Summary
Old Town Herceg Novi is a charming historic district located in the heart of the city. Visitors can explore its narrow, winding streets and admire the architecture of its beautiful buildings and landmarks. Some popular attractions in Old Town Herceg Novi include the Kanli Tower, the Clock Tower, and the Church of St. Michael. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the bay from the historic Forte Mare fortress. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, serving local and international cuisine, as well as souvenir shops and boutiques.
What is it?
Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. Founded in the 14th century, the town has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. With its stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, Herceg Novi is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Kanli Tower, a 16th-century fortress located in the heart of the city. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the bay. Other popular landmarks in Herceg Novi include the Clock Tower, the Monastery of Savina, and the Forte Mare fortress.
In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Herceg Novi is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The town hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Herceg Novi Film Festival and the Mimosa Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring.
Five fun facts about Herceg Novi:
- The town’s name means “new castle” in Serbian, and it was named after a fortress built in the area by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I in the 14th century.
- Herceg Novi is home to one of the oldest cinemas in the Balkans, the Cinema “Jugoslavija”, which opened in 1921 and is still in operation today.
- The town is known for its beautiful gardens and parks, including the Botanical Garden, which features over 300 different species of plants.
- Herceg Novi is famous for its seafood dishes, which feature a variety of locally caught fish and shellfish, including mussels, squid, and octopus.
- The town is home to a number of historic churches and monasteries, including the Monastery of Savina, which dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the most important religious sites in Montenegro.
- Overall, Herceg Novi is a fascinating destination with a rich history and a vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s historic landmarks, relaxing on its beautiful beaches, or sampling its delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal town.
The three towers
Herceg Novi is a town with a rich history and a number of impressive fortresses. Here is some information about the three main fortresses in the town:
Forte Mare: Forte Mare is a fortress built in the 14th century on a hill overlooking the town and the sea. It was originally built by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I as a defense against the Venetians. The fortress was extensively rebuilt and expanded by the Venetians in the 16th century, and then again by the Austrians in the 19th century. Today, Forte Mare is a popular tourist attraction and hosts many cultural events and concerts throughout the year.
Kanli Kula: Kanli Kula is a fortress built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Turks. It was used as a prison and as a defensive fortification against the Venetians. The name “Kanli Kula” means “Bloody Tower” in Turkish, and it is said to have been the site of many executions during the Ottoman period. Today, the fortress houses a small museum of local history and hosts occasional art exhibitions and other events.
Spanjola Fortress: Spanjola Fortress is located on a hill above the old town of Herceg Novi. It was built in the 16th century by the Spanish as a defense against the Ottoman Turks. The fortress offers panoramic views of the town, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. Today, it is a popular spot for hiking and picnics, and it hosts occasional cultural events and concerts.
All three of these fortresses are important historical landmarks and offer visitors a chance to experience the rich history and culture of Herceg Novi.
Austro-Hungarian influence
Herceg Novi has a rich history of various influences, one of which is Austro-Hungarian. During the 19th century, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was expanding its territories and took over Herceg Novi, which was then a part of the Ottoman Empire. This period of Austro-Hungarian rule left its mark on the town, with several architectural and cultural influences that can still be seen today.
One of the most prominent examples of Austro-Hungarian influence in Herceg Novi is the Clock Tower in the Old Town. This tower was built during the Austro-Hungarian rule and is a symbol of the town’s connection to this empire. Other notable examples of this influence can be seen in the town’s architecture, including the Austro-Hungarian barracks and the Austro-Hungarian Palace, which is now the Institute for Marine Biology.
During the Austro-Hungarian period, Herceg Novi also experienced a period of growth and modernization. The town’s infrastructure was improved, and new roads, bridges, and buildings were constructed. The Austro-Hungarian rule also brought an influx of people from other parts of Europe, which contributed to the town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Today, the Austro-Hungarian influence in Herceg Novi can be seen in the town’s cultural events, such as the annual Austro-Hungarian Ball. The town’s close proximity to Croatia and other neighboring countries also means that visitors can easily explore the wider region and discover more of the Austro-Hungarian legacy in the area.
The seaside promenade
Herceg Novi’s seaside promenade, also known as Pet Danica, is one of the town’s most popular attractions. The promenade stretches for several kilometers along the Bay of Kotor and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
The promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to relax and take in the scenery. It’s also a popular spot for joggers and walkers, with plenty of benches and rest areas along the way.
One of the highlights of the promenade is the Clock Tower, located at the entrance to the old town. The tower dates back to the 17th century and is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the view.
Another popular attraction along the promenade is the Kanli Kula fortress, located at the western end of the town. The fortress dates back to the 16th century and offers panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
Overall, the seaside promenade is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Herceg Novi. It’s a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, take a leisurely stroll, and soak up the town’s relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
How long is it?
The distance of the seaside promenade from Meljine to Igalo in Herceg Novi is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles). The length of the walk may vary depending on your pace and how long you choose to stop and enjoy the views or have a meal or drink at one of the cafes or restaurants along the way. It’s a relatively easy and enjoyable walk that can be completed in a few hours or less.
What will we see?
A walk along the seaside promenade from Meljine to Igalo in Herceg Novi is a pleasant and relaxing experience. The promenade offers beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor, with plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery. The Clock Tower, located at the entrance to the old town, is a popular attraction and offers stunning views of the bay. The walk also passes by the Kanli Kula fortress, a 16th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the bay. Overall, the walk is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Herceg Novi, and it’s a great way to experience the town’s relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
What can we eat?
There are many great places to eat along the seaside promenade in Herceg Novi. Here are some of the popular restaurants and cafes:
Konoba Feral – A seafood restaurant located in the old town, known for its fresh seafood dishes and traditional Montenegrin cuisine.
Delfin – A cafe located along the promenade that offers a variety of drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.
Splendido – A waterfront restaurant that offers Mediterranean and international cuisine, as well as a selection of cocktails and wines.
Ribarsko Selo – A seafood restaurant that offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, as well as traditional Montenegrin cuisine.
Pizzeria Gradska Kafana – A popular pizza restaurant that offers a variety of pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
Overall, there are many great places to eat along the promenade, and you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes to suit your taste and budget.
Five fun facts?
- The promenade was built in the early 20th century and was initially used as a walkway for the Austrian navy officers stationed in the town.
- The Clock Tower located at the entrance to the old town was built in the 17th century and is one of the oldest landmarks in Herceg Novi.
- The promenade is known for its palm trees, which were originally brought from the Canary Islands in the early 20th century.
- The promenade is a popular spot for fishing, and you’ll often see locals fishing from the rocks or the pier.
- The promenade has been the site of many cultural and artistic events over the years, including concerts, art exhibits, and poetry readings.
Three good links?
Visit-Montenegro.com – This website provides information about the promenade, including its history, landmarks, and things to do.
Lonely Planet – The Lonely Planet guide to Montenegro features a section on Herceg Novi and its seaside promenade, with practical information and recommendations for travelers.
TripAdvisor – TripAdvisor provides reviews and ratings for restaurants and attractions along the promenade, as well as user-generated photos and travel tips.
Who can take us there?
Taxi More or Taxi Maestro. You can rent a car but it is hard to find parking. You can take the bus from the road next to the village, but it is rather unreliable.
