Bridges in the Balkan region have always played a very important role as connectors between different cultures. The cultural and historical significance of bridges in this region is immortalised in literature, most famously by Nobel Prize–winning author Ivo Andrić, whose novel The Bridge on the Drina portrays the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge (in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not far from Montenegro) as both a physical link and a metaphor for the complex human connections that define Balkan history. Let’s list a few remarkable bridges located in Montenegro.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
You can see Đurđevića Tara Bridge together with breathtaking Tara Canyon during your visit to Durmitor National Park. This is a concrete arch bridge in northern Montenegro, across the river Tara.
The bridge was built between 1937 and 1940 in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It was the biggest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe at the time of its construction. Its length is 365 meters, with 5 arches.
During World War II, this part of Montenegro was occupied by Italian forces. Halting the advance of Italians, Yugoslav partisans, with the help of one of the bridge engineers, Lazar Jauković, blew up one of the arches of the bridge. These events were depicted in the 1969 Yugoslav film The Bridge.
The bridge was rebuilt in 1946, after the end of World War II.
Old Ribnica River Bridge, Podgorica
This is the oldest bridge in the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica. Located near the confluence of Ribnica and Morača rivers, it is a hidden, quiet, romantic place in the very centre of Podgorica. Initially, it was built during Roman rule. But what you see now is a reconstruction of the 18th century funded by Adži-paša Osmanagić. That’s why the second name of this bridge is Adži-paša’s bridge.
Emperor’s Bridge (or Tsar’s Bridge), Nikšić
This bridge on the river Zeta in Nikšić was built in 1894. Croatian engineer Josip Slade was the author of the design. Russian Emperor Alexander III made a significant donation, that’s why in his honour the bridge received the name Emperor’s Bridge (or Tsar’s Bridge). The length of the bridge is 270 meters, and it is supported by 18 arches.
Until 1976, the bridge was used for the Podgorica-Nikšić connection, but later it lost its significance. Now the road follows another route. But still, this bridge is considered to be one of the most beautiful stone bridges in Southeastern Europe.
Rijeka Crnojevića Bridge
Rijeka Crnojevića Bridge connects Rijeka Crnojevića with Obod settlement. It is a double-arched limestone bridge. This bridge is also known as Danilo’s Bridge in honour of Montenegrin Prince Danilo, who led its construction in the 19th century.
You won’t miss the bridge during your visit to Rijeka Crnojevića, it is near the start of boating tours and local fish restaurants.
Danilovgrad Bridge
This bridge (built in 1869) is located in the very center of Danilovgrad and has become one of its symbols and attractions. Danilovgrad Bridge is 113 meters long. After the Emperor’s Bridge on the Zeta River, this is the largest preserved bridge in Montenegro, dating from the 19th century.
Millennium Bridge, Podgorica
The Millennium Bridge (built in 2005), contrary to the Ribnica Bridge, is one of the newest bridges in Podgorica. It is also located close to the centre of the city, across the river Morača. The Millennium Bridge quickly became one of the symbols of Podgorica, due to its recognisable look (both day and night, because of its night illumination).