Cetinje has been the capital of Montenegro for years. The city was founded by Ivan Crnoevic. In 1482 during the Turkish invasion he had left the fortress Zabljak (at the Skadar Lake) and moved the capital to the Cetinjsko field, to the foot of the Lovcen Mountain. Since 1485, after the monastery of the same name had been constructed, Cetinje has been the sacred centre of the country. The present appearance the monastery had gained in 1724 (until 1863 was simultaneously used and as the Duke’s residence).
During Nikola I governing (1860-1918) the capital had acquired the European style. A new Duke’s Palace was built; embassies, cultural, educational and medicine institutions were founded.
Despite the fact that nowadays Cetinje is only the formal capital of Montenegro, it never stops to be the spiritual and cultural heart of the country. It is the city-museum. Once in every two years the Cetinje biennale takes place here.
While visiting Cetinje, don’t forget to climb the Lovcen Mountain, where the famous Montenegrin poet and ruler Petar II Petrovic (Negos) is buried. From the observation place near the Mausoleum you will admire the delightful view on almost all the country.
