CETINJE – a city where the history and soul of Montenegro live
Most tourists in Montenegro don’t miss the Bay of Kotor, Budva or Lake Skadar, but the real pearl is hidden a little further from the coast – in the heart of the Lovćen mountain range lies Cetinje. A city where history whispers from every corner, and cultural and spiritual landmarks are waiting to be discovered. A walk through Cetinje promises an encounter with tradition, architecture and museums, but also an authentic experience of Montenegro that is unforgettable.
The ancient capital
Once the political and cultural seat of Montenegro, and today the capital in a symbolic sense with a tradition that dates back more than 430 years, Cetinje is a place where history and tradition intertwine with the spirit of modern times. Every stone, street and old building bears witness to a turbulent past and preserves stories of Montenegrin rulers, battles and national pride.
Cetinje was founded by Ivan Crnojević at the end of the 15th century, fleeing from the Turks and wanting to create a safe haven for his people. He declared it the capital in 1482, and two years later founded the Cetinje Monastery, which is still the spiritual center of Montenegro today. Throughout the following centuries, Cetinje was the seat of the famous Petrović Njegoš dynasty, which marked the political, cultural and spiritual development of Montenegro. For centuries, the monastery was the place where the most important decisions were made, and in difficult times it was burned down and rebuilt.
The corridors of the monastery keep relics, manuscripts and memories of Saint Peter of Cetinje and other spiritual greats. Among the most famous relics is the Hand of Saint John the Baptist with which, according to tradition, Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River. This relic arrived in Cetinje from Russia in the 18th century, as a gift from the Russian empress Catherine the Great to the Montenegrin ruler Petar I Petrović Njegoš, whose relics are kept in the monastery. It should not be forgotten that the monastery also houses original books from the first printing house in the Balkans, founded by Đurađ Crnojević at the end of the 15th century, such as Oktoih the First Speaker.
From Billiards to Museum
During the period of the recognition of Montenegrin independence in 1878, Cetinje further strengthened its status as the capital of the state. Walking through its streets, it is easy to feel the spirit of that time - when the city was home to the royal court and numerous embassies: Russian, French, Italian, English, German and Turkish... Numerous buildings from that period still tell the story of the time when Montenegro won its independence, making Cetinje a true living open-air museum.
A special gem of the city is Billiards, the former residence of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, where the ruler and poet created his most significant works. An indispensable stop for every visitor is the Castle of King Nikola, the magnificent residence of the last Montenegrin king Nikola I Petrović. Built at the end of the 19th century, the castle was the political and cultural heart of what was then Montenegro, and today it offers an insight into the life of the royal family and the spirit of times gone by.
Cetinje is also a city of museums. In a small area, there are the National Museum of Montenegro, the Art Museum of Montenegro, the Historical Museum of Montenegro and the Museum of Money. Each exhibition tells its own story – about the struggle for freedom, the creation of the state and the rich artistic tradition. A walk through these museums opens the door to history and culture that you should not miss.
Lovćen and a spectacular cable car ride
Above Cetinje rises the magnificent Lovćen mountain, on the top of which is the monumental mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš. The view from the top of Lovćen is breathtaking – from the mountain peaks to the blue of the Adriatic Sea. The climb to Lovćen is an adventure in itself: winding roads, the smell of pine trees and fresh mountain air make this experience unforgettable.
For those who want a spectacular view without the effort, a modern cable car connects Kotor to the foot of Lovćen, providing panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the mountain landscapes, making this one of the most special experiences in Montenegro.
Although Podgorica now plays a leading role in the country, Cetinje still holds a special status in the hearts of Montenegrins, and is also the residence of the President of Montenegro.
Whether you come for history, culture or simply want to experience authentic Montenegro, Cetinje welcomes you with open arms and leaves a mark in your heart. For the complete experience, our team at Carina DMC travel agency can prepare all the details of your visit, from a city tour to an excursion to Lovćen, without any worries about organization.
