Information
Landmark: Đurđevića Tara BridgeCity: Pljevlja
Country: Montenegro
Continent: Europe
Đurđevića Tara Bridge, Pljevlja, Montenegro, Europe
Overview
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands among Montenegro’s most famous landmarks, admired for its graceful arches and the breathtaking view of the turquoise Tara River far below.Stretching across the Tara River, it links Montenegro’s northern regions to the rest of the country, with sweeping views of the deep blue canyon far below.The bridge plays a key role in Montenegro’s infrastructure, and visitors flock to it for its rich history and the breathtaking view of the river far below.The Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands in the heart of the Tara Canyon, surrounded by the towering cliffs of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.It sits just outside the village of Đurđevića Tara, in Montenegro’s northern Žabljak municipality, and the bridge rose there between 1937 and 1940, back when the Kingdom of Yugoslavia still stood.Renowned Yugoslav architect Antun Zaninović designed the bridge as part of a major road project to link Montenegro with nearby regions.Originally, it carried the Jadranska Magistrala - the Adriatic Highway - a vital route tying the sunlit coast to the rugged Balkan interior.During World War II, retreating Partisan forces blew it up, turning it into a stark symbol of resistance against the advancing Axis powers.After the war, workers rebuilt the bridge, bringing back its proud silhouette against the sky.The Đurđevića Tara Bridge, with its sweeping arches, stands as a striking piece of engineering.Soaring 172 meters (564 feet) above the Tara River, it ranks among Montenegro’s highest bridges and stands as one of the tallest arch bridges anywhere.Stretching 365 meters (1,198 feet) in length, its five sweeping arches leap across the gorge, where the water glints far below.The largest span, a sweeping central arch stretching 116 meters (381 feet), rests on two massive stone pillars that rise from the riverbanks.Built of reinforced concrete, the bridge pairs strength with graceful lines, merging effortlessly into the rugged cliffs of the Tara Canyon.From its height, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge delivers one of Montenegro’s most breathtaking panoramic views.From the bridge, visitors look straight into the dizzying drop of the Tara Canyon-Europe’s deepest, and second only to one in the world.From the bridge, the Tara River snakes through a sweep of green far below, its water so clear you can spot smooth stones on the riverbed.Rugged cliffs rise on either side, dark pines crowding their edges, and every turn offers another view worth a photograph.Several lookout points let visitors pause, snap a shot, and take in the canyon from a fresh angle.The Đurđevića Tara Bridge has become a favorite stop for travelers exploring the Tara Canyon, Durmitor National Park, and the wild beauty that surrounds them.Guided tours of the area often stop here, and for anyone visiting Montenegro, it’s a sight you can’t miss.Many travelers swing by the bridge before or after tackling the icy spray and roaring rapids of a Tara River rafting trip.The Tara River, with water so clear you can see the stones on its bed, tumbles through fierce rapids that draw thrill-seekers from around the world.Near the bridge, winding trails lead hikers into Tara Canyon, past hidden waterfalls, forested slopes, and lookout points that stop you in your tracks.From the canyon floor, the bridge towers above in a sweep of steel and stone, the view as striking as any from the top.No wonder the Đurđevića Tara Bridge ranks among Montenegro’s most photographed landmarks, framed by sheer cliffs and the rushing turquoise river below.Photographers flock to the bridge, eager to capture the sharp contrast of its pale arches against the dark river cutting through the canyon.For the people of Montenegro, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands as a proud symbol of resilience and a piece of living history.It became a powerful symbol of resilience during World War II, when bombs reduced it to rubble and, years later, hands rebuilt it stone by stone.Today, the bridge also stands for Montenegro’s progress and its determination to link distant towns and valleys.As part of the Jadranska Magistrala, it helped shape Montenegro’s modern road network, linking towns and mountains alike.In the end, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands out as a striking blend of graceful arches and the wild sweep of the Tara River below.It’s a vital piece of Montenegro’s cultural and historical heritage, and travelers still flock there to take in the sweeping views of Tara Canyon, where the river flashes silver between rugged cliffs.Whether you’re drawn to its history, its graceful arches, or the way the river flashes blue far below, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge delivers an experience you won’t forget.
