Cetinje is a city in the mountain region of Montenegro. Its name came from the river Cetina.
Sitting on the foot of the Lovcen mountain, it is the throne of Montenegrin history. Its authentic architecture, historic buildings, and relics, as well as churches and monasteries, gained Cetinje, also the name Museum City.
As the former capital of Montenegro, it had a significant role in its history. It was founded in 1482 when Ivan Crnojevic moved his capital from Obod above the Crnojevica River to a more defendable location deeper toward the hills. He had his new court built and founded a monastery in 1884. His court and the monastery are the first renaissance buildings in Montenegro. Crnojevic had to move the Eparchy of Zeta to Cetinje due to the Ottoman invasion in 1485. The bishopric of Zeta then became a metropolitanate in Cetinje. It played a significant role in the national rise. The Ottomans took Zeta in 1499. It became annexed in 1514 and formed into Sanjak of Montenegro. In the next two centuries, its development was stagnant.
Venice and the Ottomans often attacked Cetinje. The city endured hardship during the 16th and 17th centuries. Cetinje began to flourish in 1697 under the rule of the Petrovic dynasty and Danilo Petrovic.
During the liberation wars, Danilo and his successors had no time to develop Cetinje. It was during the rule of Petar II Petrovic Njegos that Cetinje began to thrive. Building new houses gradually led to urbanization.
The newly established relations with various European countries sparked the construction of modernized embassies. Cetinje bloomed during the rule of prince Nikola I Petrovic.
The Berlin Congress in 1878 recognized Montenegrin independence, and Cetinje became the capital of a European country.
Cetinje is a fascinating place to visit. Its history and role as a culturohistorical center left it with the most compelling attributes for visitors. Its turbulent history will fascinate you. The surrounding nature will captivate you. Among the most attractive sites in Cetinje are:
Cetinje Monastery is dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary. It was built in 1484 by Ivan Crnojević and became the seat of the Bishopric of Zeta. The monastery was demolished to the ground in 1692 by the Turks but was restored by Bishop Danilo, not far from its original location. On this occasion, a new monastery was built from the stones of the old and transferred to the plate with the coat of arms Crnojevića and dedication of Ivan Crnojevića.
Home of the most important Montenegrin spiritual and worldly leader was the former residence of Petar II Petrovic Njegos. It is located in the historic center of Cetinje, close to Cetinje Monastery. It was built on March 29. 1838. by the plan of the Russian emissaries James Ozerckovskog and with considerable financial help from Russia.
Initially called the new house, but soon got a new name – Biljarda, after the game of billiards, the poet’s favorite game.
Located in the southwestern part of Montenegro, Lovcen rises from the edge of the Adriatic basin, thereby closing a long and meandering Boka bay, making the background of an ancient maritime town of Kotor. The relatively narrow space numerous and diverse forms of relief intersect, accentuated in the central part of the mountain, where the highest points of Lovcen are Stirovnik and Lake’s peak. The National Park comprises the central and highest part of Lovcen massif area 6220 hectares. It was declared a national park in 1952. National park Lovćen is 24 km (37 minutes) away from Cetinje.
National Park Lovcen has nine different habitats over a very small area. A large number of habitats resulted in diverse flora and fauna. This national park has approximately two thousand plants. This abundance of life is a result of extreme differences in altitudes and under influence of two climates: Mediterranean and Continental. The combination of the two climates resulted in the creation of rich habitats and unique flora and fauna.
At the top of the national park Lovćen is the mausoleum of the famous Montenegrin ruler and poet Petar II Petrović Njegoš. This imposing building with 461 stairs that lead from the parking lot to the mausoleum itself is the final resting place of the greatest Montenegrin ruler. Surrounded by stunning views, massive mountains, and a breathtaking national park. The construction of the mausoleum began in 1951 until 1974 when the mausoleum was open for public visitation. The entire national park Lovćen with its region is considered sacred by Montenegrins. Lovcen is a symbol of Montenegro and gives it a national identity. Lovćen is to Montenegrins what the Statue of Liberty is to Americans.
Lipa Cave is one of the largest cave monuments in Montenegro. It boasts a beautiful and wild cave system with 2.5 km of passages and halls and offers a unique experience of the underground world. Its beauty was recognized by King Nikola I and Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who played a very important role in Montenegrin history.
Today, the cave is available for a memorable experience with local guides in line with high environmental conservation standards. Cave tours are accessible very easily (just 33 km from Budva, 35 km from Podgorica, and 5 km from Cetinje) and perfectly safe. All our efforts are focused on providing an unforgettable cave adventure to our visitors. Local guides are kind, helpful, and well-trained. The temperature in the cave is between 8-12 degrees.
Get ready for a pure adventure in a low-carbon tourism experience in nature.
