THE ROAD TO MONTENEGRO
Written by MOTORBIKE EUROPE Road Writers - Thursday, 24 March 2011 10:17
The entire area was an independent country in the Middle Ages, called Zeta. Originally a principality of Serbia, in 1389, it became a special mountain state, under Serbian command. Montenegro became formally independent in the year 1878, and on the 11th of May, 2007, Montenegro became the 47th member of the Council of Europe.
Montenegro's coastline is not very long compared to, for instance, the Croatian coastline - but it is indescribably beautiful. Specifically, Boka Kotorska, one of the most beautiful inlets in the world, with its small, picturesque, ancient towns, identified by the high mountains. With beautiful, breathtaking and quiet harbours, Montenegro has lured sailboats and yachts from around the world, since Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti visited the bay in the 60’s.
A really special trip, is a ride to the monastery of Ostrog, located on a steep rock face from which an excellent view of the Bjelopavlici plain arises. The monastery is the most visited pilgrimage location in Montenegro, and was founded by Saint Basil, Bishop of Herzegovina, in the 17th century. He died there in 1671, and was some years later canonized a saint, and touted as a miracle worker. Pilgrims argue, that by praying at the coffin, they can be cured of their ailments. Be aware, that the monks do not allow you access wearing shorts or miniskirts. Many have been rejected from the gates because of such "indecent" attire.
Approximately 4 hours from the sea, near the town of Kolasin, is the beautiful natural park of Biogradska Gora. The nature park was the former hunting area of King Nicholas I, and thus became protected in 1889. Officially, however, it was first listed in 1952, and is one of the last 3 primeval forests in Europe. It is located approx. 1,200 metres above sea level, surrounded by mountain peaks of over 2000 metres.
Visit this fascinating little country in Europe, and let your motorbike lead you through the beautiful countryside.
