Austro-Hungarian fortification at the entrance to Boka Kotorska
Arza Fortress is an Austro-Hungarian fortification from the mid-19th century on Cape Arza, at the far southwestern end of the Luštica peninsula, in the municipality of Herceg Novi.
Together with Mamula Fortress on the islet of Lastavica and the fortification on Cape Oštro on Prevlaka, it formed the first line of defence of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The exterior is well preserved, but it is privately owned and the interior is not open to visitors. It is reached on foot from Arza and Mirište beaches, and the view from the cape takes in Mamula, the islet of Žanjic and the open sea.
Highlights
Arza Fortress was built in the mid-19th century, at the same time as Mamula on the islet of Lastavica and the fortification on Cape Oštro, on the proposal of General Lazar Mamula. The three fortifications together closed the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, as part of the system of the Maritime Fortress of Boka. Externally, Arza is well preserved and has retained its original form.
From Cape Arza you can see Mamula Fortress, the islet of Žanjic, Cape Oštro on Prevlaka and the open sea. This is one of the rare places from which all three fortifications of the entrance to Boka can be seen in the same frame. The most beautiful light is late afternoon.
The beaches of Žanjice, Mirište and Arza are connected by a coastal path through macchia. From Žanjice to Cape Arza it is about 1 km, and from Arza Beach to the fortress only a few hundred metres. The walk is short but rocky.
Immediately below the cape are Arza Beach and Mirište Beach, with clean water and a view of Mamula. In summer, taxi boats from Herceg Novi run to them, so a visit to the fortress is easily combined with a day at the beach.
The army of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro sold the fortress in 2005 through an international tender, together with the surrounding complex of about 11 hectares. The announced tourist complex was not built, and the interior is not open to visitors – the fortress can only be viewed from the outside.
What to do
A short, rocky path from Arza and Mirište beaches to the fortress, with a view of the entrance to Boka.
Arza, Mirište and Žanjice beaches immediately below the cape, with clean water and a view of Mamula.
Taxi boats from Herceg Novi and excursions to the Blue Cave and Mamula pass right by Cape Arza.
Cape Arza is a diving location at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
Mamula, the islet of Žanjic and Cape Oštro in the same frame, most beautiful in the late afternoon.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
Walking tour of 3.8 km with 44 m of ascent and 70 m of descent. It takes about 1 h 5 min without breaks. The trail is of moderate difficulty, one-way, with an asphalt/concrete surface and some rocky sections.
3.8 km44 m55–80 min
View trailThis 5.1 km trail leads from the Žanjice beach area toward Rose on the Luštica peninsula. It is easy, fully paved, and suitable for all ages.
5.1 km16 m1½–2 h
View trailAn easy walking tour 1.0 km long with 48 m of ascent. The surface is asphalt/concrete, it takes about 20 minutes without breaks and is located near several beaches.
1.0 km48 m15–25 min
View trail
EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section is a cycling route 195.0 km long from Njivice to Sukobin. It runs on asphalt, has 3,259 m of ascent and passes through the coastal area, Lovćen National Park and Lake Skadar.
195 km3,259 m2–3 days
View trail
The Coastal Promenade Kumbor – Đenovići – Baošići is an easy one-way trail, 4.6 km long. It runs along the sea and beaches, with a short ascent of 18 m and a descent of 86 m; estimated duration without breaks is 1 h 15 min.
4.6 km18 m65–90 min
View trail
The 7.1 km trail runs from Igalo through Herceg Novi to Zelenika along the shore of the Bay of Kotor. It is easy, mostly on asphalt, and suitable for the whole family throughout almost the entire year.
7.1 km128 m2–2½ h
View trail
The Coastal Hiking Transversal connects Herceg Novi and Bar over a distance of 88.4 km, with a total ascent of 4606 m. It is marked and intended for experienced hikers; the estimated walking time without breaks is 33 h 50 min.
88.4 km4,606 m4–6 days
View trail
Top Biking Trail 1 – SALTY AND SWEET is a very demanding one-way cycling route 406.3 km long. It passes by Perast and Dobrota and through Lovćen National Park and Durmitor National Park.
406 km10,191 m6–8 days
View trailGallery
Plan Your Visit
Admission
No ticket for viewing from outside.
The interior is not open to visitors; the fortress is viewed from outside.
Parking at Žanjice and Mirište beaches; fills up quickly in season.
A rocky footpath leads to the cape; not suitable for strollers.
FAQ
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