In this land of the Black Mountains (Montenegro) you have spectacular views across this small mountainous nation. Atop the peak of Jezerski Vrh (1,657m) in the Lovćen National Park in Montenegro sits the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. He was a famous Prince-Bishop of Montenegro and also a poet and philosopher whose works are considered some of the most important in Montenegrin literature. He died in 1851 (born 1813) but this the second tomb in which he was buried, was constructed between 1970 to 1974.
Originally he was buried in a small chapel that he had built prior to his death but it was badly damaged during World War One and his remains were removed until it was reconstructed in the 1920’s. There he remained until the then Communist Yugoslav government demolished it in the 1960’s and built the current much larger tomb which was certainly against his final wishes and has always been marred in local controversy!
The journey involved a long winding series of roads up into the mountains from Kotor, then following a brief walk up 461 steps to the top, you are greeted by the Mausoleum. The entrance is guarded by two massive statues of women in traditional costume. Inside is a black granite statue of the Prince-Bishop resting within the wings of an eagle which seats beneath a golden arched ceiling. In the level below is the tomb itself (carved from a single block of stone by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović).
Don’t miss the viewing area behind the tomb. On a clear day you can see most of the country from up there and as far away as Albania to the south and Croatia to the north. Although he may not have wanted to be buried their you would be hard pressed to find a more stunning vista for a final resting place!
Deano's Travels 