As being partly in the Mediterranean, and partly in the Balkans, Montenegro enjoys diverse cultural influences deriving from the Mediterranean and the central and east European civilizations.

Montenegro’s rich and historical cultural heritage, which dates 1000 years back, is felt in every corner and throughout every region.

Cultural monuments and land marks with historical tales are spread all around the old towns, with Byzantine architectural influences making their mark in the continental part of Montenegro, while medieval monasteries are uniquely decorated with thousands of square meters of frescoes along their walls.

One of the most important dimensions in Montenegrin culture is the ethical ideal of “Humanity and Gallantry”,

which results from Montenegro’s long history of warriors.

This ideal derives its content from chivalry, and speaks about virtues, and integrities a person must hold in order to deserve a truthful respect by the people around him.

Though ancient, this ideal is still ingrained in the Montenegrin culture, but since it is not fully grasped by other south-Slavic nations, it is sometimes a source for confusion with the latter ones, whom ignorantly equating this ideal as backward and outdated.

Montenegro’s traditional culture revolves around clans, patriarchal related families, which held tribal identities as groups, with own developed traditions and territories. Though now days the clans autonomy no longer exists, they are still a viable element in the Montenegrin social life values.