Biljarda is a former royal residence tucked into the historic heart of Cetinje, right next to the Cetinje Monastery. Built to look like a medieval fortified castle rather than a typical palace, its curious name comes from a billiard table once housed in its central room — a favorite game of Montenegro's ruling prince-bishop.

Walking through Cetinje, you can't miss this rectangular, two-story stone building topped with lead roofing and wrapped in a high stone wall with four defensive corner towers. The atmosphere here blends the sturdiness of a mountain fortress with the quiet dignity of a former seat of power. Cetinje itself sits in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains, making it an easy and rewarding stop for anyone combining a walk through history with Montenegro's alpine scenery, especially beautiful in spring and autumn when the surrounding hills shift through shades of green and gold.

• Cetinje town center — short walk, a few minutes from the main square, easy route, suitable for everyone
• From the parking area near Cetinje Monastery — a few minutes on foot, easy route

• Today the building is part of the National Museum of Montenegro
• The palace measures over 70 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width
• It contains 11 rooms on the ground floor and 14 rooms on the first floor

Fun fact: construction began in 1838 under Russian Lieutenant Colonel Jakov Nikolaevich Ozeretskovsky, who designed it to resemble a medieval feudal castle, though it was originally simply called the 'New House'.