Why Three Fortresses in One Town
Herceg Novi changed hands more often than almost any town on the Adriatic. Founded by the Bosnian King Tvrtko I in 1382, it was subsequently held by Venetians, Ottomans, Spaniards, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and finally Montenegro. Each ruler left fortifications, and three of them survive in walkable condition today. The result is a condensed open-air history lesson that spans roughly five hundred years and climbs from sea level to the ridge above the old town.
Unlike Kotor's single continuous wall, Herceg Novi's defences are separate structures connected by the staircase lanes of the town itself. Walking between them takes you through residential neighbourhoods, beneath citrus trees, and past neighbourhood cats dozing on warm stone — the fortresses are embedded in the daily life of the city rather than standing apart from it.
Forte Mare: The Waterfront Bastion
Forte Mare sits directly on the harbour, its walls rising from the rocks where the promenade meets the sea. Originally a Bosnian fortification, it was rebuilt by the Venetians in the 17th century and today serves as a summer cinema and concert venue. The terrace on the upper level offers a wide view across the bay mouth toward the Lustica Peninsula, and during July and August the fortress hosts open-air film screenings under the stars. Visiting outside of event hours is free and takes around twenty minutes.
Kanli Kula: The Blood Tower Amphitheatre
Kanli Kula — the name translates as Blood Tower — was built by the Ottomans and used as a prison during their occupation. The interior courtyard has been converted into an open-air amphitheatre that seats over a thousand people, and the Herceg Novi summer festival stages theatre, ballet, and music performances here through July and August. The fortress sits at the midpoint of the climb, roughly ten minutes uphill from Forte Mare through the old town staircases. Entry costs a few euros and the views from the ramparts look directly down onto the terracotta rooftops below.
Spanjola: The Spanish Summit Fort
The highest of the three, Spanjola was built by the Spanish during their brief occupation in the early 16th century and later reinforced by the Ottomans and Austrians. It crowns the hill behind the old town and offers the broadest panorama — the entire bay entrance, the Prevlaka peninsula, Mamula Island, and on clear days the Croatian coastline. The climb from Kanli Kula takes another fifteen minutes through steep residential lanes. If you enjoy the staircase walks of Herceg Novi, this route connects naturally to our guide on the 100,000 steps of the city.
The Walking Route
Start at Forte Mare on the harbour, walk uphill through the old town square (Trg Nikole Djurkovica), continue through the stone staircases past the Clock Tower and Sahat Kula, arrive at Kanli Kula, then follow the narrow lanes upward to Spanjola. The total walking time is roughly ninety minutes at a comfortable pace including stops for photographs. You descend the same way or loop back through the Topla neighbourhood on the eastern side.
Where to Park
The most convenient parking is along the waterfront promenade near Forte Mare or in the car park behind the Hotel Perla. From Spanjola you can also continue driving uphill toward the Savina Monastery — see our guide to Savina Monastery and the backroads.
Practical Tips
- Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours for all three, depending on how long you linger at each.
- Shoes: Sturdy sandals or trainers. The staircases are steep and uneven polished stone.
- Water: Carry a bottle. There are cafes near Forte Mare and Kanli Kula but nothing near Spanjola.
- Sun protection: The climb to Spanjola is fully exposed from May through September. Hat and sunscreen essential.