History of Lovcen, description and features of rest

In the west of the Balkan Peninsula is a country whose nature deserves the highest praise. There are 5 reserves, one of which is Lovcen. It is located closer to the sea coast than others, which, of course, attracts tourists. For a considerable number of people, this place was a discovery: Montenegro is visible at a glance, views that are amazing, I want to come back here again.

In the middle of the last century, Lovcen, located in the southwest of the state, was declared a national park. The mountain range is adorned with two highest points: Shtrovnik a little higher - 1749 m, and the Jezerskaya peak lower - 1657 m. But not only lovers of relaxation in the mountains can appreciate this beauty. Attracts tourists and the national park, where there are 1300 species of plants alone.

The park was created by the Montenegrin authorities with an environmental goal, and it also relates to the cultural, historical and even architectural heritage of the country. There is something to be inspired by architecture lovers - for example, the village of Negushi is a monument of national architecture.

The main tourist point of the park is the mausoleum of Peter Negoshi. For Montenegrins, this personality is cult: Peter II Petrovich ruled the country, was a bishop, writer. And the place for his last refuge, by the way, he chose himself - this is historically attested. Alas, one cannot see the original chapel: the occupiers were to blame for this; the Austro-Hungarian army did not spare the national treasure. The Austrian authorities were not afraid to disturb the ashes of the deceased: the remains of the ruler by their order were transferred to the Cetinje monastery.

But after the First World War, the Serbian ruler Peter I Karageorgievich managed to rebury the remains of the leader of the nation in the chapel, in the same place.King Alexander built the new chapel in 1920. Unfortunately, adversity did not end there: in the time of socialist Yugoslavia (namely, it was worth recalling that Montenegro was part of this country), pagan mausoleums were preferred. Orthodox churches were destroyed, and the chapel was not spared. In the 70s of the last century, a mausoleum appeared in its place. And a few years after its construction, an earthquake awaited the country: many locals are sure that this is punishment for abuse of the shrine.

Guides will tell the difficult history of the area to tourists, but first impressions do not imply words. His head is spinning from the beauties of which Lovcen is famous. Not far from the mausoleum - a viewing platform with a breathtaking panorama. A huge part of Montenegro is in the palm of your hand. For this, they come here!

Montenegrin National Park is not only a mountain and reserve, it is a place of special energy. You can stroll through a beech and pine forest, see rare tulips and crocuses, delicate lilies. There are wild boars, you can meet deer, fox. The bird "representation" is no less respectable - golden eagles, eagles, and even voiced nightingales.

Finally, lovers of "relief" walks will certainly like caves and crater-shaped hollows, mountain springs and even waterfalls. In some sources, the enviable mineral composition of water.

And another important attraction of the park - it is located in the border climate zone. The sea and mountains are adjacent, and this has a beneficial effect on human health. Definitely a trip to Lovcen heals and boosts immunity. Plus a huge amount of positive emotions, surprises, discoveries - for human somatics this is no less useful.

Many tourists come here primarily for the mountains. The height of the mountain range is not as impressive, of course, as Elbrus or Mont Blanc, but 1700 m above sea level is a decent indicator. Mountain Lovcen has a rocky slope, in which there are many cracks, pits, and deep drops. Aesthetically, it looks grandiose - it is not for nothing that so many beautiful photographs were taken with an eye on the mountain slopes.

But just imagine that from Lovcen Mountain you can see about 70% of the country's territory - this fact alone is impressive, forcing to build a tourist route taking into account this place.

Height 1200 m - the valley of Mount Lovcen, large, picturesque and, possibly, the most interesting for tourists. It is called Ivanova Korita. It is in this area that the Adventure Park covers an area of ​​two hectares. Here, the developers laid 7 trails that will surprise and please fans of physical activity and extreme sports.

In the same territory there is a tourist center, where you can get a map of the park with a detailed schedule of the route. Here you can also order a guide that will make your walk more meaningful and safe.

Interestingly, the whole year entry into Lovcen was free for tourists. Local residents whose houses are located on the territory of the reserve have proved this right in court. In the summer of 2018, the authorities again installed a barrier, and entry fees again became constant. True, this did not affect the territory of the villages, they began to take payments right at the top, where the Negosh mausoleum is located.

Let's see why else to go to Lovcen.

• In winter, the mountain peaks are covered with snow, because tourists rent skis and sledges for children. And all this in an hour's drive from the endlessly summer coast of the sea - the climatic contrast is impressive.
• The first spring months in the national park - the kingdom of crocuses. Indescribable beauty, whole glades of crocuses that are so requested in the lens of a traveler’s camera.
• The whole family likes the rope park.If the child is already 5 years old, he will be allowed to such adventures. Price in the range of 8 to 20 euros.
• Ideal place for barbecue. And this is well known for the Montenegrins, who like to come to Ivanova Korita on the weekend, where you can not only stroll along the wonderful relief that is pleasant for muscles, but also fry the aromatic mountain kebabs. Note, barbecues and tables are free, available to everyone.

Finally, it is impossible to imagine leisure here without visiting the mausoleum of Negosh. Seeing a historical place, you continue the journey by hitting the observation deck. But 461 steps should still be reached. And already there - unprecedented views and a sensation of soaring.

Many tourists come here for hiking. This is the name of hiking, now very popular (as before, however). A short, not insanely tired, trip through the highlands is what an office worker who is tired of monitoring and routine work needs. Moreover, there are several routes in Lovchen, you can choose the one that corresponds to the level of readiness.

Another noteworthy place is the observation shops over the Bay of Kotor. It is not surprising that wedding photo shoots in this place are so in demand. It seems that the whole world is looking at you, and this beauty is impossible to breathe. But it is not necessary to be newlyweds to appreciate the beauty of the place. If you have even a drop of romance in you, the feeling of “just no words” will definitely come to you here.

And yet there are Kotor - Lovcen roadIf you look at pictures from a quadrocopter, they will seem unrealistic. Do you know how many turns it has? However, it is better to count them along the way. The road was built over 130 years ago.

Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport to Lovcen. But if you get from Budva to Cetinje, then bring the final point of the route closer. The bus to Cetinje costs a couple of euros, and already there you will arrange with a taxi driver, and for 25 euros (in both directions) you will get to Lovcen. There should not be a problem with a taxi, there are many who want to help you for an adequate price at the monastery.

However, you can also rent a car from Budva to Lovcen. But here you will not be able to go around Cetinje - whatever one may say, it will be closer. The road from Kotor to Lovcen is a rather narrow serpentine, but you can part.

On foot you can also come to Lovcen. From Kotor, this journey will be at least five hours one way. But along the way there is a great place to relax with a restaurant. Back, many tourists prefer hitchhiking. If you decide to climb, you need to go out at dawn, so that in the afternoon you will be on top of a beautiful mountain.

A great place for a budget (but not so close to zero) vacation. If you are fed up with the hackneyed tourist routes of central Europe, if you like small “cozy” countries, if the mountains and the sea, flowers, pines and hiking attract you much more than urbanism, think seriously about your trip to Lovcen.

About the mausoleum of Peter Nyegos in the Lovcen park in Montenegro, see the next video.