Emperor’s Bridge on Zeta

In the very heart of Montenegro, on the old road from Nikšić towards Podgorica, you will come across one of the most impressive monuments of Montenegrin architecture – the Emperor’s Bridge (also known as Tsar’s Bridge) on the Zeta River. This bridge is a witness of history and a symbol of the Nikšić region, which is worth visiting.

I was impressed when I saw the bridge with 18 spans and an impressive 269 meters in length. The idea to build the bridge came from King Nikola himself, who recognized that such a facility would be key to the development of Nikšić and the surrounding areas.

Engineer Josip Slade from Zadar was in charge of designing the bridge, and the first foundation stone was laid by Duke Božo Petrović on May 23, 1894, marking the beginning of the construction of this ambitious project, which at the time represented the largest construction undertaking in Montenegro.

The Emperor’s Bridge from the era when it was built

The construction of the Emperor’s Bridge was carried out by skilled stonemasons from Boka and all of Montenegro under the supervision of Miloš Lepetić. Russia also provided significant assistance in the construction of the bridge, sending grain that was used to pay daily wages to workers at the construction site.

After only six months of work, the bridge was completed, and King Nikola ordered that each of the columns on the bridge be “decorated” with a gold coin as a sign of gratitude to Russia.

The Emperor’s Bridge was officially opened on October 20, 1894, and due to the help of Russia, it was named the Emperor Alexander III Bridge. However, the name was soon shortened to Emperor’s Bridge.

Emperor’s Bridge, Photo: Adria.fun

This grandiose bridge is not only an architectural wonder, but was also a key factor in the development of the Nikšić region, improving trade links with the southern part of Montenegro. The first carriages to cross the Emperor’s Bridge were mail carriages, marking the beginning of a new era for this area.

Emperor’s Bridge, Photo: Adria.fun

The Emperor’s Bridge remains not only a technical miracle but also a monument that reminds us of the courage and dedication of the people who built it, as well as the history and culture of Montenegro.

Today, you can enjoy its magnificence and historical significance as you walk through its arches and watch the Zeta River flow beneath it.

The Zeta River below the Emperor’s Bridge, Photo: Adria.fun