History guide · 40 minutes from Podgorica
The old royal capital of Montenegro and the mountain above it: Cetinje Monastery, King Nikola’s Palace, the Biljarda, the former embassies and the Njegoš Mausoleum on Lovćen.
Montenegro feature
A royal capital in miniature, and a mountain-top mausoleum with all of Montenegro at its feet.
Visit the museums and the monastery of the old capital, walk past the former embassies and climb the 461 steps to the Njegoš Mausoleum on Lovćen.
Read the full back story below, then plan your trip.
The back story
The old royal capital of Montenegro, with its palaces and former embassies, and Mount Lovćen, crowned by the mausoleum of the poet-prince Njegoš.
The heart of old Montenegro
The monastery of Cetinje, founded in the 15th century and rebuilt, the spiritual heart of old Montenegro.
The royal residence
The residence of King Nikola, now a museum of the royal court, part of the National Museum of Montenegro.
Njegoš’s residence
The residence of the poet-prince Njegoš, named after its billiard table, now a museum.
History and art
The former Government House, home to the History Museum and the Art Museum of Montenegro.
A diplomatic quarter
The buildings of the former embassies and legations from the days of the royal capital.
On top of Montenegro
The mausoleum of Njegoš on Jezerski Vrh, reached by 461 steps, with views over much of Montenegro.
On the main street
A café-restaurant in the centre of Cetinje, a classic stop between the museums.
Bus or car
Buses run often from Podgorica to Cetinje in about 40 minutes; Lovćen is best by car.
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