Pljevlja
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Pljevlja

Pljevlja, Pljevlja, Montenegro

Pljevlja, nestled in the charming country of Montenegro, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. Located in the municipality of Pljevlja, this town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, hist…

#mountainous#coal mining#historic#cultural#scenic
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Pljevlja.

Top Hotels in Pljevlja

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Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Pljevlja.

Tours

Visit to Holy Trinity Monastery

Explore the stunning Serbian Orthodox monastery, known for its unique architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Pljevlja Heritage Walk

A guided walking tour through the historic sites of Pljevlja.

Visit to Hussein Pasha's Mosque

Admire the Ottoman architectural style of one of the oldest mosques in Montenegro.

Outdoor

Durmitor National Park Hiking

Engage in a thrilling hiking adventure through the trails of Durmitor National Park.

Brvenica River Rafting

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Brvenica River.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Pljevlja.

Currency
€ | EUR | Euro
Population
19136.0
Languages
Serbian, Serbian, Montenegrin
Average weather
Pljevlja
Jan
snow
2°-6°
Feb
snow
4°-5°
Mar
rain
9°-2°
Apr
cloud
14°2°
May
rain
19°6°
Jun
clear
23°10°
Jul
sun
26°12°
Aug
sun
26°12°
Sep
clear
21°8°
Oct
cloud
15°4°
Nov
rain
8°0°
Dec
snow
3°-4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Pljevlja.

What people love

Pljevlja, located in the northern part of Montenegro, offers a unique travel experience with a variety of attractions and features that can be appealing to different types of travelers. Here are some of the pros of visiting Pljevlja:

  1. Cultural Heritage: Pljevlja is home to significant historical and cultural sites, such as the Husein-paša’s Mosque, which is known for having one of the tallest minarets in the Balkans. The town also features the Holy Trinity Monastery, an important Serbian Orthodox monastery with beautiful frescoes and architecture.

  2. Natural Beauty: The surrounding region of Pljevlja boasts stunning natural landscapes, including mountainous terrain and lush forests. This makes it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, is nearby and offers opportunities for activities such as rafting and hiking.

  3. Traditional Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy traditional Montenegrin cuisine in Pljevlja, which includes local specialties such as cheese, meats, and pastries. The region is known for its dairy products, particularly Pljevlja cheese, which is a local delicacy.

  4. Less Crowded: Compared to more tourist-heavy destinations in Montenegro, such as Kotor or Budva, Pljevlja offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds. This allows for a more authentic experience and the ability to explore at a leisurely pace.

  5. Cultural Events: Pljevlja hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, which provide insight into local traditions and customs. These events can be a great way to engage with the community and experience the local culture firsthand.

  6. Historical Significance: The town has a rich history that dates back to Roman times and has been a crossroad of various cultures and empires. This historical significance is reflected in the architecture and the cultural landscape of the area.

  7. Accessibility: Pljevlja can serve as a convenient base for exploring the northern part of Montenegro and even venturing into neighboring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

Overall, Pljevlja offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that can appeal to a wide range of travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Montenegro.

What to know

Pljevlja, located in the northern part of Montenegro, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. However, there are some cons to traveling to this destination that you should consider:

  1. Limited tourist infrastructure: Pljevlja is a smaller town compared to popular tourist destinations in Montenegro like Kotor or Budva. As a result, the tourist infrastructure in Pljevlja may not be as well-developed, with fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

  2. Limited transportation options: Getting to and around Pljevlja may be more challenging compared to other more popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. The town is not as well-connected by public transportation, and renting a car may be necessary to explore the surrounding areas.

  3. Industrial activities: Pljevlja is known for its coal mining industry, and the town's skyline is dominated by smokestacks from the local power plant. This industrial activity may impact the air quality in the area and detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the town.

  4. Limited English spoken: While tourism is growing in Montenegro, English may not be as widely spoken in Pljevlja as it is in more popular tourist destinations. This could potentially pose a challenge for communication and navigating the town.

Overall, while Pljevlja offers a unique glimpse into a less-visited part of Montenegro, travelers should be aware of these potential cons before planning a trip to the area.

Pljevlja is a town located in the northern part of Montenegro, close to the borders with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It serves as the administrative center of the Pljevlja Municipality. The town has a rich and diverse history, influenced by various cultures and empires over the centuries.

Early History

The area around Pljevlja has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest that the Illyrians were among the first known inhabitants. The region later came under Roman influence, becoming part of the province of Dalmatia.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, Pljevlja was part of the Serbian medieval state. It became an important center due to its strategic location. The town was known by the name "Breznica" during this time. It was under the rule of various Serbian feudal lords and was part of the medieval Serbian Kingdom and later the Serbian Empire.

Ottoman Era

In the late 15th century, Pljevlja fell under Ottoman rule, which lasted for several centuries. The Ottomans called the town "Taşlıca." During this period, Pljevlja developed as a significant trade and administrative center. The Ottoman influence is evident in the town's architecture and cultural heritage.

Significant Landmarks from the Ottoman Period:

  • Husein-paša's Mosque: Built in the 16th century, it is one of the most important Islamic monuments in Montenegro. The mosque is known for its fine craftsmanship and the tall, slender minaret.
  • Sahat Kula (Clock Tower): Another remnant of the Ottoman era, it stands as a historic landmark in the town.

Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav Periods

Following the decline of the Ottoman Empire, Pljevlja came under Austro-Hungarian control for a brief period during World War I. After the war, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Pljevlja was occupied by Italian and later German forces. The town was a center of partisan resistance against the Axis powers.

Post-War Era and Modern Times

After the war, Pljevlja became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The town experienced industrial growth, particularly in coal mining and energy production. The Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, one of the largest in Montenegro, was constructed during this period, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Pljevlja became part of the newly independent Montenegro.

Notable Figures

  • Husein-paša Boljanić: An Ottoman nobleman who commissioned the construction of the famous mosque in Pljevlja.
  • Sava Kovačević: A notable Yugoslav partisan and national hero who fought in the region during World War II.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Pljevlja is home to a rich blend of cultural influences from its diverse historical periods. The town hosts several cultural festivals and events that celebrate its heritage, including traditional music and folklore performances.

Modern Pljevlja

Today, Pljevlja is known for its cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. It is also an important center for energy production in Montenegro due to its coal resources.

Overall, Pljevlja's history is characterized by its strategic importance, cultural diversity, and resilience through various periods of change and development.