From the ArchivesCreated January 1, 2003Updated August 16, 20262 min readby Mila Božić
Nikšić is located in the central part of the country, with an extremely convenient position that makes it equally close to the coast and Durmitor. Today, with its approximately 90,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in
Nikšić is located in the central part of the country, with an extremely convenient position that makes it equally close to the coast and Durmitor. Today, with its approximately 90,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Montenegro.
Nikšić certainly represents the most important industrial center of Montenegro. It is popularly called the "city of beer and steel" after the ironworks and the famous Nikšić beer, which are the two main industries, the backbone of economic development and at the same time the symbols of this city.
Nikšić is also known for its highly developed sport. This city, with the results of its athletes and clubs, even in the former Yugoslavia, rivaled much larger areas.
In the vicinity of Nikšić there are many interesting places, cultural and historical monuments, such as the old city walls, the castle of King Nikola, many important religious monuments: the Zupski monastery and the far-famed Ostrog monastery. The city has numerous picnic spots, such as Lake Krupačko, the largest swimming pool in the central part of Montenegro, the winter tourist excursion center of Vučija, etc.
The first settlement in the area of today's Nikšić was mentioned in the 4th century under the name Onogošt. In the beginning, Onogost was a Roman military fortress and always represented a tempting target for all invaders.
The Montenegrin army liberated the city from the Turks in 1877, and since then the city began its rapid development. From those times until today, Nikšić has grown many times. In addition to becoming the main industrial center, it also grew into a very important university center, from which a large number of important and famous people in recent Montenegrin history emerged.
Gordan Stojović
Montenegro.com
Visiting Niksic
Getting there. Niksic lies about 50 km from Podgorica, roughly 50 minutes by car on the main road north towards Zabljak and the Piva canyon. Buses run frequently from Podgorica, and the town is also on the Belgrade railway line.
What to see in town. King Nikola's castle, now a heritage museum, sits above the centre beside the cathedral of St Basil of Ostrog. The remains of the Onogost fortress and the Tsar's Bridge over the Zeta are both a short walk out, and Trebjesa hill behind the town is a wooded park with a view over the plain.
Nearby. Ostrog monastery, the most visited pilgrimage site in the country, is around 30 minutes away. Krupac and Slano lakes on the edge of town are where locals swim in summer, the Vucje ski area lies to the north, and the Piva canyon road is one of Montenegro's most dramatic drives.
What to expect. Niksic is a working industrial and university city rather than a resort — the ironworks and the brewery are the reason it exists at its present size. That makes it one of the more ordinary and least touristy places in the country, which for some travellers is precisely the appeal.
