Ivan Crnojevic, ruler of Zeta, under pressure from the Turks moved the capital of his small country from Obod down into the Cetinje plain, and there he first built a palace and then a monastery.
The city took its name from the river Cetina which flowed across the plain in those far off days. In 1499 Zeta fell into the hands of the Turks, and from that time on Cetinje became the centre of the only free territory in the Balkans, and the surroundings regions a seedbed of freedom and independence, a symbol of resistance for all the enslaved Balkan nations. Historical records show that Cetinje was later exposed to many attacks and trials. There was no significant development or progress until the founder of the Petrovic dynasty, bishop Danilo Scepcevic Petrovic, came to power, and the center of events and decision making was transferred to the little capital city. Further development of the city continued during the time of the Bishops Sava and Vasilije Petrovic, Saint Peter of Cetinje, Petar II Petrovic Njegos, Prince Danilo Petrovic and King Nikola I Petrovic, and it reached its culmination during the period from the international recognition of Montenegro in 1878 up until the beginning of the First World War. At that time the city acquired all the characteristics of a modern European capital with palaces, a theatre,
a hotel and many embassies such as the English, 
French,
Russian,
Bulgarian,
Italian, and Belgian embassies which still today adorn this beautiful place.
Today Cetinje is an important historical and artistic meeting place. Situated beneath the summit of Lovcen, 590 meters above sea level, the town is an oasis of peace and tranquility, natural beauty and ample pure fresh air. Cetinje is about twenty minutes by car from Budva, the same distance from the main town Podgorica and about forty minutes drive from Kotovia by the famous village of Njegusi. After visiting the sights of the town: The Cetinje Monastery,
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The Church at Cipur,
The Billiard Room,
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Orlov Krs (Eagles Crag),
followed by the palace of King Nikola,
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Government House,
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you walk through the Balsic market
and down Katun Street,
past the old Mill,
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and make an obligatory stop at the Yellow Moon for refreshments. 
If you are thrilled with what you have seen in the capital you can spend the night at the Hotel Grand Cetinje or at Ivanova Korita. During your visit to Cetinje and the area of Montenegro that lies at the foot of Lovcen, don’t forget to try the specialties of Njegusi: cheese, smoked ham and the famous Crmnik wine. Montenegro.com
