Morača
Morača (Montenegrin and Serbian Cyrillic: Морача, pronounced [mǒrat͡ʃa], Latin: Oriundus) is a river in Montenegro. It originates in northern Montenegro, under Rzača mountain. It generally flows southwards for 99.5 km (61.8 mi), before emptying into Lake Skadar. Its drainage basin area is 3,257 km2 (1,258 sq mi).[1]
Morača | |
---|---|
Morača valley north of Podgorica. | |
Native name | Морача |
Location | |
Country | Montenegro |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | Rzača mountains |
Mouth | Lake Skadar |
• coordinates | 42°16′35″N 19°07′16″E |
Length | 99.5 km (61.8 mi) |
Basin size | 3,257 km2 (1,258 sq mi) |
Basin features | |
Progression | Lake Skadar→ Bojana→ Adriatic Sea |
Tributaries | |
• left | Ribnica, Cijevna |
• right | Zeta, Sitnica |
In its northern part, the Morača is a fast mountain river, and has cut a canyon north of Podgorica. After merging with its largest tributary, Zeta, just north of Podgorica, the Morača enters the Zeta plain. It flows through this flat area of Montenegro until it empties into Lake Skadar.
The Morača is a relatively small river, rarely more than 100 m (330 ft) wide and mostly shallow, so it is generally not navigable. Its canyon is a corridor for the main road leading from Montenegro's coast and Podgorica to northern Montenegro and Serbia. This road is considered very dangerous, and will likely be bypassed in future by a motorway which is currently being planned.
The Morača River is considered one of the symbols of Podgorica, and is the biggest river that flows through the city. It is featured on some flags and country symbols.
The famous Morača monastery, founded in 1252 by Stefan, son of Vukan Nemanjić, king of Zeta, is situated to the north part of the river's canyon.
See also
- 2013 Montenegro bus crash
- Morača Sports Center
References
- Statistical Yearbook of Montenegro 2017, Geography, Statistical Office of Montenegro
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Morača River. |