Njegoš Mausoleum
Coastal Region
The Njegoš Mausoleum is a monumental tomb located on Jezerski Vrh Peak on Mount Lovćen, Montenegro, dedicated to the poet and ruler Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Originally, Njegoš had built a chapel in 1845 on this site to serve as his burial place, dedicated to his predecessor Petar I Petrović-Njegoš. This chapel suffered damage during both World Wars and was ultimately demolished in the late 1960s despite protests from the Orthodox community. The current mausoleum was designed by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović and constructed between the late 1960s and 1971, with Njegoš's remains reinterred there in 1974. The mausoleum symbolizes Montenegro's cultural and historical identity, replacing the original Byzantine-style chapel with a secular monument. It is accessible via a 21-kilometer asphalt road from Cetinje and features striking architectural elements, including caryatids representing Montenegrins and panoramic views from the summit. The site remains a significant national symbol, commemorated in Montenegro's national anthem and historical emblems.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic views from Mount Lovćen. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The mausoleum is accessible via a paved road from Cetinje, and comfortable footwear is suggested for exploring the surrounding area. No specific discounts are mentioned, but visitors should check local tourist information centers for any available concessions.
Faits intéressants
- •The mausoleum was designed by renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
- •The original Njegoš Testament Church was built by Njegoš himself in 1845.
- •Njegoš's remains were moved multiple times due to political and military events, including World War I and II.
- •The mausoleum replaced a Byzantine-style chapel despite protests from the local Orthodox community.
- •The site features caryatids at the entrance symbolizing Montenegrin people.
- •Njegoš and his burial place are referenced in Montenegro's national anthem, 'Oj, svijetla majska zoro'.
- •The old church was part of Montenegro's coat of arms during the socialist era.
Histoire
Petar II Petrović-Njegoš built the original chapel on Mount Lovćen in 1845 as his intended burial site.
After his death in 1851, his remains were temporarily interred in Cetinje before being moved to the chapel in 1855.
During World War I, Austro-Hungarian occupiers relocated his remains back to Cetinje to prevent a symbol of South Slavic nationalism on the site.
The chapel was restored and Njegoš reburied there in 1925 with royal attendance.
Post-World War II communist authorities demolished the chapel in the late 1960s to construct a secular mausoleum designed by Ivan Meštrović, completed by 1971.
Njegoš's remains were returned to the new mausoleum in 1974, marking a key moment in Montenegrin cultural history.
Guide du lieu
Entrance and Caryatids1971
The mausoleum's entrance is adorned with caryatids representing Montenegrin people, symbolizing strength and cultural identity.
Jezerski Vrh Peak
The mausoleum is situated on Jezerski Vrh, the highest peak of Mount Lovćen, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes including the 'Stone Sea'.
Tunnel Access to the Mausoleum
A tunnel carved through the mountain facilitates access to the mausoleum, easing the journey to the summit for visitors.