Cultural Attractions of Danilovgrad

HERITAGE MUSEUM

The Heritage Museum in Danilovgrad, founded in 1960, is housed in the Summer Residence of Prince Nikola I Petrović, built between 1873 and 1893. It contains a wealth of valuable artifacts, including traditional Montenegrin costumes, various types of weaponry, medals, crests, photographs, and documents that illustrate the history of the Danilovgrad region.

The museum’s items are organized into collections: archaeological, numismatic, ethnographic, weapons and equipment, medals, crests, photographs, and documents.

The archaeological collection is particularly valuable, comprising artifacts discovered in local archaeological sites. Two Roman-period sites are located in the area, with the most fascinating material coming from Martinićka Gradina, near Danilovgrad, which dates back to the early medieval period. The exhibits include a reconstruction of an early Christian basilica, capitals, Roman tombstones, Illyrian weapons, medieval swords owned by Bosnian King Tvrtko I Kotromanić, and a pillar from the altar screen at the Šipkova Glavica site.

The ethnographic collection features complete sets of luxurious Montenegrin costumes. Unique items include stone chains, which won first prize at a 1934 craftsmanship exhibition in Podgorica. Other notable artifacts include a battle flag from the 1876 Battle of Vučji Do and numerous medals. A standout display features the prayer book and cross of priest Đorđe Kalezić, who participated in the National Liberation Struggle.

ART COLONY

The Danilovgrad Art Colony, established in 1972, brings together prominent sculptors. It organizes funding, schedules symposiums, invites artists, preserves artwork, and promotes it locally and internationally. In 1974, the colony welcomed its first foreign artists through the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Thanks to its high-quality work, the colony has earned international recognition and membership in global institutions. For years, it has hosted artists from around the world and has facilitated Montenegrin artists’ participation in foreign colonies based on reciprocity.

As a pioneer of open-space sculpture, the Danilovgrad Art Colony is unique and significantly contributes to the development of visual arts in the region. Danilovgrad is currently one of the few towns in the former Yugoslavia, and the only one in Montenegro, with an open-air gallery of over 100 sculptures created by artists from across the globe.

SPUŠKA FORTRESS

Spuška Fortress, located in Spuž, was built by the Turks under the supervision of Hodaverdi Pasha in the early 18th century. It is characterized by its strong defensive walls and inaccessible position, which made it practically impregnable.

The fortress covers an area of 1,400m² and originally had 24 towers, of which only a few remain today.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Spuška Fortress served as a notorious Turkish stronghold, from which numerous punitive expeditions into Montenegro were launched. It is considered a masterpiece of fortification architecture.

MARTINIĆKA GRADINA

Martinićka Gradina, also known as Lontodokla, occupies a hilltop with steep, almost inaccessible cliffs on most sides. Partially explored, it is believed by some experts to be the ruins of a Dukljan city mentioned by Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus in the 10th century.

The site features medieval fortress structures, including several towers and a main gate, resembling a Roman castrum. These remains are thought to represent a developed Roman military outpost that later became a medieval Dukljan town.

ADŽIJA BRIDGE

Hidden among shrubs in the village of Mijokusovići on the Sušica River, Adžija Bridge is one of the most beautiful stone bridges in the region. It stands on an old caravan route connecting Shkodra, Duklja, and Nikšić.

While historical records indicate it was built during the Turkish period, the exact construction date and the identity of its builder, Adžija, remain unknown. The bridge has a high, single arch and is crafted from finely chiseled stone.

Translation is AI genarated.

( Vijesti online )