Apr 26

Mausoleum of Njegoš: A Bucket List Montenegrin Monument

Mausoleum of Njegoš, Lovćen National Park, Montenegro.

Mausoleum of Njegoš

This is the Mausoleum of Njegoš. You will have an opportunity to visit on the final day of our Montenegro trek: From the Durmitor Mountain Range to the Bay of Kotor. It’s one of the most important monuments in Montenegro. It was built in what is now Lovćen National Park and perched on one of Mount Lovćen’s two significant peaks. It’s important for two reasons.

The Remains Of Petar II

First, it houses the remains of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš (1813-1851), one of Montenegro’s most prominent leaders.

Petar II Petrović-Njegoš was a prince-bishop, a philosopher, and a poet, and many people consider his writings to be among the most important in Montenegrin and Serbian literature.

Family History

Montenegro still had many tribes in the early 19th century, and Petar’s family was one of the most influential. Their wealth and status was obvious as Petar was born in the only two-storied stone house in the area. The Petrović clan lead Montenegro in a succession of prince-bishops since the late 17th century. Petar found himself in the role at the age of 17. Many tried to overthrow the young prince-bishop but he proved to be a clever and worthy opponent even at such a young age.

Modernizing Montenegro

He quickly found his stride and is one of the pioneers in the modernization of Montenegro. He built roads, schools, and implemented taxes for the first time in the country’s history. Peta also became prominent as a skilled diplomat and formed close relations with Russia in an effort to keep Montenegro secure.

Petar The Poet

In addition to all the work he did as a diplomat, Petar was also an accomplished poet and writer. His most notable work is a 2,800 verse poem called The Mountain Wreath which he wrote in 1847.

It’s no wonder that his bones should rest at the very top of Montenegro. The monument and Petar’s remains sit on a subpeak of Lovćen mountain, (5,738 feet/1,749 meters) within the Lovćen National Park. The location was picked by Petar himself!

The View

Second, the monument sits on top of Montenegro’s second highest peak, Jezerski Vrh. A long, winding road takes you up the side of the mountain to a spot just below the monument. We will walk a paved path and ascend 461 steps where the stone statues greet you as pictured above. From the monument, you can enjoy incredible 360-degree views of Montenegro and the Adriatic sea.

Lovcen National Park was established in1952. The remains of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš in Mausoleum of Njegoš make the park a landmark of historical and cultural significance.

Photo by Ken Fuhrer

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