The village of Godinje, located in the area of Crmnica, represents a unique rural ensemble. Word has it that Prince Jovan Vladimir stayed in this area because he found it very pleasant, which gave the village its name (from the word ‘goditi’ which means ‘to give pleasure’).Historical sources mention that Godinje was the property of Vranjina Monastery in the mid-13th century. The charm of the village is illustrated by the fact that the ruling Balšić family built a summer house there in the late 14th century, and they frequently stayed there.The oldest core of the village has a recognizable building style. It consists of three hamlets – Lekovići, Perazići and Nikači – with a uniform, compact architectural physiognomy. Its stone houses, attached to the rugged karst and arranged side-by-side, with numerous small windows, vaults and terraces, and connected by cellar-taverns, were strongholds of defence and the foundation of life there.The natural surroundings and the mild climate allowed the people of Godinje to engage in viticulture and produce famous wines, a tradition that continues to this day.
