You wouldn't know to look at it, but the Starodoganjska Mosque has its origins in the 15th century. More impressive is the 18th-century Osmanagić Mosque, which Turkish donations have helped to restore.

At the confluence of the two rivers is the ruin of the Ribnica Fortress, built by the Ottomans after their conquest in 1474. The best-preserved element is a little arched bridge crossing the Ribnica.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Podgorica attractions

1. Clock Tower

0.07 MILES

This blocky clock tower, overlooking the Stara Varoš square, was useful for signalling Muslim prayer times during the Ottoman era.

2. Natural History Museum of Montenegro

0.07 MILES

This small but well set-up museum has informative displays of Montenegrin flora, fauna and fossils, including all the taxidermied birds, bears and baying…

3. Starodoganjska Mosque

0.09 MILES

You wouldn't know to look at it, but this unassuming-looking mosque has its origins in the 15th century. It's been renovated countless times, which…

4. Osmanagić Mosque

0.12 MILES

Of the two mosques within Stara Varoš, this one dating from the 18th century is the most impressive. It was beautifully restored (via Turkish donations)…

5. Ribnica Fortress

0.18 MILES

The ruin of this 15th-century Ottoman-built fortress guards the confluence of Podgorica's two rivers. Its best-preserved element is a little arched bridge…

6. Beach

0.19 MILES

The rocky Morača riverbank off Stara Varoš serves as Podgorica's main beach, complete with a summertime bar, deckchairs and sun umbrellas. It's a far cry…

7. Nikola I Statue

0.21 MILES

A large equestrian statue of Nikola I struts grandly at the head of a lovely park with manicured hedges and mature trees.

8. King's Park

0.23 MILES

Rejuvenated in 2013 with Azerbaijani money, this leafy riverside park is one of Podgorica's nicest, and has a great kids' playground.

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