Top 5 Souvenirs of Montenegro

Montenegro is a remarkable country on the Balkan Peninsula. Despite its small size, Montenegro is sure to offer you captivating places, astonishing beaches, ancient forests, medieval architecture, and hospitable, open-minded people.

And when your journey to this country comes to an end, you'll definitely want to do two things - capture a photo against the backdrop of the incredible Adriatic Sea and choose a souvenir that will remind you of this amazing journey.

That's why today we have prepared a review of souvenirs from Montenegro, one of which you might want to take home as a memory.

Rakija

Photo: Rakija, Source: https://www.rakijagrill.com

Rakija is considered a special Montenegrin beverage, with a taste somewhat similar to light brandy. Among Montenegrins, the production of rakija is nearly a family tradition, involving all adult family members. There are numerous variations and flavors of this drink, but the most popular ones are rakija made from grapes, known as "lozovača," plum rakija called "šljivovica," and apple rakija named "jabukovača." You can purchase this beverage both from local markets where residents make rakija according to home recipes and in stores.

Pršut

Photo: Pršut, Source: http://www.montenegrofortravellers.com

Pršut is one of the most famous Montenegrin gastronomic delicacies. It is made from pieces of smoked pork, often imported from Serbia. The taste of the dish is distinctly salty and, often, quite spicy. A good pršut should have a characteristic brown-red exterior, with streaks of fat. Properly stored, this delicacy can remain edible for up to five years. You can purchase such an "edible" souvenir at local markets or supermarkets. However, craft or homemade pršut usually comes at a higher price than in stores.

Kapa

Photo: Kapa, Source: https://bonvivanclub.wordpress.com/

Kapa is a traditional Montenegrin hat. Usually, these are red cylindrical hats. The top of the headgear, known as tepelak, is adorned with five golden half-circle stripes, inside of which typically lies a national symbol. The decoration of the kapa holds a special meaning: the red symbolizes the blood shed at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and the golden thread represents the Serbian rule, which persisted until the mid-14th century. You can acquire this element of the national Montenegrin costume at most souvenir shops in the country, such as Galerija Zor in Podgorica.

Brojanica

Photo: Brojanica, Source: https://www.etsy.com

Brojanica is one of the main religious symbols of Montenegro. Almost every Montenegrin has one, and numerous legends surround its origin. Brojanica is a bracelet made of sheep's wool and traditionally consists of 33 knots, each knot composed of 7 intertwined crosses. Brojanica is considered a powerful talisman, given to close people and worn exclusively on the left wrist. According to tradition, Montenegrins visit holy places once a year, leaving behind the old amulet and purchasing a new one. Such bracelets can often be found in churches or temples, for example, in the monastery of Ostrog, where the relics of Saint Basil are still located.

Olive Oil

Photo: Olive oil, Source: http://oliveponte.com/gallery/

Olive oil can be a wonderful and incredibly beneficial gift brought from Montenegro. Cultivating olive trees and producing oil is a tradition that has existed in Montenegro for centuries, making the region proud of some of the best and oldest olive varieties. The first olive groves were planted on Montenegrin coastal slopes by the Romans over 2000 years ago, and by the 6th century, olive oil production became an integral part of Montenegrin culture. Overall, there are more than 1700 olive oil producers in Montenegro. It's best to buy such a souvenir in specialized craft stores.