Visit Bijelo Polje
The town is situated within appx 130 km from the Podgorica airport and within 185 km from the Adriatic coast (Budva). Its name is translated as – white field – and it was named after the fields of daises that turn the landscape into a white linen each spring. The unique landscapes, beautiful mountains and clear rivers and streams form the base of the quick developing touristic sphere.
These fertile lands have attracted people from ancient times. The first settlements on this territory were mentioned during the Stone Age (this is proved by archeological discoveries – for example the stone pole-axes of the late Stone Age). Afterwards the lands were inhabited by Illyrians, ancient Greeks and than Romans ( that is proved by the tombstones of the 2-3 century A.D.) As most of the Northern cities of Montenegro Bijelo Polje was included into the Ottoman Empire in the Middle Ages and was completely freed from the Turkish invaders only in 1912. Than the city became part of Montenegro and got its modern name – Bijelo Polje. In all times the town was a big economical and commercial center of Montenegro due to the part of the railway Bar-Belgrade passing through it.
In the last year tourism is quickly developing here. Those who are fond of active winter sports can visit the ski slope on Zavratica-Majstorovina mountain (has the altitude of 930 m above sea level and the length of 300m). The fantastic mountain landscapes open great opportunities for those who are fond of eco tourism, hiking, walking and tracking. The suburbs of the city are popular among speleologists – there are 3 very beautiful caves located here – Dzalovica (is considered to be one of the biggest in Europe), Novakovica and Osoja.
There are many mineral and thermal springs located around the city – the most popular among them is called Kiselak – the water in it is believed to have healing qualities. There is a mineral water factory right out of the city that produces mineral water called “Bijela Rada” known all over Montenegro.
From the historical aspect Bijelo Polje is mostly known for its churches and monasteries. One of the most famous churches in the region is The Church of Saint Apostle Peter and Pavel. The Miroslav Gospel was written here in the end of the 12th century – it is the oldest Holy Scripture written in the Church Slavonic language. You can also visit the St Nikolas Church where you will find ancient frescoes and a library.
Not far from the city over the Bistrica river you can find the oldest stone bridge in the region – it is the oldest Turkish heritage.
There are a lot of monasteries in the surroundings that will tell you the vivid and difficult history of the region – Voljavac monastery, Majstorovina monastery, Podvrh monastery and others.
Every year in august you can visit the International festival of the tambourine orchestras – with musicians from all Europe. There is also the poetry day of Ratkovic – a cultural celebration in the memory of the famous poet Risto Ratkovic.
Bijelo Polje has everything for attracting a great number of tourists – wonderful nature, fresh mountain air, historical values and interesting cultural happenings.