Cetinje – the second capital of Montenegro and a resort city

The second capital, the concentration of historical and religious attractions – this is attractive for tourists and travelers to the city of Cetinje in Montenegro. It is located not on the coast, but the number of vacationers in it is not less than in Budva or Herceg Novi.

Location, history

Cetinje is located in the southwestern part of Montenegro, in the natural basin – Katun Karst. It is surrounded by low mountains, no open water, rivers. The Adriatic coast is 12 km away. Cetinje has few natural attractions, most of the interesting places are historical monuments and churches.

The city is officially the second capital of Montenegro. Here is the residence of the president, government buildings. The country’s Ministry of Culture operates at the resort. The resort consists of three municipalities without a single governing body.

Interesting facts:

• The only source of fresh water is underground wells. Mineral water has healing properties.
• Among the attractions of Cetinje in Montenegro are the royal palaces, Renaissance buildings.
• The resort is “green”, on its territory and outside there are two large parks, there are many alleys for walks.
• The most famous religious landmark is the Cetinje Monastery, Montenegro. This is an active complex that can be visited by tourists and vacationers.
• Until 1918 it was the official capital of the state.

The peculiarity of the country is the possibility of organizing holidays with children in Montenegro . It can be swimming or sunbathing on the beach, active sightseeing trips.

Population – 12 thousand people, the ethnic composition is dominated by indigenous Montenegrins. The weather in Cetinje is average European, the annual temperature is 10.5 ° С. Nearby is the mountain range Lovchen, from here climbers begin their travels.

How to get there

Cetinje attractions in Montenegro can be reached by plane, train or car. The choice depends on the budget and the route of travel. It is recommended to study the features of Montenegrin airports in advance . Closer is the capital of the country – Podgorica. But in summer most charter flights arrive to Tivat, the resort gate of the state.

Getting to Montenegro by car from Moscow or St. Petersburg is more difficult, travel time – 3-4 days. However, during the trip you can see interesting places, plan 1-2 days of rest in famous cities of Europe. This method is convenient for independent travelers who do not like to be attached to a particular place.

How to get to the resort:

• Bus. There are few direct flights from Tivat and Podgorica. Buses run once every 30-40 minutes. You can get there with transfers, but then the travel time will increase by 20-30%. Fare – up to 10 euros.
• Taxi. This is the best way to get to Cetinje. It is recommended to use the services of official taxi services of Montenegro . The minimum fare from Podgorica is 35 Euros. Private individuals will take 10-15% more.
• Car rental. The method is convenient for independent travelers. But you need to remember that the road to the resort leads on winding mountain roads, you need the skill of driving on such trails. Take into account the weather in Cetinje, there are often fogs and rains.

There is no railway connection with other cities in the country. You can pay in Euros, the official currency of Montenegro . Rubles and dollars change in bank branches. They are few, located in large resort towns. Therefore, prepare cash in advance.

Cetina Monastery

Cetinje Monastery is the second most important religious landmark in Montenegro. It was founded in the 15th century at the insistence of Ivan I Chernoevich. It was almost completely destroyed during the Turkish conquest, but was rebuilt by parishioners and clergy. Under its walls in 1796, the national hero Peter I Negosh defeated the troops of the Turkish Pasha, who had a numerical advantage. Today, the Cetinje Monastery in Montenegro is a place of pilgrimage for tourists and travelers. There are often locals.

Interesting facts about the monastery:

• Here is a relic – the Right Hand of John the Baptist. These three fingers of the famous spiritual mentor are for public viewing in the monastery of Cetinje, Montenegro. The fact is that before that the relic was about 120 in Russia.
• Adherence to the form of clothing. They will not be allowed on the territory of the temple in shorts, with uncovered shoulders. A hat is mandatory for women. So prepare your clothes, but keep in mind that the weather in Cetinje is hot.
• Language. Almost all employees of the Cetinje Monastery in Montenegro understand and speak Russian. There will be no problems with communication. But first it is recommended to study the article on the peculiarities of the language in Montenegro , how it differs from Serbian and whether many understand Russian.

The famous Ostrog Monastery is nearby. If you take part in the tour, be sure to visit Cetinje, its religious shrine.

Sights of Cetinje

The historical past has left many sights in Cetinje – architectural objects, buildings, monuments. It is not recommended to book excursions; you can make the route yourself. There is no map of Cetina’s sights in Russian, but you can navigate in English. Plan the start of the walk in the morning, it is very hot in the summer.

List of main attractions:

• Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. The second name is the Court Church on Chipuru. The church complex was built in 1886. The initiator of the construction was Peter Negush. Prior to that, the Zeta metropolis was located here. Among the sights of Cetinje, look at three sarcophagi – Ivan Crnojevic, King Nicholas I, and Milena. The latter was the king’s wife, known for her kindness and charity. Inside the temple is a large altar, where weddings are often held.
• Monument to Ivan Crnojevic. It was installed in 1982 in the central town square of the resort. The historical figure is presented in the form of a monumental sculpture with a formidable appearance. He embodies the pride and independence of Montenegrins. There are squares around, there are comfortable benches for rest.
• National Art Museum. Here is the best collection of maps on the Balkan Peninsula. Among the exhibits are works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall. Look at the collection of Christian icons, this is one of the most famous sights in Cetinje. Ticket price – 4 Euros. Disadvantage – the guide conducts tours only in the Montenegrin language.
• National History Museum. Located in the former government building. The collection includes exhibits from the 18th and 19th centuries, and earlier evidence of Montenegrin history can be found in other museums.
• Museum of King Nicholas I. He is the most famous politician and statesman in the country. Thanks to his efforts, Montenegro gained independence. This building used to house the monarch’s residence. The museum has been operating since 1923. However, you will not see any special sights in Cetinje, Montenegro. Only interiors and furniture are of interest.
• Ethnographic Museum. Want to learn the life of ordinary Montenegrins? Visit the halls of this museum in Cetinje. Here are folk tools, weapons, household items, clothing and footwear. Located in the building of the former Serbian embassy.

Outside the city, visit the main natural attraction of Cetinje – Mount Lovcen. There is a large observation deck, which offers beautiful views. A separate excursion to the mausoleum of Negosh.

Weather in Cetinje

Climatic conditions at the resort are medium-continental. The temperature in summer rarely rises above + 30 °. The city is protected from the influence of the Mediterranean climate by the Lovcen mountain massif. The weather in Cetinje deteriorates only in autumn. It often rains here, in terms of humidity at this time of year the resort ranks first in Europe.

Facts about the weather in Cetinje, important for tourists and vacationers:

• The rainy season starts from October to December.
• Thick fogs often appear in autumn.
• There is almost no wind, the reason is that the city is located in a hollow.

However, due to the peculiarities of the weather in Cetina in winter there is very little snow. It is impossible to come to go skiing, as in other ski resorts of Montenegro . Alternative recreation – hiking, rock climbing.

Hotels, villas

Due to the influx of tourists, there are many hotels in Cetinje. You can choose accommodation options in the villa. There are tourist complexes outside the city, in Lovcen National Park. There you can combine rest and stay in nature. The cost of living in Cetinje increases by the summer, for frugal tourists we recommend planning a trip in September-October.

Accommodation options in Cetinje:

• Hotel Monte Rosa. Located 7 km from the city center, a large number of rooms. Additional services – sauna, laundry, possibility to order food in the room. Free WiFi is provided and free parking is available on site.
• Hotel Ivanov Konak. Located in the reserve Lovchen. It is a tourist complex with several large cottages and a hotel. There is a tennis court, a children’s playground. You can book a transfer to Tivat or Podgorica airport.
• Hotel Sport IN. Located in the historic part of the city, close to the main attractions of Cetinje. Rooms are small but with good service. Free internet, digital TV.

You can also consider options for renting villas or apartments. Prices – from 30 euros per day, depending on the location, list of services.