Lesendro Island Fortress

Lesendro is a fort on a former island (now a peninsula) in Lake Skadar near Vranjina, right by the Bar–Belgrade road and railway embankment. Built in the 18th century, it guarded fishing grounds and lake routes.

• Originally an island – turned into a peninsula after the road/rail causeway, giving easy land access.
• Strongpoint of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš – repaired and reinforced to deter Ottoman raids and secure fishing and trade.
• Seized by Osman-pasha in 1843 together with Vranjina – garrisoned and fortified by the Ottomans.
• Liberated in 1878 and, with Žabljak Crnojevića, annexed to the Principality of Montenegro.
• Today: atmospheric ruins on a spit with views over channels and reedbeds.

• Remains of curtain walls and bastions on the rocky knoll.
• Vistas of the Morača delta, Vranjina and the northern Lake Skadar.
• The Bar–Belgrade causeway and bridges as part of the present-day setting.

The fort took shape in the 18th century as a watchpoint on key lake routes. Under Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, defences were renewed to protect trade and fisheries amid tensions with Scutari.

In 1843 Osman-pasha captured Lesendro; the Ottomans held it until 1878, when it passed to Montenegro with other lake forts. In the 20th century it lost military value; the later rail and highway linkage tied it to the shore.

Location: by the Bar–Belgrade road and railway near Vranjina, NE sector of Lake Skadar.
Getting there: drive from Podgorica or Bar via Virpazar; short pull-off and walk from the causeway.
Access: open-air ruins; informal paths from the embankment, minimal fencing.
Visiting hours: daytime.
Visit duration: 20–40 minutes for a look and photos.
Best time: morning/evening for softer light; winter can be windy.
Notes: loose stones and slick rock; keep to trodden paths and respect reed habitats.