Cetinje: The Heartbeat of Montenegro's History

• HelloZdravo
  [ZDRAH-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-VEE-nyah]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [MOH-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [HVAAH-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [eez-VEE-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [KAH-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [DOH-bro. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [dah lee goh-VOH-ree-teh ENG-lehs-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-ZOO-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [MOH-lee-oh bee meh-nee, MOH-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh YEH-dehm MEH-soh]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [ZHEE-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHteo bih da platim, molim
  [HTEH-oh bee dah PLAH-teem, MOH-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [POH-mohch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [EE-dee oh-DAHV-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh poh-LEE-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh DOHK-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [eez-GOO-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/sna sam
  [boh-LEHS-tahn/snah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Hteo bih da kupim...
  [HTEH-oh bee dah KOO-peem...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [SAH-moh GLEH-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [KOH-lee-koh KOH-shtah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [toh yeh PREH-vee-sheh SKOO-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [MOH-zheh-teh lee SPOO-stee-tee CHEH-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [KOH-lee-koh yeh SAH-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [YEH-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Polovina deset
  [poh-LOH-vee-nah DEH-seht]
• MorningJutro
  [YOO-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [poh-POHD-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [VEH-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [YOO-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [DAH-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [SOO-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [YEH-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [CHEH-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [SEH-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [OH-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [DEH-veht]
• 10Deset
  [DEH-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [gdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [KO-yah yeh ah-DEH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [MOH-zheh-teh lee mee poh-KAH-zah-tee (nah MAH-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [KAH-dah yeh SLEH-deh-chee (AOW-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [YEH-dnoo KAHR-too (doh)]

Cetinje was founded in 1482 by Ivan Crnojević, the ruler of the Principality of Zeta, as a refuge from the advancing Ottoman Empire. He established the town and moved the seat of his principality to this remote mountainous area, fortifying it against potential invaders.

In 1484, Ivan Crnojević founded the Cetinje Monastery, which became the spiritual and cultural heart of Montenegro. The monastery housed the Zeta Metropolitanate and was a center for the preservation of Montenegrin identity and Orthodox Christianity through periods of Ottoman occupation.

In 1493, the first South Slavic printing house was established in Cetinje by Đurađ Crnojević, Ivan's son. This printing press produced the 'Oktoih,' the first book printed in Cyrillic in Southeastern Europe, marking a significant cultural milestone in the region.

From 1830 to 1851, Cetinje flourished under the rule of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a revered poet and philosopher. He modernized the state, reformed the administration, and established diplomatic relations with European powers. His literary works, particularly 'The Mountain Wreath,' remain central to Montenegrin culture.

In 1878, Montenegro gained international recognition as an independent state during the Congress of Berlin. Cetinje, as the capital, became a hub of political and cultural activity. The city's architecture from this period reflects its new status, with embassies and grand buildings lining its streets.

During World War I, Montenegro sided with the Allies, but in 1916, Cetinje was occupied by Austro-Hungarian forces. The city endured significant hardships during the occupation, and the royal family was forced into exile. The war marked a challenging period for Cetinje and its inhabitants.

After World War I, Montenegro was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). Cetinje lost its status as the capital but remained a significant cultural and historical center. The city's legacy continued to influence Montenegrin identity within the larger Yugoslav framework.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Cetinje experienced a cultural renaissance. The restoration of historic buildings, the establishment of museums, and the promotion of arts and education revitalized the city. Today, Cetinje is a symbol of Montenegrin heritage and resilience, attracting visitors with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene.

Cetinje is located in southwestern Montenegro. The nearest international airport is Tivat Airport, approximately 50 kilometers away. Another option is Podgorica Airport, which is around 45 kilometers from Cetinje. From either airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public buses to reach Cetinje. There are also regular bus services from major cities like Podgorica, Kotor, and Tivat.

Cetinje is a small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses connect Cetinje to nearby cities and towns. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Biking is another popular way to get around, with several rental shops available in the city.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Cetinje, so withdrawing cash is convenient and straightforward.

Cetinje is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to the police, fire department, and medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Cetinje. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering religious buildings. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cetinje like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Montenegrin goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Cetinje Monastery and the National Museum of Montenegro. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the Lovćen National Park, which offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Montenegro's natural beauty.