Travel to Montenegro
Cetinje Monastery

Cetinje, Montenegro

Cetinje Monastery

The Spiritual Heart of Montenegro beneath Lovćen

Founded: c. 1484

Overview

Cetinje Monastery is the most significant religious and cultural-historical monument in Montenegro, situated in the historical capital of Cetinje, at the foot of Orlov Krš. Founded around 1484 by Ivan Crnojević, the monastery served for centuries as the centre of spiritual, cultural and political life of the entire nation. The present building dates from the period 1701–1704, when it was restored by Bishop Danilo Petrović Njegoš. The monastery preserves extraordinary relics: the right hand of Saint John the Baptist, a fragment of the Holy Cross, and the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje. A visit to this monastery is an essential part of any journey to Cetinje.

  • Monastery
  • Orthodox
  • Relics
  • History
  • Pilgrimage
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Montenegro
Visiting

How to visit a monastery

All monasteries

  • Dress Modestly

    Always wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women should have a headscarf for inside the church. Inappropriate attire may result in being refused entry to the monastery.

  • Best Time to Visit

    Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Weekdays out of season are most suitable for a peaceful visit — in the more visited monasteries, such as Ostrog, the difference is significant.

  • Respecting the Sacred Site

    Monasteries are living communities of monks and nuns. In the church do not eat or drink, speak quietly and do not enter areas closed to visitors. Do not take anything out of the monastery — not a stone nor a flower. Approach with respect, regardless of religious affiliation.

  • What to Bring

    Entrance to monasteries is usually free, and voluntary donations and candles are welcome. Pilgrims traditionally bring oil, wine, coffee and sugar as gifts for the monks; according to old custom, woolen socks are also brought to Ostrog for Saint Basil of Ostrog.

  • Church Feast Days

    On monastery feast days and major holidays, many believers come — check the date of the feast day of the monastery you are visiting. The greatest holiday is Saint Basil of Ostrog on May 12; for that day, reserve accommodation well in advance.

Highlights

Discover Cetinje Monastery

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

At the heart of the monastery complex is the church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, whose iconostasis dates from the mid-19th century and is the work of Greek masters. In the southern choir of the church stands a reliquary containing the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje, one of the most venerated Montenegrin saints. Beside the entrance to the church lie the tombs of Prince Danilo and Duke Mirko, father of King Nikola I Petrović. Above the entrance stands the founder's inscription of Ivan Crnojević, transferred from the original monastery of 1484 – a living stone that bridges the centuries.

Monastery Treasury in the Njegoš Konak

Monastery Treasury in the Njegoš Konak

In the so-called Njegoš Konak, the former metropolitan residence, lies the monastery treasury, considered one of the richest and most significant in all of Montenegro. It houses manuscripts and early printed books produced between the 13th and 18th centuries, some written on parchment and adorned with miniatures. Also preserved here are the Crnojević incunabula, post-incunabula from the printing houses of Božidar and Vićenac Vuković from the first half of the 16th century, as well as numerous liturgical items belonging to Montenegrin bishops – panagias, vestments, mitres and sceptres. The treasury is primarily accessible to groups, but with patience and a polite request individual visitors may also enter.

Relic of the Hand of Saint John the Baptist

Relic of the Hand of Saint John the Baptist

Cetinje Monastery preserves one of the most significant Christian relics in the world – the right hand of Saint John the Baptist. This relic has an extraordinarily rich history: it passed through the possession of Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, Knights Hospitaller, Russian tsars and Serbian kings before finally arriving in Cetinje. It is occasionally brought out for public veneration, but is not always on display. Alongside the hand, the monastery also preserves a fragment of the Holy Cross and the icon of the Virgin Filermoska, making Cetinje Monastery one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the region.

Orlov Krš – Viewpoint above the Monastery

Orlov Krš – Viewpoint above the Monastery

Directly above Cetinje Monastery rises the rock of Orlov Krš, reached by a short hiking trail of just 20 minutes' walk. At this viewpoint stands the mausoleum of Prince Danilo I, founder of the Petrović Njegoš dynasty. The view from Orlov Krš encompasses the entire Cetinje field and the surrounding mountains. Along the way to the summit, it is worth looking out for the guvno – a stone circle that Montenegrin chieftains used as a gathering place for making important decisions. The combination of the monastery and this short excursion makes for a complete experience of spiritual and historical Cetinje.

What to do

Activities in Cetinje Monastery

Pilgrimage and Prayer

Pilgrimage and Prayer

Veneration before the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje and the relics in the monastery chapel.

Treasury Tour

Treasury Tour

A visit to the monastery treasury with its collections of manuscripts, liturgical items and incunabula from the 15th–18th centuries.

Exterior Photography

Exterior Photography

Photographing the architecture of the monastery complex and the stone details transferred from the original building of 1484.

Hiking to Orlov Krš

Hiking to Orlov Krš

A short hiking trail from the monastery to the Orlov Krš viewpoint with views over the Cetinje field.

Exploring Historic Cetinje

Exploring Historic Cetinje

Combining a visit to the monastery with a tour of King Nikola's Palace, Biljarda and the former legations.

Cetinje Monastery

Where Faith and Freedom Are One

Cetinje Monastery

Beneath the rocky heights of Lovćen, in the ancient capital of a proud mountain nation, a monastery has stood for over five centuries – keeper of sacred relics, guardian of memory, and the enduring spiritual heart of Montenegro.

Trails

Trails around Cetinje Monastery

Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.

All trails
Short trail near Cetinje Monastery
EasyHiking
Hiking · Cetinje Monastery

Short trail near Cetinje Monastery

A short hiking trail 0.5 km long near Cetinje Monastery and Cetinje. With an elevation gain of 5 m and a surface that is 100% asphalt/concrete, it can be completed in about 10 minutes.

0.5 km10–10 min

View trail
Cetinje Monastery – Ivanova korita
DifficultHiking
Hiking · Cetinje Monastery · Lovćen National Park

Cetinje Monastery – Ivanova korita

A demanding one-way hiking trail through Lovćen National Park, 16.5 km long, with a total ascent of 692 m and a duration of approximately 5 h 30 min.

16.5 km692 m4½–6½ h

View trail
Cetinje Monastery – Kotor
ExpertHiking
Hiking · Cetinje Monastery · Lovćen National Park

Cetinje Monastery – Kotor

A one-way hiking tour through Lovćen National Park: 34.3 km, 1,738 m of ascent and 1,035 m of descent. Intended for experienced hikers, with multiple viewpoints and the Ivanova korita spring.

34.3 km1,738 m2–3 days

View trail
Ascent to the Jezerski Vrh Viewpoint – Lovćen National Park
ModerateHiking
Hiking · St. John's Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Ascent to the Jezerski Vrh Viewpoint – Lovćen National Park

The 2.8 km trail leads through Lovćen National Park, from 1,284 m to 1,641 m above sea level. It takes about 1 h 30 min to walk without breaks, with a 350 m ascent and several viewpoints and springs.

2.8 km350 m1½–2 h

View trail
Đinovo Brdo – easy walk to viewpoints
EasyWalking
Walking · Cetinje Monastery

Đinovo Brdo – easy walk to viewpoints

Easy one-way foot trail, 3.5 km long, with 6 m of ascent and 216 m of descent. It starts at Đinovo Brdo and leads past several viewpoints to a drinking fountain and parking.

3.5 km55–80 min

View trail
Lovćen: Velji Bostur – Bukovica
ModerateHiking
Hiking · St. John's Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Lovćen: Velji Bostur – Bukovica

A hiking trail in Lovćen National Park, 10.1 km long, taking approximately 3 h 40 min without breaks. It crosses mixed terrain, with a total ascent of 265 m and a descent of 688 m.

10.1 km265 m3–4½ h

View trail
Obodska Cave – Donji Ulići (792E)
DifficultHiking
Hiking · Cetinje · Lake Skadar

Obodska Cave – Donji Ulići (792E)

Hiking trail 792E is 14,1 km long in one direction, with 547 m of ascent. It starts at Obodska Cave and passes through Skadar Lake National Park.

14.1 km547 m4–5½ h

View trail
Ivanova korita – Kraljevo počivalo – Cetinje
DifficultHiking
Hiking · Cetinje Monastery · Lovćen National Park

Ivanova korita – Kraljevo počivalo – Cetinje

A demanding one-way hiking trail through Lovćen National Park: 19.7 km, 216 m of ascent, 835 m of descent, and approximately 6 h 10 min of walking. The route includes the Kraljevo počivalo viewpoint and the Ivanova korita spring.

19.7 km216 m5–7½ h

View trail

Did You Know?

The right hand of Saint John the Baptist, preserved in Cetinje Monastery, passed through the hands of Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, Knights Hospitaller and Russian tsars before finding its final home in Montenegro.

Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

Opening hours

08:00 – 18:00 (daily); treasury open for groups in the morning

Admission

Entry to the monastery is free. Monastery treasury: 2€ (groups only, by arrangement)

Parking

Free parking available on the streets around the monastery, in the immediate vicinity

Accessibility

The monastery courtyard is accessible, but the interior of the church has steps and narrow passages that may be a challenge for wheelchair users

Phone

+382 41 231 021

Website

www.cetinje.travel
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, entry to the monastery and church is completely free. A visit to the monastery treasury costs €2 and is primarily available for groups with prior notice. Donations are welcome and appreciated.

Modest dress is mandatory – shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. If you do not have appropriate clothing, the monks will lend you a robe or cloth at the entrance. Photography inside the church and chapel is strictly forbidden.

The monastery preserves the right hand of Saint John the Baptist, a fragment of the Holy Cross, the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje, and the icon of the Virgin Filermoska. The hand of Saint John has a particularly rich history – it passed through the possession of Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, Knights Hospitaller and Russian tsars.

The original monastery was founded around 1484 by the Zetan ruler Ivan Crnojević, who was retreating before the Ottoman invasion. The present building was constructed between 1701 and 1704, when it was erected by Bishop Danilo Petrović Njegoš on the foundations of Ivan Crnojević's former palace.

From Podgorica, Cetinje is reached via the main road M2.3, in approximately 40 minutes (35 km). From the coast (Budva, Kotor), the mountain road takes 30–45 minutes and offers spectacular views. The monastery is located in the very centre of Cetinje, easily accessible on foot from the central square.

Exploring the monastery complex, church and courtyard requires 1 to 2 hours. If you plan to visit the monastery treasury as well and combine the visit with Cetinje's surrounding attractions (King Nikola's Palace, Biljarda), allow half a day.

Monasteries of Montenegro

Other monasteries

All monasteries
Podmaine Monastery
12 km

Podmaine Monastery

Active male monastery with two churches, Njegoš’s terrace and a rich history.

Reževići Monastery
19 km

Reževići Monastery

Reževići Monastery, an old Orthodox monastery in Paštrovići, preserves three churches and relics of the Kyiv Pechersk martyrs.

Dajbabe Monastery
26 km

Dajbabe Monastery

Monastery with a church in a natural cave, founded in 1897 on Dajbabska Gora above the Zeta Plain.

Manastir Savina
31 km

Manastir Savina

Manastir Savina in Herceg Novi preserves three churches, a rich treasury, and the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina.

Ostrog Monastery
33 km

Ostrog Monastery

An Orthodox monastery carved into the near-vertical cliff face of Ostroška greda at 900 m above sea level, between Danilovgrad and Nikšić.

Morača Monastery
57 km

Morača Monastery

Monastery from 1252 on the right bank of the Morača River, with frescoes from the 13th and 16th centuries and the tomb of its founder, Prince Stefan.

Piva Monastery
81 km

Piva Monastery

Monastery with the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, around 1,260 m² of frescoes and a rich treasury, moved stone by stone.

Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery
93 km

Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery

Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery is an endowment of Stefan Prvoslav from 1213, situated on a hill above the Lim River, about 2 km from the centre of Berane.

Manastir Sveta Trojica
115 km

Manastir Sveta Trojica

The monastery in Pljevlja preserves the relics of the hand of Saint Sava, frescoes from 1595, and a rich manuscript-copying heritage.

Around here

Nearby places

Cetinje
City · 0.3 km

Cetinje

Montenegro's former royal capital at 672 m above sea level, surrounded by Mount Lovćen and rich in historical museums.

Lipa Cave
Cave · 3.0 km

Lipa Cave

Montenegro's only show cave open to visitors: 2.5 km of passages and halls with cave formations, a guided tour and a little train to the entrance.

Lovćen National Park
National Park · 7.1 km

Lovćen National Park

A national park in southwestern Montenegro, ranging from 939 to 1,749 m a.s.l., guardian of history, culture, and untouched nature.

Kotor
City · 13 km

Kotor

A medieval town under UNESCO protection, nestled between steep mountains and the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor.

Budva
City · 13 km

Budva

Budva is Montenegro's most visited seaside resort, known for its rocky coastline, Old Town, and vibrant nightlife.

Kosmač Fortress
Castle · 9.8 km

Kosmač Fortress

An Austro-Hungarian fortification from 1841 on Kosmač hill near Brajići, with panoramic views from Sveti Stefan to Budva.

Sveti Stefan
Point of Interest · 15 km

Sveti Stefan

A fortified 15th-century island settlement connected to the mainland by a causeway, with terracotta rooftops and turquoise sea.

Podmaine Monastery
Religious Site · 12 km

Podmaine Monastery

Active male monastery with two churches, Njegoš’s terrace and a rich history.

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