A Path To History - The Old Ribnica Bridge & Nemanjin Grad, Montenegro

The one thing I truly love about traveling to a new country is wandering about and stumbling upon history.

My boyfriend @joshsigurdson and I left our home country to spend some time overseas. We are currently in Podgorica, Montenegro. Apparently, it's dubbed the most boring city in the world but I have to disagree.

While wandering the cobblestone streets, we stumbled upon a park. A park that guided us down some old stairs to a bridge which brought us to the remains of a fortress.

Ribnica bridge, Podgorica

An old set of stairs leading to the bridge.

The Old Ribnica Bridge is the oldest bridge in Podgorica. Construction of the ottoman-style bridge began during ancient times when the Romans ruled the area. A major reconstruction of the bridge happened during the 18th century.

Side view of the bridge.

The Ribnica fortress was built during the late 15th century, somewhere around 1477 when the Ottomans ruled. Found in the Stara Varoš neighborhood, where my current living space is located, this fortress was built above the Ribnica and Morača rivers at the point where they meet. It was one of the two only fortresses that surrounded the neighborhood.

Over the bridge to the fortress.

Fortress walls.
Well.. what's left

Fortress walls.

Large parts of the interior and exterior have been destroyed. It once served as an ammunition warehouse and was severely damaged in 1878 when a thunder strike set off an explosion.

A large hole in one of the walls. What's inside?

This little resident of the fortress enjoying a little snack.

Rumor has it that the fortress is actually from the 12th century, according to the leaders of the Serbian Orthodox Church. They say it's the birthplace of the founding father of the Nemanjić dynasty, Stefan Nemanja which is why the fortress has also been dubbed Nemanjin Grad.

It was very exciting finding this gem! I love discovering ancient landmarks while walking about. And, it's even more exciting when you weren't looking for it!

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