Lopate is an old and picturesque mountain village located in the immediate vicinity of the popular resort of Veruša, in an area that naturally and historically gravitates to Lijeva Rijeka and the slopes of Mount Komovi (territory of the Capital City of Podgorica).
Here are the key and most interesting details about this village:
1. Geographical position and nature
The village is located in a beautiful high mountain environment surrounded by dense forests, meadows and pastures, not far from the river Veruša and Tara.
It is characterized by exceptionally clean mountain air and a pleasant climate during summer, while winters are usually long and rich in snow, which is characteristic of the entire region of Veruša and Komovo.
2. Affiliation and historical context
Lopata belongs to the wider historical area of Lijeva Rijeka, which is considered the motherland and homeland of Vasojević - the largest Montenegrin and mountain tribe.
In the village itself and in the surrounding area, there live and originate the clans and families that are traditionally connected to this region.
3. Connection with Veruša and the people of Podgorica
Due to its close proximity to Veruša, Lopate is closely associated with this famous weekend resort and former children's resort.
Many residents of Podgorica and its surroundings have their parents' houses, estates or cottages here, where they stay during the summer months to escape from the Podgorica heat.
4. Traffic accessibility (Highway)
With the construction and opening of the first section of the "Princess Xenija" highway (Bar-Boljare) and the Veruša/Mateševo interchange, the accessibility of the village of Lopate improved dramatically.
While it used to take an hour and a half to two hours from Podgorica to Lopat and Veruša on the old, narrow and winding road via Bioč and Lijeva Rijeka, now you can reach this area from Podgorica in just half an hour.
5. Tradition and animal husbandry
Historically, the village was related to cattle breeding and agriculture (cultivation of potatoes and mountain crops).
The area is known for its quality local products - cheese, cream, honey and forest fruits (blueberries and mushrooms), for which the entire area around Komovo is recognizable.
