Guardian of Budva Above the Blue Adriatic
Citadela Budva, also known as the Fortress of Saint Mary, is one of the most significant fortification structures on the Montenegrin coast. It was built in 840 AD to protect Budva from attacks from the sea, and is first mentioned in historical sources in 1425. Within its walls stand an Austro-Hungarian barracks, an antiquarian library considered one of the most renowned of its kind in the Balkans, the remains of the church of Santa Maria in Castello, and a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Adriatic. Every year, the Citadela becomes the stage for the famous Grad teatar festival, transforming the Old Town into a true centre of culture and the arts.
Location
Budva Old Town
Year Built
840 AD
Opening Hours
09:00 – 01:00
Admission Price
3 EUR
Attraction Type
Fortress / Museum
Highlights
The Austro-Hungarian barracks dominate the northern part of the Citadela and are one of the best-preserved structures within the fortress. They once served as quarters for soldiers, and at certain periods also as a prison. On the second floor of the barracks sits an antiquarian library housing a large number of rare books, considered one of the most renowned libraries of its kind in the entire Balkans. A visit to this library offers a unique insight into the cultural heritage of Budva's Old Town.
The Citadela stands at the highest point of Budva's city walls, making its viewpoint one of the most prestigious spots for a panoramic view along the entire riviera. From the Citadela's terraces, there is an unobstructed view of the Adriatic Sea, the surrounding beaches, Budva's Old Town, and the mountain hinterland. The view is especially impressive at sunset, when the sea is painted in shades of orange and gold. The Restoran Citadela on the terrace also offers the opportunity to enjoy Mediterranean specialities while taking in this exceptional scene.
Within the walls of the Citadela lie the remains of the church of Santa Maria in Castello, after which the fortress received its original name – Kaštel Svete Marije. The church is today almost completely destroyed; only a few low walls remain above ground, yet these very ruins bear witness to the centuries-long history of this place. According to some sources, the foundations of the church date back to the time of the Nemanjić and Balšić dynasties, making them an exceptionally valuable piece of historical heritage on the Montenegrin coast.
The Citadela is directly connected to the city walls that completely surround Budva's Old Town over a length of 1 km. Walking along these ramparts gives visitors an entirely different perspective on the city – a view from above of the rooftops, churches, and sea all at once. According to old sketches, Budva once had six towers surrounding the city; the great earthquake of 1667 destroyed the towers, but the walls remained intact and are still accessible for walking today. The entrance to the Citadela also leads onto the city walls.
What to do
Discover the museum exhibition within the walls of the Citadela, featuring artefacts from various historical periods.
tap to closeFrom the highest point of the walls, capture a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and the Budva Riviera.
tap to closeStroll along the 1 km-long walls that surround the Old Town and connect with the Citadela.
tap to closeDuring the summer, the Citadela becomes the stage for the Grad teatar festival, with theatre performances, exhibitions, and concerts.
tap to closeEnjoy Mediterranean specialities at Restoran Citadela on the terrace overlooking the Adriatic.
tap to closeGallery
Plan Your Visit
09:00 – 01:00 (svaki dan)
3 EUR po osobi
Stari grad je pješačka zona. Plaćeni parking dostupan je na Slovenskoj plaži i uz obalu, u neposrednoj blizini Starog grada.
Citadela je smještena na uzvišenju i do nje vode stepenice kroz Stari grad – nije pogodna za invalidska kolica i osobe s otežanom pokretljivošću.
https://www.budva.travel
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