Culturally, Montenegro belongs to the Mediterranean and partly to the Pannonian-Danube heritage. Accordingly, it has been exposed to a strong influence of the Mediterranean, the Central and East European civilization and culture.The life styles and culture of all ethnic groups in Montenegro are best illustrated in its museums, which house over 12 000 artefacts.
Montenegrins have accumulated a rich cultural and historical heritage, which dates from the pre-Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods. The Montenegrin coastal region is especially known for its cultural monuments, such as the Cathedral of St. Tryphun; the basilica of St. Luke (over 800 years); Our Lady of the Rock (Shkrpjelo); and others.
The Byzantine influence in architecture and in the monastery paintings is especially felt in continental part of Montenegro. Montenegrin medieval monasteries are decorated with frescos on their walls. A big number of religious monuments are also well preserved. The monasteries of Morača, Piva, Sveta Trojica (Holy Trinity), Đurđevistupovi, Savina, CetinjeMonastery and Ostrog – attract people from around the world with their exceptional spiritual power and the unique ambiance. Additionally, the Cetinje monastery houses several holy relics that are of great significance to the local Orthodox community, including the right hand of St. John the Baptist, which was used to baptize Jesus in the River Jordan, and pieces of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Among the remarkable treasures on display are ancient handwritten manuscripts, exquisite icons such as the enchanting Syrian Madonna and Child, and a copy of the 1494 Oktoih (Book of the Eight Voices).
Other significant monuments include King Nikola’s Palace in Cetinje, Church of Our Lady of the Rocks and Church of St. Maria in Punta.
The first literary works written in this region are ten centuries old, and the first Montenegrin book was printed five hundred years ago. The first state-owned printing press was located in Cetinje in 1494, where the first South Slavic book was printed the same year (Oktoih). Ancient manuscripts, dating from the 13th century, are kept in the Montenegrin monasteries.
The national capital Cetinje is the centre of the culture and art in Montenegro, whereas the administrative and centre of education is Podgorica.
Montenegro's traditional culture revolves around clans/tribes, groups of patrilineal related families that at one time maintained tribal identities on their own traditional territories.The clans still remain an important element in Montenegrin social life. Despite a relatively small population, Montenegro has developed a wide range of cultural institutions. These include theatres, art galleries, museums, and libraries.
Montenegro has emphasized physical education and sports activities. Fishing and hunting are popular. The state also has set aside substantial areas for recreation, including five national parks: Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Skadar Lake, Lovcen and Prokletije. The areas of the national parks cover 7.7% of the territory of Montenegro. Each national park is characterized by a specific natural and cultural heritage.
Since 1977 Tara River have the status of the Biosphere Reserve (MAB). Only few years later, in 1980, the Durmitor National Park with the Tara River Canyon, is located on the UNESCO World Heritage List.The Skadar Lake National Park has the status of a significant ornithological area (IBA) since 1989, and in 1995 it was registered to the World Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR).
Examples of mesmerizing beauty can be found in most of the Montenegrin cities along the coast. The highest concentration of artistic and cultural wealth was recognized in Kotor Bay, so the town of Kotor was included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage.
There is a long history of arts including painting, sculpture and poetry, and film. The country’s turbulent history has largely contributed to the famous epic poetry which is closely connected to another significant element of the Montenegro culture - Gusle - a stringed musical instrument originating from Montenegro.
Montenegrin art in all its forms can be found in museums across the country. From literature to sculpture and painting, there’s a lot to be discovered. Capital city Podgorica is home to The Montenegrin National Theatre.
The country media landscape is diversified with RTCG national broadcaster as most influential, and numerous other local (Vijesti) and regional televisions and radio channels. Most relevant newspapers in the country are “Vijesti”, “Pobjeda”, “Dan”, and the independent weekly “Monitor”. Local presses publish some 250 books each year.
