Information
Landmark: Monument to the Fallen SoldiersCity: Pljevlja
Country: Montenegro
Continent: Europe
Monument to the Fallen Soldiers, Pljevlja, Montenegro, Europe
Overview
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge ranks among Montenegro’s most famous landmarks, admired for its graceful arches and the breathtaking view of the turquoise Tara River far below.It stretches across the Tara River, linking Montenegro’s north to the rest of the country, and from its edge you can see the canyon drop away into a rush of green and shadow.The bridge plays a key role in Montenegro’s infrastructure, and travelers flock to it for its rich history and stunning mountain backdrop.The Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands in the heart of the Tara Canyon, surrounded by the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.It sits just outside the village of Đurđevića Tara, in the Žabljak municipality of northern Montenegro, and was built between 1937 and 1940, back when the Kingdom of Yugoslavia still stood.The famed Yugoslav architect Antun Zaninović designed it as part of a major road project meant to link Montenegro more closely with its neighbors.Originally, the bridge carried the Jadranska Magistrala, the Adriatic Highway that wound from the glittering coast deep into the Balkan interior.In World War II, Partisan fighters turned it into a symbol of defiance, blowing it apart to keep the Axis forces from crossing.After the war, workers rebuilt the bridge, bringing back its sweeping curves and clean lines.The Đurđevića Tara Bridge still stuns visitors with its soaring arches, a bold stretch of concrete high above the river.Stretching 172 meters (564 feet) above the Tara River, it ranks among Montenegro’s highest bridges and stands as one of the tallest arch bridges in the world.Measuring 365 meters (1,198 feet) in length, its five sweeping arches leap across the gorge, the water glinting far below.The central arch-the largest-stretches 116 meters (381 feet) and rests on two massive stone pillars that rise from each side of the river.Built of reinforced concrete, the bridge balances strength with graceful lines, blending into the sheer cliffs and deep blues of the Tara Canyon.From its span, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge gives you one of Montenegro’s most breathtaking panoramic views.From the bridge, visitors can look straight into the vast sweep of the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest and second only to one in the world, where the river glints like a silver thread far below.From the bridge, the Tara River twists through a green sweep of forest far below, its water so clear you can see smooth stones on the riverbed.Jagged cliffs rise on either side, framing the scene in rugged beauty.Scattered viewpoints let visitors pause for photos or simply take in the canyon from a fresh angle.It’s no surprise the Đurđevića Tara Bridge draws travelers exploring the Tara Canyon, Durmitor National Park, and the wild countryside beyond.Guided tours of the area usually stop here, and for anyone visiting Montenegro, it’s a sight you can’t skip.Many travelers pair it with a rush of white-water rafting on the Tara River, paddles dripping as they pull ashore.The Tara River rushes by in glassy, clear currents, its fierce rapids drawing thrill-seekers from around the world.Near the bridge, trails wind through the canyon to hidden waterfalls, quiet forest paths, and high overlooks where the air smells of pine.From the canyon floor, looking up at the bridge is just as breathtaking-the pale arches seem to float against the blue sky.No wonder the Đurđevića Tara Bridge ranks among Montenegro’s most photographed spots, framed by cliffs and the rush of the river below.Photographers flock to the bridge, drawn by the sharp contrast of gray arches against the turquoise river and the rugged canyon walls.For the people of Montenegro, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge isn’t just beautiful-it’s a powerful symbol of resilience and a cherished part of their history.It became a powerful symbol of resilience, especially during World War II, when bombs shattered its stone arches and left them in the river.Rebuilt afterward, the bridge still stands for Montenegro’s progress and its drive to link distant towns and valleys.As part of the Jadranska Magistrala, it helped shape Montenegro’s road network, linking towns and villages across rugged terrain.In the end, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands out for its graceful arches and the way it frames the river’s deep turquoise waters.It’s a vital piece of Montenegro’s cultural and historical heritage, still drawing visitors who come to take in the sweeping views of Tara Canyon and the rugged, pine-scented hills around it.Whether you’re drawn to its history, its graceful arches, or the rush of the river far below, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge promises an experience you won’t forget.
