Biljarda, Royal residence in Cetinje, Montenegro
Biljarda is a rectangular stone building in Cetinje, Montenegro, that extends across its site and contains 25 rooms distributed across two floors. The structure features four corner towers that give it a fortified appearance.
The building was designed in 1838 for Prince-Bishop Petar II Petrovic Njegos by a Russian military engineer and financed with Russian support. It was conceived as a fortified residence reflecting the political alliances of that era.
The name comes from an Italian billiard table that Prince-Bishop Njegos placed in the central room, giving the structure its distinctive name. Visitors can still see the rooms arranged around this focal point today.
The building operates as a museum and is located in the old town of Cetinje, which is accessible on foot. The paths leading to the structure are straightforward to follow since it is a well-known spot in the city.
The Italian billiard table that gave the building its name had to be carried by hand over rough mountain paths from the coastal town of Kotor to Cetinje. This was a considerable feat given the table's weight and the challenging terrain.
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