Cetinje – L'Antica Capitale Reale del Montenegro

“A museum city at the foot of Mount Lovcen, where the soul of Montenegro was forged through centuries of defiance, faith, and literary brilliance.”

Panoramica

Cetinje is the historic royal capital of Montenegro, a compact and walkable city perched at circa 670 metres (2,198 feet) above livello del mare on the Cetinje plateau, cradled by mountain peaks at the foot of Mount Lovcen (1,749 m). With a population of around 15,000, it bears the official designation of Old Royal Capital (Prijestonica) – a unique constitutional status shared by no other city in Montenegro. While Podgorica serves as the administrative capital, Cetinje remains the spiritual, cultural, and ceremonial heart of the nation.

Often called the “City of Museums” or “Museum City”, Cetinje packs six museums into its small footprint, along with former royal palaces, historic monastery complexes, and a remarkable collection of 19th-century embassy buildings that testify to its former status as a Europaan capital. Its Historic Core is inscribed on the Patrimonio dell'Umanita UNESCO Lista Propositiva, recognized as a heritage ensemble of exceptional importance for its harmonious unity of heterogeneous architectural elements, individually protected monuments, parks, and regular urban matrix [1][2].

Cetinje is also known as the “Town of Books” – books have been printed, read, and preserved here since the 15th century, when a printing house produced the first printed book of the South Slavs in Cyrillic script [1].

Storia

Foundation by Ivan Crnojevic (1482)

Cetinje fu fondata nel 1482 when Ivan Crnojevic (Ivan Crnojević), lord of Zeta, moved his capital from Obod above the Crnojevic River to a more defensible location on the field at the foot of Mount Lovcen. The relocation was driven by the relentless advance of the Impero Ottomano. Ivan chose this site – a natural fortress surrounded by mountains – because it offered far better protection than the earlier capitals of Zabljak Crnojevica and Obod [3][4][5].

In 1484, Ivan built a fortified court (the Crnojevic Court) and in 1485 erected a monastery, moving the seat of the Zeta Metropolitan diocese from Vranjina island to Cetinje. This single act transformed Cetinje into both the secular and spiritual centre of Montenegro – a dual role it would hold for centuries [4][5].

The First Printing Press (1493)

Ivan’s son, Djurdje Crnojevic, established at Obod (and later at Cetinje) the first printing press in the Slavic south in 1493. Church books were printed in Cyrillic script and illustrated with drawings of exceptional beauty. This was a landmark in South Slavic cultural history and is a point of immense pride for Montenegro [4][5][6].

Ottoman Period and Resilience

After the fall of the Crnojevic dynasty, Cetinje endured a long period of Ottoman pressure. The monastery fu distrutta and rebuilt multiple times. It was not until the end of the 17th century, in 1697, that Cetinje began to flourish again under the rule of the Petrovic-Njegos dynasty, founded by Danilo Petrovic. The prince-bishops (vladike) ruled Montenegro as a theocracy from Cetinje from 1516 to 1851, making the monastery their seat of power [4][5][6].

The Petrovic-Njegos Dynasty

The most famous of the prince-bishops was Petar II Petrovic-Njegos (ruled 1830-1851), who was simultaneously a ruler, Orthodox bishop, poet, and philosopher. He built the Biljarda residence in 1838, modernized Montenegrin governance, promoted education, and authored The Mountain Wreath (Gorski vijenac), considered the national epic of both Montenegro and Serbia [7][8].

After Njegos, his nephew Danilo I secularized the state (separating religious and political authority), and was succeeded by Nikola I Petrovic-Njegos, who ruled as Prince from 1860 and was proclaimed King of Montenegro in 1910 [5][9].

International Recognition and the Embassy Era (1878-1918)

The Congress of Berlin (1878) recognized Montenegro’s independence, ushering in a golden age for Cetinje. Major Europaan powers established diplomatic missions, and the small capital was transformed with grand embassy buildings in styles ranging from barocca to Art Nouveau. The years from 1878 to 1914 were the glory days of Cetinje, when foreign intellectuals and diplomats flocked to the city [10][11].

Montenegro was proclaimed a Kingdom in 1910 under King Nikola I. The court was extended and redecorated for the coronation celebrations. During this era, Cetinje had embassies from Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, Great Britain, Italia, Turchia, the United States, and other nations [10][11][12].

Prima Guerra Mondiale and Loss of Independence

During Prima Guerra Mondiale, Montenegro fought alongside the Allied Powers. Austria-Hungary occupied Cetinje in gennaio 1916. King Nikola fled to exile in France. After the war, the Podgorica Assembly of 1918 voted to unite Montenegro with Serbia and the emerging Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia), effectively ending Montenegrin independence and Cetinje’s role as a national capital [5][9].

Prima Guerra MondialeI

During Prima Guerra MondialeI, Italia occupied Montenegro in aprile 1941. The Italians attempted to establish a puppet “independent” Montenegrin state, with Cetinje as its administrative center. This was partly motivated by Queen Elena of Italia, who was born in Cetinje as the daughter of King Nikola I. Tuttavia, a popular uprising erupted on 13 luglio 1941 – one of the first anti-fascist insurrections in occupied Europa. Insurgents besieged Italian forces in Cetinje. After Italia’s capitulation in settembre 1943, Nazi Germany took over the occupation until liberation in 1944 [13][14].

Post-War Period and “Old Royal Capital” Status

In 1946, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro was moved to Titograd (now Podgorica). Cetinje retained its role as the cultural and intellectual centre. With Montenegrin independence in 2006, Cetinje was constitutionally designated the Old Royal Capital (Prijestonica), formally recognizing its unique historical status. The Blue Palace was renovated to serve as the official residence of the President of Montenegro [5][6][15].

Principali Attrazioni

Cetinje Monastery

The Cetinje Monastery (Cetinjski manastir) is la piu importante religious and cultural site in Cetinje, and one of the holiest places in the Orthodox Christian world. Originariamente founded in 1485 by Ivan Crnojevic, the monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to Ottoman attacks. The current structure dates primarily to 1785, rebuilt under Metropolitan Petar I Petrovic-Njegos (later canonized as Saint Peter of Cetinje) [16][17].

Sacred Relics: The monastery treasury houses alcune delle piu significant Christian relics in existence:

• The Right Hand of Saint John the Baptist – believed to be the very hand that baptized Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. This relic has an extraordinary provenance, having passed through the possession of Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, the Knights Hospitaller on Malta, Russian tsars, and Serbian kings. It was brought to Montenegro by members of the exiled Romanov family after the Russian Revolution. In 2006, it was briefly taken to Russia where millions venerated it before it was returned to Cetinje [16][17][18].
• A Fragment of the True Cross (the Holy Cross on which Jesus was crucified).
• The remains of Saint Peter of Cetinje (Metropolitan Petar I Petrovic-Njegos, canonized 1834).

The monastery also preserves the Bishop’s Crown of Saint Peter of Cetinje and important historical manuscripts. It remains an active monastery and a major pilgrimage destination [16][17].

King Nikola’s Palace (Museum of King Nikola)

Built between 1863 and 1867, King Nikola’s Palace was originariamente constructed as a residence for Princess Darinka, widow of Prince Danilo I. After her exile, it became the home of Prince (later King) Nikola I and his family. The palace was redecorated and extended several times, with its final adaptation in 1910 for the proclamation of the Kingdom [9][12].

Since 1926, the palace has served as a museum and is now a department of the National Museum of Montenegro. The entrance hall displays the Montenegrin Crown Jewels – la piu popolare exhibition in the entire National Museum system. The collection encompasses material of great importance for Montenegrin political, military, and cultural history from the medieval period through 1918 [9][12].

Practical info: Part of the combined National Museum ticket (circa 10 EUR for all five departments).

Njegos Museum – Biljarda

The Biljarda (Billiards Hall) is a castle-like fortified residence built in 1838 for prince-bishop Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. The building gets its unusual name from the billiard table that Njegos had transported from Vienna – the first and only billiard table in Montenegro at the time [7][19].

Founded as a museum in 1951, the Biljarda houses Njegos’s personal effects including manuscripts, books, portraits, coins, weapons, his bishop’s cross and garments, documents, period furniture, and of course the famous billiard table [7][19].

The Relief Map: In a separate glass-walled pavilion adjacent to the main museum sits an extraordinary three-dimensional topographical relief map of Montenegro, covering circa 180 square metres. Created by Austrian cartographers in the 19th century, this massive model is one of the museum’s most impressive exhibits [7][19].

Practical info: Open daily 09:00-17:00. Admission: 3 EUR adults, 1.50 EUR children [19].

Blue Palace (Plavi Dvorac)

The Blue Palace fu costruita nel 1894-1895 in late Empire style as the residence of Crown Prince Danilo, heir to the Montenegrin throne. The project was overseen by Italian architect Camillo Boito [15][20].

Crown Prince Danilo and his wife lived in the palace until 1916. During the interwar Kingdom of Yugoslavia period, it housed the Cetinje Gymnasium (secondary school). Under socialist Yugoslavia, it fu convertita into a gallery and museum. In 2010, after extensive renovation funded by a grant from the Government of Norway, the Blue Palace became the official residence of the President of Montenegro [15][20].

Nota: As the presidential residence, the Blue Palace is not open to the public, but its exterior and surrounding grounds are a major landmark worth seeing.

Vlach Church (Vlaska Crkva)

The Vlach Church (Vlaska crkva), dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is la piu antica building in Cetinje, predating the city’s official founding. Built around 1450 – some 30 years before Ivan Crnojevic established his court – it stands on the site of a Bogomil necropolis that once contained around 150 stecak tombstones (monumental medieval gravestones). Only two stecci have been preserved [21][22].

The church gets its name from the Vlachs (shepherds) who tended Ivan Crnojevic’s cattle. Originariamente constructed from sticks, switches, and mud, it was rebuilt three times: first in dry stone, then stone with lime mortar, and finally receiving its current form in 1864 [21][22].

The Rifle-Barrel Fence: The church’s most striking feature is its churchyard fence, constructed in 1897 from 1,550 captured Ottoman rifle barrels taken during the victorious Montenegrin-Ottoman War of 1876-78. This remarkable fence is a powerful symbol of Montenegrin resistance and has become una delle piu photographed features of Cetinje [21][22].

Historic Embassy Buildings

Cetinje’s collection of former embassy buildings is unique in i Balcani and constitutes a remarkable museo a cielo aperto of late 19th and early 20th century diplomatic architecture [10][11]:

• austro-ungarico Embassy (1899) – Designed by architect Dr. Joseph Slade, this spacious building features ground floor and attic levels, with a Roman Catholic chapel along the north side.
• Russian Embassy (1903) – Designed by Italian architect Corradini, with elaborate barocca decoration in stucco. Now houses the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Montenegro.
• French Embassy (1910) – A striking Art Nouveau building with ceramic tile facade decoration, built for the proclamation of the Kingdom. Located on the main street (Njegoseva ulica), it is una delle piu photographed buildings in the city.
• Italian Embassy (1910) – Also built for the Kingdom proclamation year.
• British Embassy – Now houses the University of Montenegro Music Academy.
• Turkish (Ottoman) Embassy – Now the Faculty of Drama.
• United States Embassy – The U.S. did not build a dedicated structure; the secretary of the embassy operated from the Grand Hotel, while the ambassador was based in Athens.

These buildings, all designed to demonstrate the power and prestige of their respective nations, now serve as educational institutions, galleries, and cultural facilities [10][11].

Art Museum of Montenegro

Founded in 1950, the Art Museum of Montenegro (Umjetnicki muzej Crne Gore) is una delle piu antiche and most prestigious cultural institutions in the country. Housed in the Vladin Dom (Government House), its collection includes over 3,500 artworks spanning centuries [23][24].

The collection is organized into sub-collections including: the Collection of Icons, the Collection of Montenegrin Fine Arts, the Collection of Yugoslav Fine Arts, the Collection of Foreign Artists, the Collection of Reproductions of Frescoes, and the Collection of Caricatures, among others [23][24].

A particular treasure is the Icon of Our Lady of Philermos (Filermosa), a Byzantine icon tradizionalmente attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist. This icon, together with the Hand of Saint John the Baptist and the fragment of the True Cross, came to Montenegro through the Russian imperial family [1][16].

National Storia Museum and Ethnographic Museum

The National Storia Museum holds an impressive array of period weaponry, artifacts from Roman and prehistoric archaeological sites, and materials documenting Montenegro’s long struggle for independence. The Ethnographic Museum e considerata una delle migliori-curated ethnographic collections in Montenegro, displaying traditional costumes, tools, household items, and crafts that illustrate the daily life of Montenegrin people through the centuries [12][24].

Cultura ed Eventi

The Intellectual Heart of Montenegro

Cetinje has been Montenegro’s intellectual and cultural capital since the 15th century. Its unique atmosphere – part museum, part university town, part mountain retreat – sets it apart from every other city in the country. The concentration of national institutions (the National Museum, the National Library, state archives, and university faculties) in such a small city creates a sense of cultural density unmatched elsewhere in Montenegro.

Njegos and the Literary Legacy

Petar II Petrovic-Njegos (1813-1851) e considerata the greatest Serbian and South Slavic writer. His masterwork, The Mountain Wreath (Gorski vijenac, 1847), written in Cetinje and published in Vienna, is a modern epic written in verse as a dramatic play – combining three major modes of literary expression. Set in 18th-century Montenegro, it deals with the struggles of Njegos’s ancestor Metropolitan Danilo I to unite the warring Montenegrin tribes against Ottoman domination [7][8].

The work’s themes – the struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity; the conflict between good and evil; humanity’s yearning for liberation – give it universal significance far beyond its regional setting. Njegos is celebrated with a national holiday, Njegos Day (novembre 13), and his legacy permeates every aspect of Cetinje’s identity [7][8].

Cetinje Biennial of Visual Arts

First organized in 1991, the Cetinje Biennial (Cetinjsko bijenale) is an international art exhibition held every two years. Artists, creators, and critics from around the world gather in Cetinje to exhibit works and participate in workshops. The biennial has featured distinguished Yugoslav and Europaan creators across fine arts, applied arts, and performance art [25].

Summer at the Old Royal Capital

Cetinje hosts one of Montenegro’s most popular cultural events: “Summer at the Old Royal Capital” (Ljeto u Prijestonici), an annual arts festival running from giugno through settembre with nearly 100 events. The programme includes [25][26]:

• Royal Fest – Hard rock and alternative music festival
• Cetinje Jazz Fest – Jazz performances
• Espressivo – Classical music concerts
• Cucka jeka – Traditional festival in Kobilji Do village
• Rijecka noc – Evening festival in Rijeka Crnojevica
• Njegusko ljeto – Summer events in Lovcen and Njeguski
• Folklor – Traditional folk performances

Additional programming includes author readings, publication launches, fine art exhibitions, and film screenings.

Traditional Crafts and Preserved Atmosphere

Cetinje retains a remarkably preserved historic atmosphere that many visitors describe as feeling like stepping back in time to the 19th century. The main street, Njegoseva ulica, is partly pedestrianized and lined with well-preserved pastel-coloured houses shaded by arching linden trees – a style quite different from the architettura veneziana of the coast [26][27].

Natura e Attivita all'Aperto

Lovcen Parco Nazionale and the Njegos Mausoleum

Lovcen Parco Nazionale, located within the Municipality of Cetinje circa 30 minutes in auto from the centro citta, is one of Montenegro’s most visited natural sites. The mountain Lovcen is deeply symbolic – its name “Crna Gora” (Black Mountain) gave Montenegro its name [28][29].

The Njegos Mausoleum sits atop Jezerski Vrh (1,657 m), the mountain’s second-highest peak. Designed by world-renowned Croazian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic and built between 1970 and 1974, it is the highest mausoleum in the world. Reaching it requires climbing 461 stone steps, partly through a dramatically lit tunnel carved through rock. Inside, two granite caryatids guard the tomb where a 28-tonne statue of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos rests in the wings of an eagle, carved from a single block of black granite, beneath a golden mosaic canopy [28][29].

On a clear day, the viste panoramiche from the mausoleum platform encompass half of Montenegro, parts of Albania and Croazia, and on exceptionally clear days, even the Italian coast across l'Adriatico [28][29].

Nearby, the village of Njeguski – birthplace of Njegos – e famosa per its locally produced prsut (smoked dry-cured ham) and cheese, which i visitatori possono sample at family homesteads along the road.

The Kotor Serpentine Road (25 Hairpin Turns)

The scenic road connecting Cetinje to Kotor on the coast is una delle piu spectacular drives in Europa. Completed in 1884 as a joint engineering project between the newly independent Montenegrin state and Austria-Hungary, it winds for circa 36 km down the mountainside with 25 hairpin bends (serpentine turns) [30].

Before this road fu costruita, the only route between Kotor and the royal capital was a forested donkey trail. The serpentine sections are narrow (circa 5 metres wide in places), with dramatic drop-offs offering viste mozzafiato of the Bocche di Cattaro far below. This drive is a must-do experience, though it demands an experienced and confident driver [30].

Lipa Cave (Lipska Pecina)

Located just 5 km from Cetinje, Lipa Cave is una delle piu grandi cave systems in Montenegro, with circa 2.5 km of passages and halls. The visitor experience includes a charming mini-train ride from the parking area to the cave entrance, followed by a guided walking tour of circa 400 metres through the main tunnel and the spectacular Negus Hall with its impressive stalactite formations [31][32].

Practical info: - Tour duration: circa 60 minutes (including train ride) - Cave temperature: constant 8-12 degrees C tutto l'anno (bring a light jacket) - No advance booking required; arrive 30 minutes before desired tour time - Seasonal closure: The cave is typically closed from novembre through marzo, reopening 1 aprile [31][32]

Lago di Scutari and Rijeka Crnojevica

The route from Cetinje towards Podgorica passes near Lago di Scutari, la piu grande lake in i Balcani. The famous Pavlova Strana viewpoint offers una delle piu photographed panoramas in all of Montenegro – a stunning vista of the Rijeka Crnojevica (Crnojevic River) as it winds in horseshoe meanders into the lake, encircling a pyramid-shaped green hill [33].

The charming village of Rijeka Crnojevica at the lake’s edge features an elegant arched limestone bridge built in 1853 by Prince Danilo. The village was historically an important trading post and the place where Montenegrin rulers had their summer residences before establishing Cetinje [33].

Hiking and Cycling

The Cetinje municipality offers excellent attivita ricreative all'aperto [34]:

• Lovcen Parco Nazionale hiking: Well-marked trails including moderate loop hikes along Skarda Lake, climbs to Jezerski Vrh, and extended ridge walks with viste panoramiche. Many trails are shaded, making them pleasant even in estate heat.
• Mountain biking: Routes from Cetinje include challenging off-road climbs of 7-10% grade to la piu alta peaks of Lovcen, with thrilling downhill descents.
• Epic descent to Kotor: An extraordinary cycling route descends from the Njegos Mausoleum (1,657 m) all the way down to Kotor at livello del mare – a total descent of over 1,650 metres.

Informazioni Pratiche

Come Arrivare

• Da Podgorica: Circa 30 minutes in auto (36 km via the M2.3 highway). Regular bus service operates throughout the day.
• From the coast (Budva): Circa 30 minutes in auto (33 km).
• From Kotor: Circa 60 minutes via the scenic serpentine road, or 90 minutes via the main highway through Budva.
• Buses: Direct services from Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Herceg-Novi, and Ulcinj. Cetinje makes an easy gita di un giorno from any citta costiera or from the capital.
• No airport or railway station – nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD), circa 55 km.

Come Muoversi

Cetinje’s historic centre is compact and entirely walkable. All major museums, the monastery, embassy buildings, and restaurants are within a 15-minute walk of each other. No public transport is needed within the city itself. A car is useful only for excursions to Lovcen Parco Nazionale, Lipa Cave, or the Lago di Scutari area.

Climate and When to Visit

Cetinje has an oceanic climate (Koppen: Cfb) at 670 m elevation. It is notably one of the rainiest towns in Europa, receiving circa 3,300 mm of precipitation annually [35].

• Summer (giugno-settembre): Warm and generally sunny, with average luglio temperatures around 20 degrees C. Afternoon thunderstorms possible. This is the best time for hiking, cycling, and the cultural festival season.
• Winter (dicembre-febbraio): Cold, with average gennaio temperatures around 1.5 degrees C. Heavy snowfall is common at this altitude. Budget alloggio prices are lowest. Temperature extremes can reach -15 degrees C.
• Best time to visit: maggio to settembre for the best combination of weather, open attractions (soprattutto Lipa Cave from aprile), and cultural events. luglio-agosto are peak months.

Alloggio

Cetinje has a limited but growing alloggio sector. Options include a few small hotels and numerous apartments/private rooms available through booking platforms. The absence of turismo di massa is part of Cetinje’s charm – the city maintains an authentic, unhurried atmosphere [26][27].

Museum Tickets

The National Museum of Montenegro offers a combined ticket (circa 10 EUR) granting access to all five departments: 1. Museum of King Nikola (Royal Palace) 2. Njegos Museum – Biljarda 3. Art Museum of Montenegro 4. National Storia Museum 5. Ethnographic Museum

Individual department tickets are also available. The Cetinje Monastery is free to visit (donations appreciated) [9][12][19].

Dining

Cetinje offers a selection of traditional Montenegrin restaurants (konobe) serving specialita locali including Njeguski prsut (prosciutto affumicato), Njeguski sir (local cheese), lamb dishes, and freshwater fish. The restaurant scene is more modest than on the coast, with an emphasis on authentic, homestyle cooking.

Day Trip Itinerary Suggestion

A full day in Cetinje might include: 1. Morning: Cetinje Monastery and the sacred relics (1 hour) 2. Mid-morning: Njegos Museum Biljarda and the Relief Map (1 hour) 3. Late morning: King Nikola’s Palace and the Crown Jewels (1 hour) 4. Lunch at a traditional restaurant on Njegoseva ulica 5. Early afternoon: Walk the embassy buildings circuit and Vlach Church (1 hour) 6. Afternoon: Drive to Lovcen / Njegos Mausoleum (2-3 hours round trip), OR Lipa Cave (1.5 hours) 7. Optional sunset: Pavlova Strana viewpoint over Lago di Scutari on the road back towards Podgorica

Visitor Impressions and Reviews

Cetinje occupies a special place in visitor experience. Travellers consistently describe it as “una delle piu underrated destinations in Montenegro” – a place with a palpable sense of history and a refreshingly unrushed atmosphere [26][27][36].

Common visitor impressions include:

• “Stepping back in time” – The well-preserved 19th-century streetscape, the absence of modern commercial development, and the quiet pace of life create a feeling of having entered a different century.
• “Museum city with real depth” – While some visitors note that certain museum exhibits could benefit from modernized displays, the sheer concentration of nationally significant collections in such a small area is consistently praised.
• “A different spirit” – Many visitors describe Cetinje as having a different energy from the bustling coast – more thoughtful, more intellectual, more connected to Montenegro’s identity.
• “Honest and authentic” – Unlike more touristic citta costieras, Cetinje is described as maintaining genuine Montenegrin character. Some visitors note that parts of the city show their age, with some buildings in disrepair, but this is often seen as adding to the authentic atmosphere rather than detracting from it.
• The monastery and relics are consistently rated as the highlight, with visitors expressing awe at seeing relics of such historical and significato religioso in a small, accessible setting.
• Lovcen and the Mausoleum are rated as world-class experiences, with the 461-step climb rewarded by what many describe as the best vista panoramica in all of Montenegro.

Cetinje is particolarmente recommended for travellers interested in history, culture, architecture, and religious heritage – and as a refreshing counterpoint to the beach-focused tourism of the costa adriatica [26][27][36].

Summary

Cetinje is not merely a former capital – it is the spiritual and cultural anchor of Montenegrin identity. From the sacred relics of the monastery to the literary genius of Njegos, from the rifle-barrel fence of the Vlach Church to the diplomatic grandeur of the embassy quarter, from the alpine heights of Lovcen to the underground wonders of Lipa Cave, Cetinje offers a depth and richness of experience that belies its modest size. It is the essential inland complement to Montenegro’s celebrated coastline, and no understanding of this country is complete without a visit to its Old Royal Capital.

References

[1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre – “Cetinje Historic Core” (Tentative List) https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5561/

[2] Britannica – “Cetinje | History, Geography, & Points of Interest” https://www.britannica.com/place/Cetinje

[3] Wikipedia – “Cetinje” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetinje

[4] Visit Montenegro – “The History of Cetinje” https://www.visit-montenegro.com/destinations/cetinje/info/history/

[5] Around Montenegro – “Cetinje – Historic Royal and Cultural Capital” https://aroundmontenegro.com/cetinje/

[6] 360 Monte – “Welcome to Cetinje: An Old Royal Capital of Montenegro” https://360monte.me/cetinje/

[7] Wikipedia – “Petar II Petrovic-Njegos” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petar_II_Petrovi%C4%87-Njego%C5%A1

[8] Wikipedia – “The Mountain Wreath” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mountain_Wreath

[9] National Museum of Montenegro – “Museum of King Nikola” https://en.narodnimuzej.me/posjeta-muzej-kralja-nikole/

[10] Discover Montenegro – “Cetinje Embassies” https://www.discover-montenegro.com/cetinje-embassies/

[11] KASADOO – “The 12 Embassy Buildings” https://kasadoo.com/montenegro/cetinje/sights/12-embassies

[12] Wikipedia – “Cetinje Royal Palace” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetinje_Royal_Palace

[13] Wikipedia – “Italian Governorate of Montenegro” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_governorate_of_Montenegro

[14] Wikipedia – “Uprising in Montenegro (1941)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uprising_in_Montenegro_(1941)

[15] Wikipedia – “Blue Palace (Cetinje)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Palace

[16] Wikipedia – “Cetinje Monastery” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetinje_Monastery

[17] Lonely Planet – “Cetinje Monastery” https://www.lonelyplanet.com/montenegro/cetinje/attractions/cetinje-monastery/a/poi-sig/1265828/1004865

[18] Montenegro.org – “A Look Inside Cetinje Monastery” https://montenegro.org/a-look-inside-cetinje-monastery/

[19] National Museum of Montenegro – “Njegos Museum of Billiards” https://en.narodnimuzej.me/posjeta-njegosev-muzej-biljarda/

[20] Montenegro For Travellers – “Plavi Dvorac, the Blue Palace in Cetinje” http://www.montenegrofortravellers.com/en/place/plavi-dvorac-blue-palace-cetinje

[21] Wikipedia – “Vlach Church” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlach_Church

[22] Montenegro For Travellers – “Vlaska Crkva, Church of Vlaska” http://www.montenegrofortravellers.com/en/place/vlaska-crkva-church-vlaska

[23] Museu.MS – “Museum of Fine Arts of Montenegro” https://museu.ms/museum/details/165

[24] Montenegro.org – “National Museum of Montenegro” https://montenegro.org/national-museum-of-montenegro/

[25] Tourism Montenegro – “The Cetinje Biennale of Visual Arts” https://www.tourism-montenegro.com/entry/The-Cetinje-Biennale-of-Visual-Arts-450.php

[26] Montenegro Pulse – “14 Best Things To Do In Cetinje, Montenegro (Local’s Guide)” https://www.montenegropulse.com/cetinje.html

[27] Life on the Roam – “15 Best Things to Do in Cetinje” https://lifeontheroam.com/things-to-do-cetinje-montenegro/

[28] Wikipedia – “Mausoleum of Njegos” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mausoleum_of_Njego%C5%A1

[29] Visit Montenegro – “Njegos Mausoleum” https://www.visit-montenegro.com/destinations/cetinje/attractions/njegos-mausoleum/

[30] Adriatic Ways – “Kotor Serpentine Road: Driving the 25 Hairpins” https://adriaticways.com/kotor-serpentine-road/

[31] Lipa Cave Official Website https://lipa-cave.me/

[32] Wikipedia – “Lipa Cave” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipa_Cave

[33] Earth Trekkers – “Photographing the Famous View of Lake Skadar: Pavlova Strana” https://www.earthtrekkers.com/photographing-lake-skadar-pavlova-strana/

[34] Wikiloc – “Best Hiking Trails in Cetinje” https://www.wikiloc.com/trails/hiking/montenegro/cetinje

[35] Climates to Travel – “Cetinje Climate: Weather by Month, Temperature, Rain” https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/montenegro/cetinje

[36] TripAdvisor – “Things to Do in Cetinje” https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g304076-Activities-Cetinje.html