Vladimir Vysotsky Monument | Podgorica

The Vladimir Vysotsky Monument is a bronze statue dedicated to the Soviet singer, songwriter, and actor, located on the banks of the Morača River in Podgorica. It commemorates his affinity for Montenegro and his visits to the region in the 1970s.

Visual Characteristics

The monument is a 5-meter tall bronze figure of Vysotsky standing with a guitar, positioned within a large metal frame. A bronze skull lies at his feet, representing his iconic portrayal of Hamlet. The sculpture is set against a backdrop of the Morača River canyon, utilizing polished stone for the pedestal.

Location & Access Logistics

The statue is situated on the west bank of the Morača River, between the Moscow Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. It is accessible via Bulevar Jovana Tomaševića, approximately 1 kilometer northwest of Independence Square. Pedestrians can reach it through the park paths connected to the Moscow Bridge. Limited street parking is available on the adjacent boulevards.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was a gift from the city of Moscow to the city of Podgorica, unveiled in 2004. It was designed by Russian sculptor Alexander Taratynov. The site overlooks the karst limestone riverbed of the Morača, a primary ecological feature of the Podgorica urban area.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view the monument and the inscribed verses of his poetry translated into Montenegrin. The surrounding area is a popular location for walking and photography due to the proximity of the city's two most famous bridges. The site provides unobstructed views of the Millennium Bridge's pylon.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The monument is located in a public park area with stone benches and paved walkways. 4G and 5G cellular coverage is excellent. There are no restrooms or food vendors at the immediate site, but these are available 300 meters away in the Preko Morače business district or across the river in the city center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is in the late afternoon or during the "Golden Hour" when the sun illuminates the statue and the Millennium Bridge in the background. The area is illuminated by floodlights at night. Summer visits are best in the evening to avoid the intense heat of the exposed riverbank.

Facts & Legends

Vysotsky once wrote a poem dedicated to Montenegro, expressing his desire to be a "second root" for the country. The statue's pedestal contains these verses. Local legend states that the guitar strings on the statue are periodically "played" by the wind coming through the river canyon, though the sound is generally attributed to the bridge cables nearby.

Nearby Landmarks

Moscow Bridge: 0.05km East

Millennium Bridge: 0.15km North

Njegošev Park: 0.2km Southeast

Montenegrin National Theatre: 0.4km East

Basic Court of Podgorica: 0.3km West