Godinje Historic Village
Godinje
Stone hillside houses and old wine cellars above the lake’s northern shore.
The village is noted for chain-linked stone architecture and narrow passages. Family wineries nearby showcase local grape varieties.
How to Get There
On foot from Virpazar center ~29-43 min.
From Petrovac by taxi ~21 min.
From Bar by taxi ~22 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~29 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~56 min.
Description
What is it
Godinje is a small village in the Crmnica region (Bar municipality) on the south shore of Lake Skadar, at about 82 m elevation. It’s known for springs and vineyards and served as a seasonal refuge for Zetan rulers in medieval times.
Key features
- Lakeside Crmnica setting – a traditional wine village with numerous fresh-water springs.
- Name legend tied to Prince Vladimir, who “enjoyed” the cold water and wine here.
- Dynastic links – Balšić summer residence; a Crnojević coat of arms carved in stone.
- Defensive trace – a watch-tower (“pandurica”) near the former Ottoman border.
- Ecclesiastical heritage – St Nicholas Church (18th c.); ruins of St John the Theologian (likely 7th c.).
What to see
- Terraced stone houses, tight alleys and small wineries among vineyards.
- Springs, remains of nine mills and four stone threshing floors.
- The house associated with the Balšićs and broad views over Lake Skadar’s islets.
History
In the late 13th century King Vladislav Nemanjić granted Godinje to the Vranjina Monastery. In the early 15th century during the Venetian wars, Balša III and his mother Jelena stayed here; a charter issued in Godinje ordered the truce to be observed. The village had a watch-tower due to the nearby Ottoman frontier.
Of four recorded churches, St Nicholas (18th c.) survives; traces of St John the Theologian (likely 7th c.) remain. By 2003 the population was about 60, yet vineyards and springs preserve the rural craft traditions.
