Hotel „Onogošt“

Hotel “Onogošt” consists of two parts today: the old and the new hotel. The old hotel is a concept by Vujadin Popović (1912-1999), the pioneer of modern Montenegrin architecture, who is, inter alia, the author of well-known  “Crna Gora” hotel in Pogdorica were “Hilton” hotel is located today. It should be emphasised that, due to Popović’s emigration to Australia, the project was left unfinished. Đorđije Minjević was engaged in completing the task according to the existing guidelines. According to his words, the plan had to be further adjusted. He was not the only one who was formally engaged but also one of the most respected Yugoslav architects, Branko Bon (1912-2001) who was, inter alia, responsible for reconstruction and adaptation of Sveti Stefan peninsula near Budva. Minjević wrote in his book “Nikšić in Memories” that Popović’s plan had not been finished in regards to construction of upper floors and a roof. Great defects surely concerned the interior design as well as finishing works on the main terrace. Minjević remedied all these defects successfully. 

Local stonecutters showed their skills on the main terrace which was to become unavoidable place in everyday life of people in Nikšić, especially during summer. Due to its location (the main town’s street – Njegoševa Street) as well as plateau furnished with plane trees and sculptures, locals and visitors had an exquisite opportunity to enjoy the view that encompassed the former gymnasium park where unfinished Home of Revolution is located today.

The old “Onogošt” was officially open on October 1st, 1955, as an “A” category hotel.

“Niksićke novine” from 1975 in their 356th edition announced that hotel “Onogošt” was going to be reconstructed. A year later the public was informed that the architect Ivan Straus (1928-2018) and the co-author, his brother, Tihomir were winners of the Competition for conceptual design

The final opening ceremony took place in mid December in 1982 about which Niksićke novine wrote in 700th edition in an article titled “New hotel opened”. The article also emphasized that the building belongs to the high hotel category “B”.

Onogošt hotel is one of the most famous buildings in Nikšić, a meeting place for its citizens, a building representing a town symbol and a significant part of urban collective memory.