Haj Nehaj Fortress
Haj-Nehaj
A hilltop fort above Sutomore with coastal views.
The fort dates to the late medieval period and preserves lines of walls and gates. Platforms look out over Ratac, Sutomore and nearby coves.
How to Get There
From Bar by taxi or transfer ~13 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~44 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~56 min.
Description
What this place is
Haj–Nehaj (Nehaj) is a ruined frontier fortress on a rocky hill above Sutomore, about 10 km northwest of Bar. It guarded the coastal corridor toward Sozina; the summit sits at roughly 231 m above sea level.
Key features
- First recorded in 1542 under names like Fortezza de Spizi/Nechagia – underscoring its strategic role.
- Firearms-oriented layout – round towers and numerous loopholes reflect late-medieval upgrades.
- St Demetrius church crowns the summit and predates the fortifications.
- Though the peacetime garrison was tiny, the fort could shelter ~900 people in emergencies.
What to see
- The western gate with visible construction phases and the cistern.
- The gunpowder magazine on the sheer eastern ledge and domestic quarters in the higher southern ward.
- St Demetrius church and sweeping views over Sutomore, Bar and Mount Rumija.
History
The stronghold likely emerged in the late 15th century; by 1542 it is firmly attested as a watchpost between Bar and Paštrovići, and a 1550 print already marks it as the coastal landmark.
In 1571 the Ottomans seized the fort, which was then adapted for firearms with round towers and musketry slits. The site remained hard to approach, with a single western gate and essential service buildings inside.
During the 1877 campaign it came under Montenegrin control; after the 1878 Congress of Berlin the Sutomore/Spizza coast fell within Austro-Hungarian influence and the fort featured in their defensive line. With garrisons gone, Haj–Nehaj was abandoned and survives today as atmospheric ruins.
Practical information
Location: Haj–Nehaj hill above Sutomore, ~10 km from Bar.
How to get there: hiking path from Sutomore/Sozina-tunnel side; 30–45-minute ascent; informal roadside pull-offs near the trailheads.
Access: open ruins with no ticketing or formal control.
Visiting hours: daylight only is advisable due to terrain.
Duration: 60–90 minutes including the climb.
Best time: morning or golden hour; spring and autumn for milder temperatures.
Special conditions: rocky, steep path with no railings – wear sturdy shoes; little shade in summer – bring water and sun protection.
