7 May 2023 - Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is of comparatively recent origin for this part of the world, having been founded in 1382 by the King of Bosnia, Stjepan Tvrtko I. It has, since then, had a turbulent and bloody history; under its original name, Sveti Stefan, it was attacked and besieged many times. In the 15th century the Duke of Hum seized and fortified the town and renamed it Herceg Novi (Herceg = Duke, Novi = New). Subsequent rulers included Turks, Venetians, Spaniards, Austrians, French and Russians. The fortifications and public buildings are evidence of these previous occupations.


The clock tower is Turkish.

A walk around the old town requires a lot of climbing up steps, but from the castle walls, there are magnificent views of the Bay of Kotor. The higher fortress, Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower) was restored and summer stage put in, in 1966. It seats 1000 and puts on music and film festivals. The lower fortress, Forte Mare is the one that dominates the vista of the town.

You can just make out the upper fortress, mid left on the skyline
 





In contrast to the step climbing, a promenade runs along the seafront for some miles. The section in the new town is lined with restaurants cafes and tourist shops. In the other direction, to the east, are some upmarket hotels. There is a new marina, Marina Lazure, along with an adjoining hotel complex, close to the town of Meljine, which has been beautifully finished. We may call in there later in our Montenegro sojourn.


Miles today            0

Miles in 2023     432

Tricia (& Steve)

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