A sea fortress at the entrance to the Old Town of Herceg Novi
The Forte Mare Fortress (Sea Fortress) guarded the entrance to Herceg Novi from the sea.
According to the Herceg Novi Tourist Organization, this was the core of the town founded by King Tvrtko. It was built and rebuilt from the 14th to the 17th century: the largest restoration was carried out by the Ottomans, when it received its current dimensions; the Venetians restored it in the 17th century and gave it its name; and its present-day appearance is owed to the Austrian restoration of 1833. It is situated directly above the Pet Danica promenade, with a view of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. Since 1952 it has housed a summer cinema, and in summer concerts and film screenings are held here. Entry is charged; check the price and opening hours at the ticket office or at hercegnovi.travel.
Highlights
From the ramparts of Forte Mare there is an unobstructed view of the Bay of Kotor and the open Adriatic. The fortress is situated vertically above the town beach and harbor, known as Škver, and is visible from all positions in the town. The name 'Forte Mare' in Italian means 'Sea Fortress', which precisely describes its role — it blocked every enemy attempt to enter the town from the sea. The view from the top of the fortress to the west encompasses the open Adriatic, and to the east the inner bay towards Kotor.
The Clock Tower was built in 1667 during Ottoman rule and has since represented the main gate of the Old Town of Herceg Novi. The tower is 16 meters high, and stairs pass through it leading into the interior of the Old Town. The old clock on the tower withstood the passage of time until 1995, when it was replaced with a new electric one. Today the tower is the main symbol of Herceg Novi and is surrounded by cafés, boutiques, and a bookshop on the town square.
Kanli Kula is a monumental fortress located at the northernmost point of the Old Town of Herceg Novi, built in 1539 by the Ottomans. Its name translates as 'bloody tower', which testifies to the turbulent history of this part of the Montenegrin coast. Together with Forte Mare, Kanli Kula forms a pair of key fortification structures that for centuries protected Herceg Novi from land and sea. Today cultural events are also held in it during the summer season.
The Pet Danica Promenade is the central seaside promenade of Herceg Novi, directly connecting Forte Mare with the Old Town and the town beach. Along the promenade there are restaurants, beach bars, and cafés with a view of the bay. In the immediate vicinity are Kusturica's Aurora cinema complex, the Jadran water polo club pool, and the house of painter Vojo Stanić. The promenade is an ideal starting point for exploring all the key attractions of Herceg Novi on foot.
What to do
A tour of the fortress and learning about the history of the defense of Herceg Novi.
From the ramparts of Forte Mare there is a direct view of the Bay of Kotor and the open Adriatic.
During the summer season, open-air concerts and film screenings are held in the fortress.
The fortress is the starting or ending point of a walk along the famous Herceg Novi seaside promenade.
Narration, a map and the full text in the browser – no app, works offline.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
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
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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
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The Health Trail above Herceg Novi runs from Lukovik to Mijalj brdo over a distance of 2.5 km. It is easy, with 145 m of ascent and 70 m of descent, and the estimated walking time without breaks is 55 minutes.
2.5 km145 m45–65 min
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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
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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 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
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The trail of 14.8 km leads from Motel Borići to Orjen Saddle, overcoming 1,468 m of ascent. The marked trail requires good fitness and mountain experience, and passes by caves, viewpoints, and a mountain hut.
14.8 km1,468 m7–10 h
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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 trailGallery
Plan Your Visit
Opening hours
Check at the ticket office or on hercegnovi.travel.
Phone
+382 31 350 820Website
hercegnovi.travelEntry is charged; check the price at the ticket office or on hercegnovi.travel.
Paid parking in the centre of Herceg Novi, along the Pet Danica promenade. Arrival on foot from the Old Town is recommended.
The fortress is partially accessible — stone terrain and steps may make movement difficult for wheelchair users. Prior checking is recommended.
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