Lord of Montenegro October 31, 1830 - October 31, 1851 Predecessor: Peter I Heir: Danilo I Father: Toma (Foma) Petrovic-Njegos Mother: Ivana Prorokovic Awards:

According to his will, he was buried on the top of Mount Lovcen in the chapel. During socialist Yugoslavia, a mausoleum was built instead of a chapel.

Perpetuation of memory

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Excerpt characterizing Peter II Petrovich

After talking with the senior French officer, who came out to him from behind the house with a scarf on his sword and announced that they were surrendering, Dolokhov got off his horse and approached Petya, who was lying motionless, with his arms outstretched.
“Ready,” he said, frowning, and went through the gate to meet Denisov, who was coming towards him.
- Killed?! - Denisov cried out, seeing from afar the familiar, undoubtedly lifeless position in which Petya’s body lay.
“Ready,” Dolokhov repeated, as if pronouncing this word gave him pleasure, and quickly went to the prisoners, who were surrounded by dismounted Cossacks. - We won’t take it! – he shouted to Denisov.
Denisov did not answer; he rode up to Petya, got off his horse and with trembling hands turned Petya’s already pale face, stained with blood and dirt, towards him.
“I’m used to something sweet. Excellent raisins, take them all,” he remembered. And the Cossacks looked back in surprise at the sounds similar to the barking of a dog, with which Denisov quickly turned away, walked up to the fence and grabbed it.
Among the Russian prisoners recaptured by Denisov and Dolokhov was Pierre Bezukhov.

There was no new order from the French authorities about the party of prisoners in which Pierre was, during his entire movement from Moscow. This party on October 22 was no longer with the same troops and convoys with which it left Moscow. Half of the convoy with breadcrumbs, which followed them during the first marches, was repulsed by the Cossacks, the other half went ahead; there were no more foot cavalrymen who walked in front; they all disappeared. The artillery, which had been visible ahead during the first marches, was now replaced by a huge convoy of Marshal Junot, escorted by the Westphalians. Behind the prisoners was a convoy of cavalry equipment.
From Vyazma, the French troops, previously marching in three columns, now marched in one heap. Those signs of disorder that Pierre noticed at the first stop from Moscow have now reached the last degree.
The road along which they walked was littered with dead horses on both sides; ragged people lagging behind different teams, constantly changing, then joined, then again lagged behind the marching column.
Several times during the campaign there were false alarms, and the soldiers of the convoy raised their guns, shot and ran headlong, crushing each other, but then they gathered again and scolded each other for their vain fear.
These three gatherings, marching together - the cavalry depot, the prisoner depot and Junot's train - still formed something separate and integral, although both of them, and the third, were quickly melting away.
The depot, which had initially contained one hundred and twenty carts, now had no more than sixty left; the rest were repulsed or abandoned. Several carts from Junot's convoy were also abandoned and recaptured. Three carts were plundered by the backward soldiers from Davout's corps who came running. From conversations of the Germans, Pierre heard that this convoy was put on guard more than the prisoners, and that one of their comrades, a German soldier, was shot on the orders of the marshal himself because a silver spoon that belonged to the marshal was found on the soldier.

Mausoleum of Peter Njegos


The historical fate of the people of Montenegro, who often went to the mountains to preserve their freedom, has long been closely connected with Russia. The Montenegrin ruler Danila visited Russia, mysterious to foreigners, where he met Peter I. The conversation between the two monarchs was long and lively, and Bishop Danila found moral, material and military support from the Russian Tsar. Years passed, and in his dying hour the Montenegrin ruler bequeathed to the people to strengthen friendship with Russia and threatened with terrible punishment those who violated his commandment.

Another ruler of Montenegro, the poet and bishop Petr Njegosh, remained faithful to this covenant, whose unusual fate lay in the fact that he had the fate of being the secular and spiritual ruler of a state, and an unusual state at that. Tiny Montenegro, greatly reduced in its borders, was the only one in the Balkans that withstood the onslaught of the Ottoman Empire, which no country in South-Eastern Europe could resist.

IN socially Montenegro, cut off from the outside world, was one of the most backward states. Its inhabitants lived in rocky, impassable mountains, where their main occupation was shepherding. At the end of the 15th century, Djuradj Chernoevich, the ruler of Montenegro, left the country, and a theocratic system of government was established in it. The Orthodox Church took on the role of a connecting center, the rulers were elected at the council of tribal elders, and then they were approved by the national assembly. They cared not only about the souls of their flock, but also administered justice, maintained connections with other states, and often, instead of a cross and a staff, they had to pick up a sword and lead their people into battle.

The Montenegrin metropolitans, having no direct descendants, during their lifetime prepared successors for themselves (usually nephews), whom the people in due time were supposed to invest with power. Vladyka Peter I (1747–1830), the fourth consecutive representative of the Petrovich family chosen as head of the country, also faced such a need. The family lived in the village of Njegushi at the foot of Lovcen - the highest mountain range Montenegro.

Peter I managed to choose a successor only on the third attempt. The eldest nephew died unexpectedly; the middle one, Georgy, according to tradition, was sent to study in St. Petersburg, but did not live up to expectations. He refused the clerical title and joined the hussars, incurred debts, and the conscientious Montenegrin ruler was embarrassed to send the next candidate to study in Russia - Radivoj’s youngest nephew, who was then 12 years old. He was an illiterate boy and tended sheep on the slopes of Lovcen, but in 1825 the bishop called him to Cetinje, where the monastery was located, which had been the spiritual and state center of Montenegro since the 15th century. After 5 years, the Rada had to take on the difficult burden of the Montenegrin ruler.

He spent six months in the Cetinje Monastery, quickly learned to read and write, and his success in learning pleased the bishop, who loved to repeat: “This boy, God willing, will grow up to be an excellent young man and an intelligent man. It would be happiness if I sent him to study in St. Petersburg.” The Bishop himself was an extraordinary man and a shining example of how the Montenegrin metropolitans “knew how to reconcile the mantle, the cross and the sparkling scimitar.” For almost 50 years he ruled Montenegro, fought against internal enemies, fought with the Turks, achieved the country's independence by defeating Mehmed Pasha Bushatliya, fought with the French in 1813-1814 and, supported by the Russian fleet under the command of Admiral D.N. Senyavin, liberated the Montenegrin seaside. The French general Mormon spoke of his enemy in the most flattering way, and the ruler himself, when one day in a conversation the general spoke disapprovingly of the Russians, immediately interrupted him: “Please, general, do not touch my shrine and the famous glory of the greatest people, which I too - faithful son. Russians are not our enemies, but our brothers of the same faith and same tribe.”

In his house in Cetinje, rooms carved into the rock looked like monastic cells, on the walls were pistols, sabers and scimitars with handles lined with silver. Right there, sparkling, hangs the cross of a clergyman, which probably reminded Peter Njegos of the day when he was solemnly received in Venice and the cathedral minister held out for a kiss not the cross itself, but the chain from it. The ruler bent down, but immediately pulled back, raising an angry gaze: “Montenegrins don’t kiss chains!”

Under the glass of the desktop there is a letter to the “Society of Russian History and Russian Antiquities”, which elected Petr Njegosh as an honorary member:

I thank Moscow for its attention and for remembering its sincere admirer who lives on the edge of the Slavic world; for not forgetting the atom, but the atom that belongs to her in everything - an atom that the hurricane of time brought to suffer, among strangers! Oh, how Moscow delights me!.. How delightful the attention of Moscow is for a soul burning with the flame of Slavic greatness and pride! I am her devoted son, I am her admirer...

Six months later, the bishop sent his nephew to Primorye - to the school of the monk of the Savvinsky Monastery Joseph Tropovich, who prepared novices for taking orders. After a year and a half, the young man surpassed his teachers in science and at the beginning of 1827 returned to his uncle in Cetinje with many books on a wide variety of subjects and an insatiable thirst for learning. In Cetinje, he helps the bishop in composing letters, and soon finds himself for him new teacher- famous Serbian poet Sima Milutinović-Sarajlija, who arrived in Montenegro in the fall of 1827. He becomes the bishop’s secretary and at the same time Radivoj’s teacher, but the latter’s “universities” ended on October 31, 1830. On this day, Vladyka Peter I died with the words: “Pray to God and stick to Russia.”

Over the coffin of the deceased, the elders of the Montenegrin tribes swore an oath of allegiance to Radivo Petrovich and immediately ordained him as an archdeacon. In January 1831, he took monastic vows and became Archimandrite Peter II. The new ruler of Montenegro was then 17 years old, and he himself felt “immature and unprepared” to rule the country, in which by that time a difficult situation had developed. Tribal strife in Montenegro reached such intensity that Vladyka Peter I, even before his death, conjured the people to forget all the strife for at least six months. And it should be noted that everything was done exactly, but already on the first day after the appointed period, the young ruler, at the risk of his life, had to separate his compatriots, who were ready to kill each other.

Peter II considered the most important task to unify and strengthen the state and, following the example of his predecessors, began to look for support in Russia. And in 1833, he himself traveled to a distant country, where “a young, slender and handsome Montenegrin”, a 20-year-old ruler, was the first of the Montenegrin rulers to be ordained a bishop. Emperor Nicholas I was present at the dedication ceremony. Peter II Njegos met many high Russian dignitaries, and the trip itself strengthened his position in his own country.

Returning home, the ruler plunges headlong into state affairs: he travels around the tribes, organizes the collection of taxes, which in a number of places causes discontent and resistance. Following the recommendations of Russian diplomacy, he tries to regulate relations with his neighbors - the Turks and Austrians, establish clear borders with them, and keeps his compatriots from border conflicts. The idea of ​​introducing his people to culture and education did not leave him, which became even stronger after the bishop returned from Russia, where he brought a printing house. Following him, luggage arrived from Russia - 11 chests of books. Along with church and educational literature, in the luggage there were works by M. M. Kheraskov, M.V. Lomonosov, G.R. Derzhavin, V.A. Zhukovsky, A.S. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, as well as works by ancient and Western European authors.

Bishop Peter II Njegos was himself noted for his poetic gift, and in his own writings Russian words were often encountered with which he wanted to enrich the language of the Montenegrins. In 1834, the bishop published his first books - “The Hermit of Cetinje” and “The Cure for Turkish Rage”, written under the impression of a trip to Russia. But by this time clouds began to gather over the ruler’s head. Its cool government reforms many were dissatisfied, especially among residents of the border regions. In addition, the summer of 1836 turned out to be a lean harvest and it was necessary to ask for help to save the people from hunger.

The second trip of Peter II Njegos to Russia turned out to be more dramatic than the first, although in St. Petersburg they reacted kindly to the problems of Montenegro. And they even increased the annual subsidy from 1,000 to 9,000 chervonets. Encouraged and full of new plans, the bishop returned to his homeland. The increased allowance made it possible to increase the salaries of civil servants, open another school in Cetinje, abolish taxes, improve the main roads of the country, build a gunpowder factory and warehouses for storing grain in case of lean years.

The ruler's only distraction from state affairs was poetry, which aroused the discontent of his immediate circle. The secretary, for example, confidently stated that “if the bishop had been less involved in poetry, he would have done even more good for Montenegro.”

In the late 1830s and early 1840s, Peter II Njegos wrote almost nothing. This is a time of in-depth self-education, creative maturation and preparation for the poem “The Light of Microcosm” and the dramatic works “Mountain Crown” and “The Pretender Stepan Maly”. At the same time, he is looking for the truth on earth, but hopes that revolutionary events 1848–1849 in Europe will lead to liberation southern Slavs from the foreign yoke, turned out to be futile and brought only bitterness and disappointment.

Meanwhile, consumption crept up. Peter II Njegos is treated in Italy and Vienna, but to no avail. He returns to his homeland and dies on October 31, 1851 - the very day on which 21 years ago he took the fate of his homeland and people onto his shoulders. Bishop Peter II Njegos died at the age of 38, and his last words were: “Love Montenegro and freedom.” While still alive, on one of the peaks of Lovcen, from which the whole of Montenegro opened up, he erected a small chapel in which he bequeathed to bury himself. But during the days of his death, violent thunderstorms raged in the mountains, snow covered all the slopes and covered the roads, and the Montenegrins buried their ruler in Cetinje. But subsequently, fulfilling the will of the deceased, they transferred his remains to the top of Lovcen.

Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš is included in the list of amazing places in Montenegro, which is a must-visit. This place can be called the heart of Montenegro. Tourists and Montenegrins come here not only to pay tribute to Peter ll Petrovich Njegoš, n o and enjoy the beautiful views that open from the observation deck near the mausoleum on Mount Lovcen (1,657 meters).

There are quite a few national heroes and outstanding people in Montenegro, but why exactly Peter ll Petrovich Njegosh received such an honor - to be the most beloved and revered ruler of this small country?

Peterll Petrovic Njegosh (1813-1851) was the nephew of Metropolitan and Bishop Peter l Njegoš, after whose death he himself became the ruler of Montenegro. Peter ll Petrovich made every effort to ensure that Montenegro united and became, free from the Turkish yoke. One of the enemies of Montenegro, Ali Pasha Rizvanbegovic, spoke with respect about Peter II to the Turks: “You Turks do not understand who and what the ruler is; and - I swear by God and His law - this is the first Ban from Kosovo,” he meant that such great people have not existed since the battle of Kosovo (June 15, 1389). Peter Njegos himself pointed out to the Turks that the most famous Turkish governors, who performed their exploits on the side of the enemy of Serbia and Montenegro, were by their origin Serbs who converted to Islam and swore allegiance to the Ottoman Empire.

To this day, Peter II is an outstanding poet of Serbian literature. His most famous works: “Freedom”, “Impostor Stepan Maly”, “The Face of Turkish Fury”, “The Hermit of Cetinje”, “Ray of Microcosm”, and his best creation is considered the poem “Mountain Crown”.

May you perish, serpent of the human race,

Poisoned the nations with malice!

Or half the world was not enough for you,

That you are the poison of your damned soul

And you spew on this stone?

Wasn't Serbia a victim?

From the Danube to the blue sea?

"Mountain Crown" (1847)

In Montenegro, Njegos's poem "Mountain Crown" ranks second after Holy Scripture. This a real encyclopedia life of Montenegro, from it you can learn about family life, rituals and customs, superstitions and prejudices, the history of the Montenegrin people, views on other countries and more. Many of Petr Njegos's works reveal his prophetic gift, which is perhaps why they are still relevant. To the "Mountain Crown" in Europe they thought that Montenegro was a country of wild barbarians, a den of robbers and cannibals.

“Montenegrins? What's happened?"

Bonaparte asked:

“It’s true: this tribe is evil

Isn’t he afraid of our forces?”

A.S. Pushkin “Bonaparte and the Montenegrins”

Petra ll Njegosh can be compared with such a great poet as, for example, Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin is for the Russian people. Vladyka knew Pushkin’s works well and saw in him not only a talented writer and poet, but also a representative of Russian national culture. He dedicated his collection of folk songs “The Serbian Mirror” to Pushkin.

In 1845, Peter II Njegos bequeathed that he be buried in the chapel on Mount Lovcen. The chapel has not survived to this day; it was destroyed by the Austrians during the occupation of Montenegro in 1916. The remains of Peter II were taken away to the Cetinje Monastery.

After the First World War in 1925, his remains were again reburied on the mountain in a newly rebuilt chapel. And again, the war forced Njegos’ remains to be moved to the Cetinje Monastery, since the chapel was damaged during the bombing by Italian troops.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the death of Peter Njegosi, local authorities decided to demolish the chapel and build a mausoleum. The Montenegrins were against it, because this was not the will of Peter Petrovich. But the decision was made, and the Croatian architect Ivan Mestrovic got to work. In 1974, the mausoleum on the top of Mount Lovcen was built and opened to the public.

461 steps and an 80-meter tunnel lead to the mausoleum of Petar Njegos.

On the top platform mausoleum visitors are greeted by two marble statues - female figures in national clothes. There is a granite statue of Peter installed inside II Njegosha is 3.74 meters high. The ceiling above the head of the Montenegrin ruler is made of small gold plates. Behind this statue there is a staircase leading to the crypt, where a sarcophagus with the remains of Peter is installed ll Petrovich.

Next to the mausoleum there is an observation deck with stunning views of Montenegro.

Howget thereto Peter's Mausoleumll Njegosha

The Njegos Mausoleum is located in. Nearest city — Cetinje. Although Cetinje is only 7 km from the park, buses do not go here.

By taxi

You can take an intercity bus to the city of Cetinje. There are many taxi drivers here who offer their services. For 20-25 euros you will be taken to the Njegos Mausoleum and brought back to Cetinje.

By car

Costs from 23 euros per day. It is advisable to be a professional driver, since the road to the mausoleum is very narrow and goes uphill in a serpentine road.

IN national park Lovcen leads the road through Cetinje, from which you need to take the street Lovćenska in the direction of Lovcen.

Entrance to Njegos Mausoleum- 3 euros.

Excursion Maxi Montenegro (Cetina + Lovcen + Njegusi)

Adults (12+) – 35 euros

Children (4 – 11) – 20 euros

Children (0 - 3) with a seat - 20 euros

During the sightseeing tour you will get acquainted with the history and traditions of Montenegro. Visit former capital Cetinje and the Cetinje Monastery, which houses the Hand of St. John the Baptist - the three fingers of his right hand with which he baptized Jesus Christ. In the village Njegushi You will taste prosciutto (smoked pork ham), delicious Njeguš cheese and local mead, and, if desired, rakia. On the way to Lovcen you will see Boka Kotor Bay from above. In the Lovcen National Park on the second highest mountain range in Montenegro (1650 m) there is Mausoleum of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, ruler of Montenegro. From the observation deck near the mausoleum a beautiful panorama of Montenegro opens.

To travel to Montenegro you will need medical insurance

Excursion Jeep – Safari in Montenegro

Adults (12+) – 70 euros

Children (0 - 11) with a seat - 45 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

On Wednesdays

This excursion is for those who love active recreation. The journey takes place on the territory national park Biogradska Gora. You will enjoy the national park in a completely new way. You will see why Bjelasica is declared one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe. Excursionpasses through places where it is impossible to travel by bus or regular car. This is one of the most interesting sightseeing tours in Montenegro with active recreation.

Excursion to Albania (Tirana and Shkodra)

Adults (12+) – 40 euros

Children (0 - 11) with a seat - 20 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

On Mondays and Thursdays

G citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus no visa required for a trip to Albania. You will visit two ancient cities of Albania - Shkodra and Tirana. Shkodra is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage and is one of the main cities in the country. Sightseeing tour A guide from Albania will guide you around Shkodra. Next you will head to the capital of Albania - Tirana. The main attractions of Tirana are Skenderbek Square, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Cathedral of the Resurrection and the Ephem Bey Mosque. You will have time for guided sightseeing, lunch and shopping.

Paragliding over Budva and Sveti Stefan

Adults and children (7+) – 65 euros

Daily

A paraglider is an ultralight aircraft, starting with the help of human legs. The difference between a paraglider and a parachute is that a paraglider is designed for flight only. Paragliding in Montenegro takes place in tandem with experienced licensed instructors. The flight starts over the Budva Riviera on Mount Braichi, which is a 15-minute drive from Budva/Becici/Rafailovici. Within 30-45 minutes you will enjoy a free flight with beautiful views of Montenegro. Then head down to the beach in Becici.Daily

Diving in Montenegro is popular. Jacques If Cousteau once said that in his life he had never seen purer and more transparent water than the Adriatic from Montenegro and Croatia. The transparency of the water reaches 55 - 60 m. Diving in these places is known throughout Europe. In the coastal waters you can swim among reefs and corals, explore several interesting archaeological finds: sunken Austro-Hungarian and German ships, underwater caves, submarines, ships and various fish.

Individual boat trip with a captain

Yacht rental with captain from 345 euros

Daily

Individual routes from 4 to 8 hours

Yachting is always a vivid experience that cannot be replaced by anything, and the memory of a boat trip remains for a long time. Fans of boat trips will be interested in the picturesque coastline The Adriatic Sea and the Bay of Kotor, where you can see dolphins. The yachts provide everything for a comfortable stay. Each yacht has a toilet, shower, changing cabin, towels, dishes, swimwear, and fishing gear. A boat trip on a yacht is suitable for those who are planning a vacation with small children (does not cause motion sickness).

It happens that relatives prepare a child for a certain role or profession, believing that they will do right choice, however, a sudden reversal of fate may prove them wrong. The main thing in such a situation is to be able to see God’s Providence in such a turn and draw the right conclusions...

Peter the First Petrovich, the ruler of Montenegro at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, nicknamed Tsetinsky, was, according to local tradition, a bishop - metropolitan ruler. He had no children of his own, and he had to appoint an heir from the small Négoš family, which ruled the country for many years.

Peter chose for a very long time. He had no right to make a mistake - dependent Montenegro was in a difficult situation, it was constantly attacked by enemies. On the one side - Ottoman Empire, on the other - France and Austria. The state was also torn apart by internal contradictions. Only a smart and decisive person, with a firm hand and an unbending will, could control it. Peter became the head of Montenegro in Time of Troubles, when the country was drained of blood after the reign of an impostor. The Metropolitan Bishop did a lot for his people, restored the state and resisted enemies. Peter was well aware of what his heir would have to face, and did not wish such a fate on any of his relatives.

In the end, his choice fell on his nephew George, who had been trained from childhood to be the head of state. It seemed that the young man fit all the requirements perfectly: he was brave, smart, independent, and not indifferent to the fate of his homeland. The only thing that confused him was his excessive passion for military science. But is this a hindrance? On the contrary, it is a help, because Montenegro constantly fought for its independence. Peter looked closely at George for a long time and decided that he could not find a better ruler for the country. They began to prepare the young man for future service and sent him to Russia, Montenegro’s main ally, for special training.

After some time, a letter arrived from George. He reported that he had finally accepted own solution and renounces the Montenegrin throne. Military service was much closer to him, and the young man chose a career as an officer, devoting himself to the army. Reading his letter, Vladyka Peter smiled sadly. George was never asked what he wanted, although the young man was distinguished by his waywardness. Fortunately, he himself realized that the role of ruler was not suitable for him, and found a better path for himself. But Metropolitan Peter did not insist on his own, seeing the will of God in George’s refusal. Now the lord-ruler had no doubt that his successor should be another nephew, Radiva.

This choice might seem extremely strange. Radivoy was born in the village of Négushi, into a family of peasants, although his father was from a ruling family. Until the age of twelve, the boy tended sheep and did not even think about a fate other than that of a peasant. But in an instant his whole life changed.

He agreed to Uncle Radivoy’s proposal. Skeptics doubted the ability of such a young man to become a good ruler. However, Metropolitan Peter, looking into his huge, childish and innocent eyes, saw extraordinary perseverance and determination. Having trusted in God's providence, this time the bishop was not mistaken. Radivoy was sent to a monastery school, and within a year he, who could not read or write, surpassed all his peers in learning. Then the boy returned to his uncle and spent three years next to him, learning the wisdom of government.

Metropolitan Peter of Cetinje, sincerely concerned about Montenegro, died calmly. He knew that he had a truly worthy successor. After the death of his uncle, seventeen-year-old Radivoy became a monk with the name Peter and ascended the throne. He never disappointed his uncle's hopes. Peter the Second continued his work and defended the country from invaders, trying to heal the very heart of the state. He opened schools and printing houses, strengthened borders, and established new, more modern government bodies.

Thanks to his extensive activities aimed at the benefit of the country, Peter the Second, like his uncle Peter Cetinsky, is considered one of greatest rulers Montenegro. By the way, Peter the Second’s cousin, the first king of Montenegro, Nikola Petrovich-Negos, nicknamed the “father-in-law of Europe,” also became a great politician and ruler. Two of his daughters married grand dukes from the House of Romanov. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, he skillfully ruled the country, maintaining its independence for a long time in incredibly difficult conditions. However, this is a separate family story.

Metropolitan Peter of Cetinje is today venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church in the ranks of saints, and his incorruptible relics are in the Cetinje Monastery. The issue of canonization of Peter II Petrovich-Njegos is also being discussed. The history of the Négosh family clearly demonstrates what amazing beneficial consequences not only for one’s family, but also for the whole state, for the Church, just one can have the right decision, accepted not out of a desire to insist on one’s parental will, but out of love for the child and trust in the will of God.

Peter I Petrovic-Njegos died in old age at the age of 83 years. During his lifetime, he identified his nephew Djordje Savov Petrovich as his heir and sent him to study in Russia. However, the young man did not show any inclination towards church activities and switched to Russian military service. Later, in his will, Peter I named his successor another nephew, Radivoye Tomov Petrovich.

From the first days of his reign, Radivoye faced open opposition from the influential governor V. Radonich, who questioned the validity of the candidacy of the new metropolitan. In his confrontation, the governor tried to enlist the support of the Austrians, as evidenced by later intercepted correspondence. However, the council of elders and authoritative clergy confirmed the powers of R. Tomov, and on April 26, 1831, he was ordained archimandrite under the name of Peter II Petrovich-Njegos. Governor Radonjic, for his subversive activities, was expelled from Montenegro with his family, and his house was burned.


The new ruler began to actively deal with the problems of the internal state structure. In 1831, with his participation, three new bodies of the central state power: Senate, Guard and Peryaniki. The Senate was endowed with legislative, judicial and executive functions and consisted of the 12 most honored Montenegrin leaders, the Guard - the functions of maintaining order and conducting legal proceedings, the Peryaniki were a type of police that carried out court decisions.

Peter's activities did not go unnoticed by the Porte, which sought to return Montenegro to its control. The Turkish vizier Mahmud Reshid offered the ruler lower Zeta with Skadar, the seaside from Bar to the mouth of Drim and part of Herzegovina, subject to recognition of the supreme power of the Sultan. The vizier confirmed his proposal with a special “Investment firman”. The answer was worthy of the ruler and sovereign of Montenegro: “As long as my Montenegrins support me, I don’t need any firmans, and if the Montenegrins refuse me, no firman will save me!”

In 1833, Peter II visited Russia, where, in the presence of Emperor Nicholas I, he was ordained to the highest clergy. At the same time, he received financial assistance in the amount of 10 thousand rubles, with which he built his residence “Billiards” and opened the first schools - in Cetinje and Dobrsko Selo on Lake Skadar. Njegoš also managed to renovate the printing house, where the first Montenegrin newspaper “Gorlica” began to be printed. The printing house operated until 1852, when Prince Danilo I ordered all tin molds to be converted into rifle bullets for the needs of the fight against the Turks.

Throughout the reign of Peter II Petrovich Njegos, the fighting against hostile neighbors. In 1838 there was a clash on Kosmach with the Austrians who occupied the Bay of Kotor, in 1839 - with the Turks at Kosovo Luga (near Spuzh), in 1841 - 1848. – with Skadar Pasha Osman Skoplyak for the islands of Vranjina, Grmožur and Lesendro on Lake Skadar, 1838 – 1842. - with the Herzegovinian Turks at Grahovo and others. The result of all these battles was the delimitation of disputed territories, which, de facto, was the recognition of Montenegro as an object of international relations.

Mausoleum of Peter II Petrovic Njegos on Mount Jezersky Vrch


However, Njegos left for his descendants not only the results of his successful government activities, but also a rich cultural heritage. Vladyka was known as an outstanding philosopher and poet. With his works “Mountain Crown”, “Rays of Microcosm”, “False Tsar Stepan Maly” he gained fame and fame far beyond the borders of Montenegro. Currently, his work “Mountain Crown” has been translated into more than 52 languages ​​of the world.

He died as a result of a serious illness on October 19, 1851. At his personal request, he was buried on the Jezerski vrh mountain in Lovcen, where his remains rest to this day. In the words of the writer Lyuba Nenadovich, “…..and gravely above the rest!”