Cetinje: The royal charm

Three great symbols of Montenegro are: Cetinje, Njegos and Lovcen. Cetinje is the old Royal Capital of Montenegro; Njegos, famous poet, philosopher and ruler, and Lovcen mountain which overlooks Cetinje - a resting place of Njegos with the officially highest mausoleum in the world, mountain which represents Montenegro in all its glory.

Since its establishment in the late XV century, and until 1946, the city of Cetinje was the capital of Montenegro, the center of its main cultural and historical events. In fact, entire Cetinje is an open air museum. If you like history, then this is the tour for you!

OVERVIEW

At the very beginning of the tour, you will hear a fascinating story about the uprising of this small town. We will climb the hill of Eagle Stone (Orlov krs - 10-15 min), where you can see Cetinje in all its glory.

After an easy walk back to the historical core of Cetinje, will go inside King Nikola’s palace, today known as King Nikola’s museum. The first and last Montenegrin king Nikola I Petrovic Njegos lived in this very palace with his numerous family from 1867-1916. The ambience of court (late XIX and early XX century) is well preserved, and you will strongly feel the spirit of old times while King Nikola was on the throne. The stylish furniture, the collection of interior decorations, old weapons, a plaque, and many precious gifts from various European rulers speak of the "golden age of Montenegro" in this museum.

In the immediate vicinity, we will find Biljarda. Biljarda was the residence of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, a famous Montenegrin poet and ruler. Peter II Petrovic Njegos is the author of the book "Mountain Wreath", where he describes the honour and strength of Montenegrin people for freedom, rated internationally as the "manuscript of a genius".

We will visit Cetinje Monastery, also known as the Monastery of St. Peter, which represents the symbol of Montenegrin spirituality, freedom and enlightenment, and thus occupies an extraordinary place in the Montenegrin heritage.

In Cetinje Monastery, two of the most important, miraculous Christian relics are preserved: Peace of the Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and the right hand of John the Baptist.

We will walk through the city and see the numerous buildings of the former embassies of Russia, Great Britain, Serbia, France and many others. These buildings, with their beauty and heritage, testify that this city was a capital hundred years ago, the city where the first institutions such as theater, post, hotel, hospital were built in Montenegro.

We will try amazing traditional Montenegrin food and enjoy a glass of homemade wine before we finish the tour.