Cetinje to Kotor

We begin the final stage of our journey which will bring us full circle, back to the beautiful Bay of Kotor. But first we stop at the old Montenegrin capital, Cetinje. Situated in a mountainous area, for centuries it was the heart of the county before Tito moved the capital to Titograd - the ever-modest trend of communists to name their cities after their leaders - now named  Podgorica. 

This small city has a pleasant air, with wide tree-lined avenues and old embassies juxtaposed with tiny, one-storey dwellings. There’s something of a Belle Époque charm retained in the grandeur of the embassies, now mostly used for cultural or educational purposes;the British embassy is now a music conservatoire, for example. The French embassy is beautifully art nouveau in style; a variety of architectural movements seem to be represented, and the remains of religious and military power are scattered through the town. 

From here we continue on another spectacular driving route through the often barren mountains of Lovcen Natural Park and down the most tortuous series of hairpin bends to Kotor, stunning views afforded at every turn - and again, much praise and gratitude for G’s amazing driving! 

My main today is a sculpture from a park in Cetinje.  We both loved its angular reflective lines, juxtaposed with its organic centrepiece - though, despite my efforts, I’ve been unable to find out anything about it.  There’s another view in extras, together with collections of Cetinje views, political posters and graffiti, and views of Kotor Bay as we descend from the mountains. 

Thanks once more for your kind comments, hearts and stars on yesterday’s sunset; not long now before we’re home and I can do some catching up!