Resting at the very peak of Mount Lovćen, the spiritual heart of Montenegro, is the monumental mausoleum of the nation's most beloved leader and poet, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Reaching this spot is a pilgrimage in itself. After a scenic drive up the winding mountain roads of Lovćen National Park, visitors must climb 461 steps through a cool stone tunnel to emerge at the summit. The mausoleum, a powerful and imposing granite structure designed by the renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović, awaits at the end of a stone path. Its entrance is guarded by two colossal caryatids of Montenegrin women in mourning. Inside the tomb chamber, a magnificent 28-ton statue of Njegoš rests under a canopy of over 200,000 gold-plated tiles that form a stunning mosaic. Beyond the mausoleum, a circular stone viewpoint offers what is arguably the most breathtaking 360-degree panorama in all of Montenegro. On a clear day, the view stretches across the rugged sea of mountains, encompassing the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, and even the distant coasts of Albania and Croatia. A visit to the Njegoš Mausoleum is an essential Montenegrin experience, a profound blend of art, history, and nature that connects you to the very soul of the nation.
- Be prepared for the 461 steps from the parking area to the mausoleum entrance. The effort is well worth the view.
- Even on warm summer days, it can be cold and very windy at the top of the mountain. It is wise to bring a jacket or windbreaker.
