Lesendro Island Fortress
Tvrđava Lesendro
Ruined island fortress by the road and railway with a signature lake view.
In the 18th–19th centuries Lesendro controlled channels and fisheries. Its remains are clearly visible from the Bar–Podgorica route.
How to Get There
From Virpazar by taxi or transfer ~13 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~22 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~53 min.
Description
What is it
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.
Key features
- 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.
What to see
- 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.
History
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.
Практическая информация
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.
When to visit: year-round in dry conditions.
Visit duration: 20–40 minutes for a look and photos.
Best time: morning/evening for softer light; winter can be windy.
Special notes: loose stones and slick rock; keep to trodden paths and respect reed habitats.
