Brskovo is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Montenegro, located on the hill-mountain slopes of Bjelasica, just above today's Mojkovac.
His name carries exceptional historical weight because it represents the cradle of medieval mining and coinage in these areas.
1. Medieval mine and minting of the first currency
Arrival of the Saxons: In the middle of the 13th century (around 1250), the Serbian king Stefan Uroš I Nemanjić brought the German miners Saxons to Brskovo to start the exploitation of silver, copper and lead.
Brsk dinar: The first mint in medieval Serbia was opened in Brsk. The famous Brsko dinar (grossi de Brescua) was minted, which was so widespread in international trade that the Venetian poet and writer Dante Alighieri mentioned it in his famous work The Divine Comedy (in the Paradise section), criticizing King Uroš for minting coins that resembled the Venetian matapan in appearance.
2. Business and trade center
Royal city: Thanks to mineral wealth, Brskovo soon grew into a developed commercial and economic seat with the status of a city (civitas).
Consulate of Venetians and Dubrovnik: Numerous Dubrovnik and Venetian merchants lived in the city and had their own colonies, warehouses and mints. In that period, Brskovo had its own administration, duke and customs, and the goods from the mines were exported directly to the Adriatic Sea.
3. Archaeological sites and remains
Numerous historical traces are still visible and preserved in the wider area of Brskov:
Gradina (Fortress): Remains of a medieval fortification that served to defend the mine and the market square.
Mine shafts and shafts: Ancient pits and mine entrances excavated by the Saxons (including nearby sites such as the Yellow Pearls).
Churches: Remains of old places of worship (Catholic "Saxon Church" and Orthodox temples from that era).
4. Brskovo today
Historical heritage of Mojkovac: Today's Mojkovac is considered a direct successor of the old Brskov (the very name Mojkovac, according to one tradition, comes from the phrase "my coin" or "my smithy").
Tourist importance: Today, Brskovo is an organized cultural-historical and hiking zone. An asphalt and macadam road leads through it from Mojkovac to the mountain lodge "Džambas", Žarski katun and the peaks of Bjelasica, which is why it is an essential stop for all lovers of history and nature.
