Monuments to visit Montenegro

The beauty of Kotor lies in the 4.5 km long and 20 m high ramparts that encircle the old town. Of Byzantine origin, these fortifications helped protect the city from Turkish attacks in the 16th and 17th centuries. The fortress of St John, which dominates the town at an altitude of nearly 260 m, was abandoned in 1918. Now in ruins, it is accessible by more than 1,000 steps. The view offered from the top of its walls is splendid, between the Bay of Kotor and Mount Lovćen.

It was in the ^17th century that Perast, with its strong navy, built the most beautiful palaces for its enterprising captains. The village boasts a dozen of them, scattered along the seafront and hillsides. The Bujović palace houses the museum: built in 1694 by brothers Ivan and Marko Bujović, it features a balustrade decorated with 2 lions. A plaque indicates the house where Admiral Matija Zmajević, commander of the Russian fleet, was born. His uncle, Archbishop Andrija Zmajević, had his palace built on St. Elijah's Hill, now in ruins.

Located at the bottom of the city, this impressive ^15th century fortress stands proudly above the city. Having passed through the hands of the Turks, Venetians and Austro-Hungarians, it is a period relic of Bosnian rule. Founded by the Bosnian king Tvrtko, it was damaged by the earthquake of 1979 and then rebuilt. It was used as a summer cinema, a disco and is often used as a film location.

While walking along the citadel, you will come across a pretty little sculpture, which has become over the years the symbol of the city. Sitting on her rock, at the bend of a beach, the little Mermaid of Budva looks at you with her benevolent air and always seems to have a protective feeling. On the way to the beaches of Mogren, leaving the citadel, let yourself be carried away by the charm of the little Mermaid of Budva. You will not be alone, tourists visiting Budva love to have their picture taken with her.

Built in 1900, the former Russian legation is a living relic of the Tsarist imperial era and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Following the Berlin Treaty of 1878, Russia re-established a representation in the region, this time in Cetinje. The embassy was built in the purest Petersburg tradition, both visually and spiritually. Visually, because the building is like a displaced element of the beautiful Baltic city. From the walls, the ornaments to the details of the interior, we have a real embassy of the tsarist culture in Cetinje. Spiritually, because the architect Corradini designed the architecture. Like many buildings in St. Petersburg, Italian architects were welcome to cooperate. Enjoy the building as a witness of the Russian imperial city.

Today, the Russian Legation has become a museum that houses a collection of art objects, antique furniture and objects of everyday life of Russian diplomats. Visitors can walk through the richly decorated rooms and admire the paintings, sculptures and tapestries that adorn the walls. The antique furniture, including carved wooden cabinets, chairs and tables, give an authentic impression of the atmosphere that prevailed in the house in the ^19th century. The place is also famous for its library, which houses over 2,000 books in Russian and French, among others.

The former French Embassy is located in the center of Cetinje. It was founded in 1883 and closed in 1918. This former French diplomatic residence, located in the historical capital of Montenegro, is a historical and architectural jewel worth exploring. The mission of the French Legation in Cetinje was to represent the French Empire in the region and to maintain diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. It was headed by a career diplomat, a military attaché and a secretary. In addition, the French legation strengthened the ties between the two countries, especially by helping to modernize Montenegrin institutions. France also provided financial assistance and technical advice to Montenegro to help it establish diplomatic relations with other countries.

This building was built in 1908 as a result of a move. It was necessary to be more downtown. The building was entirely designed by French people. The architect was André Saffrey and the company Perret Frères. Today, the building is unfortunately inaccessible. It is a local library and you will be refused entry. After consultation, the French diplomacy has other priorities than the conservation of the memory of this building which represents, with the embassy in Belgrade, the friendship France-Balkans.

You will find this sign in Serbian at the entrance: Француско посланство 1879-1916. Fransusko poslanstvo. A consul is said to be "an envoy" in Serbian: poslat: to send.

If you are a lover of art and history, you can not miss the building of the "lega di Cettigne" built in 1905. This magnificent diplomatic residence is in neoclassical style, one of the centers of Italian diplomatic life in the Balkans.

Today, the Italian Legation has been restored and transformed into a museum to allow visitors to discover its rich cultural heritage. The building houses a collection of art objects and furniture that testify to the history of Italy and its relations with Montenegro. When visiting the Italian Legation, you will immediately be struck by the beauty and refinement of the architecture. Visitors will admire the large marble columns and balconies decorated with wrought iron motifs.

The rooms are furnished with antique furniture, tapestries, paintings and sculptures that reflect the art and taste of the time. Visitors will also be able to see objects of daily life, such as Sèvres porcelain, silver tea sets and Murano crystal chandeliers. Like all diplomatic representations, the embassy is surrounded by a grandiose garden where tennis and even golf were played. This embassy was of great importance to the Italian colonial ambitions. The Italians' goal was to trace a line from Milan to Mogadishu. Backed by the Adriatic Sea, the Balkans were to form the shores of an "Italian lake". Let us understand, a "trampoline lake" towards Tripolitania.

Visit to be privileged for the panorama. Located east of the old town of Budva and facing the sea, this citadel offers a nice view of the old town. You will visit an impressive library of books and old maps among which you can find a copy of the old French daily newspaper Le PetitJournal dating from 1912 or a book published in 1576 in Paris on the history of George Castriot Skanderbeg. You will have the opportunity to have a drink or a meal on a terrace with a 360 degree view.

Built in 1602 on the orders of Venetian governor Antonio Grimaldi, it is the first monument you see when entering the old town at the main entrance. The tower has four storeys and a basement. The tower was created from massive stone blocks taken from the rocks of Mount Lovćen. The clock was added in 1810. And if you look closely, it leans like the one in Pisa, a tilt due to the 1979 earthquake.

Kotor's architectural wealth is mainly due to the many Baroque palaces built over the centuries by the local aristocracy. As these buildings are not open to the public, they can only be admired from the outside. The best way to discover them is to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. As you stroll along, you'll see many of the sculptures adorning the facades of these romantic-looking palaces.

The Pima family palace, with its long Baroque balustrade, dates from the ^17th century. The family coat of arms, supported by two angels, can be seen above the portal. The Drago Palace, next to the cathedral, dates from the ^16th century. The original ^12th-century villa was destroyed when part of the cathedral collapsed during the 1667 earthquake. Today, the palace houses the Regional Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.

The Grgurina Palace, which houses the Maritime Museum, dates back to the ^18th century. Other noteworthy palaces include the ^18th-century Besuća Palace and, opposite it, the ^17th-century Bizanti Palace, both located south of the Place des Armes. The history of the Bizanti family begins with Nikola Bizanti, a respected judge in the town of Kotor. After the earthquake of 1667, it was he who rebuilt the palace as it stands today. Don't miss the stone staircase, balconies and old-fashioned water well of this remarkable palace.

Located in the heart of the old town, this small clock tower crowned with machicolations is Herceg Novi's visual symbol and best-known building. It was erected in the ^mid-19th century on the site of an earlier tower built in 1667, twenty years before the Turks left. The Sat-Kula is a monument to the Turkish era. Walk past it and you'll find the church square and some very pleasant cafés. A good idea for a stroll.

The symbol of the "Old Town", located on the left bank of the Ribnica River, this stone clock tower was erected in 1667. It is 16 meters high and is one of the few remains of the Ottoman era in Podgorica, spared from bombing during the Second World War. The mechanism was completely replaced in 2012. Located in the heart of the old Ottoman city, it will be the starting point to visit the mosques and shops in the vicinity.

Montenegro became independent following the Berlin Treaty of 1878. The city of Cetinje has hosted eleven diplomatic representations. Today, one can admire the Art Nouveau architecture and its bright colors. The game is to get lost between the embassies and to guess the country to which they refer. You will appreciate the work of the architect Corradini who designed the Italian embassy, but also the Russian, Austro-Hungarian and English embassies.

Fortress with an evocative name, "the bloody tower" was built by the Turks. It had a dual purpose as it served as both a defensive fort and a prison for those who opposed the Turks. You can see drawings and messages from former prisoners. The walk through the narrow streets of the old town is a real historical discovery with a beautiful panorama! In summer, concerts and theatrical performances are organized here.

Located on a hill above Sutomore and offering a magnificent view of the sea and the Rumija massif, it was founded by the Venetians in the ^15th century. Mentioned in 1542 as the "Fortezza de Spizi", it was designed to resist firearms. At the highest point of the citadel, at 225 meters above sea level, is the small church of St. Dimitri dating from the ^13th century. In its small cemetery, Orthodox and Catholics were buried together until 1868.

This palace is modest. It is known as the Blue Palace because of the color of its facades. It was built in 1896 when Cetinje was the capital of Montenegro. It was then the residence of Crown Prince Danilo, the eldest son of King Nikola. The building is since 2010 the residence of the President of the Republic. Of modest proportion and with its facade balanced by a succession of Corinthian columns, it is very nice to see.

Don't miss the fascinating fortress of Utvrda Mamula, located on a small charming island in the bay of Lustica. This ancient fort dating from the ^19th century is steeped in history and offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can also find caves and hiking trails. The golden sandy beaches that surround the island are a real paradise for lovers. Scuba diving is also very popular, as the island is lined with rich marine life.

Built to protect the bay and port of Kotor, Utvrda Mamula was used as a prison during World War II. Today, this fortress has been transformed into a picturesque resort. Visitors can walk on the stone walls and admire the beautiful view of the sea.

The small island that houses Utvrda Mamula is also a romantic place to discover. The curious can explore the ruins of the fort together, watch the sunset over the sea or simply relax on the nearby beach. Besides the natural beauty of the area, visitors can also enjoy the rich history of the place. The fort has been restored to preserve its cultural heritage, giving visitors a better understanding of the area's tumultuous history. Utvrda Mamula is a must-see destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty and fascinating history of Montenegro.

Fort Lushtica is an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful getaway from city life. With a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea, this fort is a perfect blend of modern life and past history. To get there, you'll need to take the small, winding, but charming road that winds through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Montenegrin coast. Once there, you can discover the ruins of this historic fort and enjoy the tranquility of this natural area.

Located after the Milenijum Bridge over the Morača River, with its back to the city center, Vezirov most is the oldest bridge in the city. Built in the 16th century by the great Ottoman vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolovič, it was for a very long time the only bridge in Podgorica. Built of stone, it is recognizable by its vaulted arches. Legend has it that the architect built it from a sand and egg mortar that makes it indestructible. In August, diving competitions are held here.

The birth house of the national hero, prince-poet Petar II Petrović Njegoš, still stands and today houses a memorial museum. Located in the center of the village, on the road to Kotor, it was built around 1780 by vladika Petar ^I, Njegoš's uncle, for him and his three brothers. It is a simple house with a rectangular shape, consisting of three identical parts and built of stone. This is also where the Montenegrin king Nicholas ^I was born.