“Montenegro 🇲🇪 ~The Rijeka Crnojevica River and Small Village of the Same Name”
While looking for a castle, we drove down a narrow cliff-side road, and spotted the most incredible site! We forgot about looking for the castle, because we wanted to find a boat and go for a ride! It was super hot, and the breeze from boating would feel really great, to cool off a bit.
We also discovered our fourth Panoramic Road of Montenegro: This one is 3b.
Finding a boat, or rather we saw a sign that read; “water taxis,” took some searching, but just when we were ready to move on, here was a guy under an umbrella, with a sign for the water taxis! It was getting late in the day, and we had to also think about lodging and a meal. Those thoughts, plus the time on the water had us concerned for leaving back out of Rijeka Crnojevica on the narrow road we came in on, after daylight ended in the mountains.
We did not see any hotels open, so when we found the water taxi driver, we inquired about where we could stay the night. He said he had apartments for rent. He also has a restaurant. We were set! The price was right, too! “Luka” was great and quite a multi-tasker and entrepreneur. He took us in his boat, through the waters; first, through the picturesque and beautiful Rijeka Crnojevica River (same as the village name), near the shores of Lake Skadar, which we saw from the road we came in on. Plus, we visited Lake Skadar. Another water area they call the “Amazon,” was my favorite.
The northwestern end of Lake Skadar thins into the serpentine loops of the Rijeka Crnojevića, and terminates near the pretty village of the same name. It’s a charming, tucked-away kind of place.
During the 19th and 20th century, Rijeka Crnojevica was the biggest port of Montenegro and leading trade centre, located on the shores of the Skadar Lake.
Rijeka Crnojevica has its own very tempestuous, but above all, significant history for the people of Montenegro. Namely, at the beginning of the XV century, this was the capital city of the founder of Cetinje Ivan Crnojevic. The Orthodox bishopric was at that time moved from Vranjina to Obo; a hill above Rijeka Crnojevica.
On Obod Cyrillic, leaden letters were cast and the work of the first printing shop at south Slavs began.
This bigger bridge, was built by Prince Nikola in 1905
Before the Balkan wars, the River banks were filled with manufacture shops, and right here the first pharmacy in Montenegro was opened, as well as the first gun shop.
In the early 20th century the factory “Marica” produced nacre – pearl made of fish scales.
In addition, back in these early days, a particularly praised product of this area was smoked bleak because of its uniqueness and exquisite taste. It was in high demand on the Italian market.
This famous bridge across the river was built in 1853, by Prince Danilo. It is located at the entrance to Rijeka Crnojevića, and it is called “Danilov Most.” It was raised by Prince Danilo in memory of his father Stanko Petrović.
When Montenegro was ruled from Cetinje, this is where the royals came to escape the Black Mountain’s winter. The relatively modest house of Vladika Petar I Petrović (St Peter of Cetinje) still stands; you’ll recognise it by its ground-floor arches and upper rooms jutting out over the road.
In the past, especially in the period of the reign of King Nikola, this village was used as a winter king’s residence, because there was almost no wind, and the climate was even milder than on the coast. Also, because of it beauty and natural surrounding, it got the name “Montenegrin Nice.” The beauty of Rijeka Crnojevica, no matter how well its beauty is described, can hardly be imagined by anyone, until one gets there and sees for themselves. It has been called “Little Venice.”
Heading into Skadar Lake
Along the “Amazon” portion of the water system
Lake Skadar is shared with Albania. In the far distance is Albania
Did you know Swans mate for life?
Blue Heron in flight
After our fun boat ride, where we saw many birds, and much beauty, we were taken to our apartment for the night. It was completely adorable. We were quite hungry, so we went to Lukas restaurant as well. Yummy! If you ever come toRijeka Crnojevica, just ask around for Luka, and he will take care if you!
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Hello and Welcome to our Travel Blog Website, We enjoy writing about our experiences and taking photos of our adventuring along the way. Our names are: Daryl and Pen, but Daryl calls me “Bunny.” We met, quite randomly, whilst both… Read More
Love all of the natural beauty!!! And the luck with your boat driver providing all you needed!
Such a lonely place! It was a miracle to have our needs filled by one person in this remote village. “Winging” this road trip is going well
Wow, thank you for sharing with us
You are welcome! Isn’t it something? Wow is right!