MontenegroCulture and Traditions

Montenegro is known for its warm hospitality and strong sense of community as part of its social fabric. The Eastern Orthodox Church has historically fostered a sense of community and has long played a strong role in Montenegrin society.

Across the country there are many churches and monasteries some of which are pristine, but also many abandoned to time and the elements. Serbian Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion, though there is a burgeoning Montenegrin Orthodox Church too, and there are sizable populations of adherents of both Islam and Roman Catholicism. Religious freedom is a constitutional right and different religious groups coexist peacefully.

The ancient city of Podgorica is the capital, built during Ottoman rule. It’s a good example of a city with various religious structures. There are two impressive mosques – King Nikola’s Mosque in the city centre features a characteristic green dome and minaret, and Husein-pasa’s Mosque built in the 18th century. Its distinct Ottoman architectural style includes a central dome, minaret, iwan (a vaulted portico), and minbar (a pulpit from where an imam delivers sermons). And the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection is a striking church with a large dome and colourful frescoes which depict General Tito, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Montenegrin traditional dances reflect the country's diverse regions. The Oro, Vranjanka, and Cetinje Kolo are danced at ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations. Dancers wear colourful costumes and the dances feature quick footwork and intricate choreography.

An epic poem from a Montenegrin prince-bishop Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, The Mountain Wreath, discusses the struggle against the Ottomans, among other themes. The work was published in 1864 and stands as a major record of literary and cultural life from its time.