The Old Town and the Fortresses of Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is a city that is best known through its Old Town and the fortresses that surround it. It is a space where you can see how the city has grown through the centuries and how different nations have left their mark. Stone streets, small squares and stairs lead through the core that still lives today, but it keeps a lot of old stories and past times. What makes Herceg Novi special is the connection between the city and the fortifications that protected it from the sea and from the land. Each fortress has its own story, but together they form a whole that shows how important this area has been throughout history.

The Old Town of Herceg Novi - The Core That Still Lives The old town is the oldest part of Herceg Novi and is located on a slope above the sea. Through its narrow passages and stone steps, you can feel the way of life that has been developing here since the Middle Ages. This part of the city is not only a historical monument, but also a living space where everyday life takes place even today. It is full of cafes, small squares and cultural facilities that are embedded in the old walls, so the past and present are constantly intertwined.

Forte Mare - a fortress by the sea Forte Mare is located just above the sea and the port of Škver, at the very end of the promenade. Its name means "Sea Fortress", because it is located directly on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Its role throughout history was to guard the entrance to the city and to protect the coast from attack. That is why it was built in a place that controls the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, because from that position it was possible to monitor the movement of ships and protect the port Today, it is a place that visitors like to visit because of the view of the bay and the pleasant atmosphere. . From the fortress itself there is a view of the entrance to the bay, boats coming and going, as well as the entire lower part of the city.

Kanli Tower - a fortress above the city Kanli Kula is one of the most important and recognizable fortresses in Herceg Novi. It is located above the old part of the city, on a hill from which you can see the entire Bay of Kotor. The name "Kanli Tower" comes from the Turkish language and translates to "Bloody Tower". It got its name because of its former purpose and difficult history, because during the Ottoman rule it served as a military fortification, and in certain periods as a prison. Because of this, it has remained known throughout folk memory as a place of a darker past. Today, it has been converted into an event space, especially in the summer. From its walls you can see the entire city, the sea and the surrounding hills, which makes it one of the most visited places in Herceg Novi.

Spanjola – view from above The Španjola Fortress is located above the old city center, on a hill that dominates the entire area of the city and the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The road to it is steep and a bit demanding, but that is exactly why the experience is even stronger, because when you reach the top, a view opens up that seems to encompass the entire bay. Španjola today has a special, quiet atmosphere, there is no crowd like in the city center, but more reminiscent of an old, abandoned fort that preserves the stories of past times. It is this combination of history, height and views that makes it unique among the fortresses of Herceg Novi

The Citadel – traces of the old defense The citadel is located right by the sea, near the old port and the stone walls that surround the oldest part of the city. It was built gradually from the end of the 14th century, as part of the defensive walls of the Old Town, and its peculiarity is that it was closest to the sea and served as protection of the entrance to the city. What makes it special is its appearance, simple stone architecture, narrow streets and the remains of old walls that create a feeling of returning to the past and the time when the entire Old Town was a fortified settlement. The citadel is especially interesting to visitors because it is not a classic tourist attraction erected for sightseeing, but a hidden part of the city that is discovered by walking through the Old Town. Many tourists discover it by accident, passing through narrow passages and cobbled streets.

The Old Town and the fortresses of Herceg Novi together create a story about a city that has been in an important position between the sea and the land for centuries. Every fortress and every stone of the Old Town carries a part of that story, and today it all makes a space that attracts visitors because of its history, views and special atmosphere.