MAUSOLEUM OF PETAR II PETROVIĆ NJEGOŠ

This is one of the most important monuments in the Balkans. You'll need to take a good-quality road from Cetinje. From Kotor, you'll first pass through serpentines with dazzling views, then arrive at a good-quality road. The monument stands at an altitude of 1,657 m. We're standing on one of the great peaks of the Dinaric Alps, on the roof of the Balkans.

Montenegrins come here to honor the memory of national hero Petar II. Petar II was the successor to Petar ^I (1748-1830), the Metropolitan of Cetinje. He was attached to the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro. Of the Petrović dynasty, Petar ^I was the leader with the most spirituality. Petar ^I appointed his first nephew as his successor. The latter was studying in Russia and did not wish to become a bishop. The torch was then passed to his second nephew, Rade Tomislav (1813-1851). He became the new metropolitan(vladika) of Cetinje in 1830. He is now known as Petar II Petrović-Njegoš (Петар II Петровић-Његош).

Many academics and other specialists consider Petar II to be Montenegro's most impressive leader. Petar II laid the foundations of the new Montenegrin state and was also a poet. However, this metropolitan was also much feared. Members of the Senate who disagreed with him were assassinated. The number of his professional killers reached 70 by the end of his reign.

The view is breathtaking. You can see the road and the passing cars with astonishing clarity. Viewed from a bearing of 190 degrees, you see the last mountains before the sea. It's a long way to Bar, but as the crow flies, it only takes about ten minutes. Concentrate on heading 90 degrees, and the town of Cetinje comes into view. It's so close, you could leap to your feet and land in its center. Further on, Lake Skadar, the first place where wine was produced in the Balkans. The Albanian town of Shkodër is visible on a clear day. A little to the left, at heading 70 degrees, you can see the Albanian mountains that form the Valbona valley. The great Albanian author Ismaïl Kadaré claims that this mountain is legendary. Others claimthat Homer'sIliad originated here.

Choose a parking space next to the garbage cans. The road after the last bend is chaotic.