Biljarda was once the residency of Montenegrin ruler Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Although Njegoš prefered to dwell in the Lovćen mountain, this is the place where he spent a lot of time writing. In addition to this, the building was the topmost government building at the time. The Biljarda was built in 1838 with great financial help from Russia, which always helped Montenegro financially, especially during the country’s reconstruction after any battles against the Turks, when the country was demolished and pillaged many times.
The Biljarda reminds one of medieval castles in its appearance and simple style. The building is 70-meters long and 7.5-meters wide and holds 25 rooms divided into 2 levels, with the ground floor holding 11, and the top floor holding 14 rooms.
The original name of the residency was Nova Kuća, and the name Biljarda came later, owing mostly to Njegoš’s love of playing billiards. The billiard table that Njegoš used can still be seen in the building. Njegoš ordered the table from Italy, and it was brought from Kotor to Cetinje on foot, being carried on the backs of several Montenegrins. A section of the building was the private dwelling of Njegoš, while the rest was used by his bodyguards, as well as the Senate and for the temporary stay of notable guests. The Biljarda was used as a residency for Njegoš’s heirs, Dukes Danilo and Nikola, but it also housed for a time Njegoš’s printing shop, a religious school, a gymnasium, as well as a woman’s institute.
Among other notable objects, the Biljarda holds a relief map of Montenegro dating back to 1916/17. Today, the Biljarda houses the Njegoš Museum, which, apart from Njegoš’s most famous portrait, holds items and furniture which belonged to him. The construction of the Biljarda cost 10 thousand rubles at the time.
Ticket price for Biljarda
Regular ticket price 3 euros
For children and students 1.5 euros
Billiards opening hours
Summer working hours from 01.April to 30.November: from 9 am to 5 pm
Winter working hours from 01.December. to 31.March: from 9 am to 4 pm
Author of the text:
Marijana Niković licensed tourist guide for Montenegro.
If you are interested in guided tours in English, please contact me at:
(Viber) 00382 68 230 241
