Forte Mare Fortress

Forte Mare (“Sea Fortress”) sits right on the waterfront of Herceg Novi’s Old Town. It was the key seaside strongpoint controlling the maritime gate since the 14th century.

• Built in the 14th–17th c. – part of early Novi founded by Tvrtko I in 1382.
• Venetian refit in the 17th c. – current name; main defensive role shifts to Španjola.
• Ottoman enlargements – biggest expansion, earning the nickname “Strong Fortress”.
• Austro-Hungarian phase – present silhouette and upgrades; in 1833 cement was first used here (later on Old Town façades).
• Adapted in 1952 as a summer stage – among the Adriatic’s oldest open-air cinemas.

• Sea Gate with early (“Bosnian”) fabric and an internal passage from the shore to the top.
• The spring at the base (drained by the Holy League in 1687) and a marble plaque with verses by Aleksa Šantić.
• Terraces and viewpoints above the promenade toward the bay entrance, Igalo and the Old Town.

The seaside nucleus rose in 14th–17th c.; the Ottomans greatly expanded it. During the Venetian conquest of 1687, Holy League troops drained the waterfront spring, hastening the city’s fall.

Under Venice the site took the name Forte Mare while core defence moved uphill to Španjola. The Austro-Hungarians gave it its present outline and used it as a communications hub; in 1833 cement was introduced here and then adopted on town façades.

In 1952 the fortress became a summer venue; for over six decades it has hosted open-air screenings and events, with seasonal public access to the terraces.

Location: southern part of Herceg Novi’s Old Town, above the Škver port and seafront promenade, a short walk from the centre and bus station.

Getting there: walk up via Old Town stairs and streets from the promenade or central bus stops; you can drive or take a bus to the port area and then follow the signs up to the fortress entrance.

Access: admission is charged, with individual tickets sold at the entrance; prices and access rules may vary by season.

Visiting hours: in high season the fortress is generally open daily roughly from 09:00 to 20:00–21:00; in the off-season hours are shorter, typically until about 17:00.

Visit duration: 30–45 minutes are usually enough for climbing up, walking the walls and enjoying the terraces; with photo stops and a short rest, plan up to 1 hour.

Best time: clear days with mild weather – morning or late afternoon, when summer heat is lower and light is good for panoramic views.

Notes: there are many steps and stone surfaces, sometimes without railings, so comfortable non-slip footwear is recommended; during concerts and events access conditions may change.