SP Gorica – eng

Let's get to know this nature monument ``Gorica forest park``


ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH

The St. George’s Church, the oldest active religious building in the city, is located at the foot of Gorica Hill, next to the main entrance to the forest park. It is assumed that it was built in the 10th century, in the pre-Romanesque style. It was built on the foundations of an older building surrounded by the old city cemetery, and according to tradition, there was a monastery in this place during the Middle Ages.

This church was built and extended several times. It got its present shape at the end of the 19th century. It was frescoed at the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, and the iconographic complex represents scenes from the life of Christ, the Virgin and St. George. The iconostasis was made in the end of the 19th century.

MAUSOLEUM TO FALLEN PARTISAN FIGHTER

The Mausoleum to Fallen Partisan Fighter on Gorica Hill is the most significant and aesthetically expressive monument dedicated to the heroes of World War II from Montenegro (1941–1945). The authors of the mausoleum are architect Vojislav Djokic and sculptor Drago Djurovic. It was opened in celebration of 13 July Uprising in 1957.

The remains of 66 national heroes and two prominent revolutionaries from Montenegro who died for freedom throughout Yugoslavia were buried in the Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is also a monument to 6,780 fighters and 7,479 sons and daughters of the Montenegrin people who gave their lives in the fight for freedom.

The monument is the central place where significant national holidays and anniversaries of events from World War II are marked.

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

The saddle between the two massifs that make Gorica Hill has long been almost impassable and overgrown with invasive plant species. The NGO Association of Gorica and Nature Admirers initiated and implemented the recovery of this area from 2015 to 2018, when the Mediterranean Garden was opened with the support of several donors and the City of Podgorica.

The garden is dominated by two terraces with over 100 lavender plants, dozens of rosemary plants, wormwood, lemon balm and other aromatic herbs, as well as large, wild cedar, Aleppo pine and cypress trees. Walking paths were made from excess plant waste found on the hill. In summer months, the garden area is a venue for classical music concerts without a PA system.

The Mediterranean Garden also has an educational purpose. It includes a Green Classroom – space under the bridge intended for the education of students.

ADVENTURE PARK

The Gorica Adventure Park is intended for fans of sports activities. It consists of five aerial or tree trails, three of which are intended for children (blue, green and yellow), and two for adults (red and black). A children’s playground as well as a cafeteria with an open bar are available in the Adventure Park.

At the very top of Gorica Hill, one can see the panorama of the city and the surrounding mountains, as well as enjoy brilliant sunrises and sunsets.