Herceg Novi historical places: the fortress town of the Boka

Herceg Novi is one of Montenegro's most layered coastal towns. Set on a steep slope at the western entrance to the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), the town brings together a history of more than six hundred years with its fortresses from different periods, its sea walls, its clock tower and its monastery. This guide visits Herceg Novi's key historical sites in order.

Why is Herceg Novi a founded fortress?

Herceg Novi was founded in 1382 as a fortress by the Bosnian King Tvrtko I. The town later received its present name when the title "herceg" (duke) of Stjepan Vukčić Kosača was added to the name "Novi". Its strategic position at the western entrance to the Bay of Kotor made the town a defensive point from the start.

From its founding, the rule of different powers such as Bosnia, the Ottomans, the Spanish and Austria shaped the town's fabric. These changes of hands gave Herceg Novi a unique skyline in which fortresses and buildings from different periods stand side by side. Its position at the entrance to the bay made the town valuable both militarily and commercially. Today, walking the lanes of the old town lets you read this multinational past step by step.

Forte Mare and the sea walls

The Forte Mare fortress by the sea of the old town is the town's oldest defensive structure. Built in 1382 by King Tvrtko I, this sea fortress served as a base protecting the bay and the harbour. The sea view from its walls offers one of the most striking moments of the walk.

Forte Mare was repaired and extended in various periods over the centuries. The walls and courtyard of the fortress today host cultural events. From here you descend into the narrow lanes and squares of the old town; walking along the sea walls shows the town's bond with the bay in a tangible way. Forte Mare is one of the natural starting points of a visit to Herceg Novi and symbolises the town's sea-facing identity.

Kanli Kula and Španjola

Two strong fortresses rise on the hills above the town. Kanli Kula, a castle built by the Turks in the Ottoman period, is known for the dark past that gave it its name. Higher up lies the Španjola (Hispaniola) fortress built by the Spanish; both offer commanding views over the town and the bay.

Kanli Kula today hosts cultural events and performances in the summer months; the area within its walls is used for concerts and shows. Španjola, in its steeper position, forms the highest point of the town's line of defence. These two fortresses hold together the traces of Herceg Novi's Ottoman and Spanish periods. The stepped paths climbing to the hills show the town's steep topography and layered history up close.

The Clock Tower and the Savina Monastery

The Clock Tower at the entrance to the old town was built in the 19th century by the Austrians and serves as a town gate. With its stone body and arched passage, the tower forms a symbolic threshold to the old town; the square and lanes around it are at the centre of the town's public life.

The Savina Monastery near the town is an important centre of the Orthodox tradition. Surrounded by greenery, the monastery offers visitors a spiritual pause with its churches, icons and quiet courtyard. Its position with a sea view makes the monastery valuable both historically and scenically. The Clock Tower and the Savina Monastery are two complementary stops carrying the traces of the town's different faiths and periods.

How should you explore Herceg Novi?

Because Herceg Novi is set on a steep slope, the visit is largely made on stepped lanes. Starting at the Clock Tower and Forte Mare, climbing to the fortresses on the hills and then descending to the sea is a practical route. Comfortable shoes are needed for the sloping and stepped lanes.

The morning or late afternoon suits avoiding the heat. The town is also known for its annual mimosa festival; this celebration in early spring is a time when the mild climate and the blossoms colour the town. The seaside promenade and cafés are good for a break. For more, see our city page on Herceg Novi.