Blue Palace

The Blue Palace is located at the center of Cetinje, the cradle of culture and former royal capital of Montenegro. It was built in 1895, as orderedby King Nikola I, for his son and successor, Prince Danilo.

They called in the best Italian architect, aided by Montenegrin masters, to oversee and complete this baby-blue dream home. The prince became duke, and he and his wife enjoyed living here until 1916.

For several decades after, Cetinje went through periods of stagnation, and the building was repurposed as an upscale gallery, event space, and museum. After undergoing a phase of renovation, the Blue Palace became the official residence of the president of Montenegro in 2010. Although it is not open to the public, visitors are allowed to gawk at the main entrance through the gates—a limited but rewarding view, primarily due to the security duo.

These are the presidential guard, stationed at the main entrance 24-7, complementing the facade’s aesthetic with their blood-red jackets. They tend to be young, strong men, wearing uniforms that can only be described as a successful upgrade of Tweedledee and Tweedledum’s attire. People are often gathered outside the gate taking pictures of themselves against the background of the appealing Blue Palace, with its centerpiece of these motionless guards, perennially prepared to roll out the red carpet.

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