An 1843 Ottoman fortification turned prison — Montenegro's Alcatraz
Grmožur Fortress is situated on a small rocky island in the northwestern part of Lake Skadar, near the village of Godinje. The Ottomans built it in 1843 as a defensive outpost against Montenegro, and Montenegrin troops liberated it on 24 January 1878. Prince Nikola then ordered the former military stronghold to be converted into a prison for the most dangerous criminals and political opponents, earning the site its nickname — Montenegro's Alcatraz. Today only the remains of the rubble-stone walls, covering approximately 430 square metres, are visible, and the island has become a habitat for rare birds, including the Dalmatian pelican.
Location
Lake Skadar, Bar Municipality
Built
1843
Fortress area
approx. 430 m²
Access
By boat only
Prison active
1878 — 1905
Protection
Cultural heritage site since 1949
Highlights
The fortress was built by the Ottomans in 1843 as a defensive outpost against Montenegro. The rubble-stone walls, 50 to 120 cm thick, still enclose an area of approximately 430 square metres. The fortification had two entrance gates defended by towers and a cross-wall that divided the interior into two sections. Montenegrin troops liberated the fortress on 24 January 1878, and it has never been restored since — only the original stone remains are visible.
After the liberation in 1878, Prince Nikola Petrović ordered the Ottoman fort to be converted into a prison for the most dangerous criminals and political opponents. What made this prison unique was that only inmates who could not swim were sent here — the lake's waters were the sole barrier against escape, with no need for additional security systems. According to prison rules, any guard whose prisoner escaped had to serve out that prisoner's sentence. The prison remained active until 1905, when a devastating earthquake severely damaged the fortress.
Today Grmožur is also known as the Island of Birds — the former prison has become one of the most important nesting sites on Lake Skadar. Cormorants, herons, seagulls, and the rare Dalmatian pelican — a protected species and symbol of Skadar Lake National Park — can be spotted on and around the island. The lake as a whole is home to 264 species of birds, some of which are endangered at a European level. The early morning hours are best for birdwatching — arriving by boat between 7 and 9 a.m. is recommended.
At the mouth of the Morača River into Lake Skadar lies Žabljak Crnojevića, the largest fortress-town on the lake, built in the 11th century by the Zetan princes of the Vojisavljević dynasty. In the 15th century it became the capital of the Crnojević dynasty, and ruler Ivan Crnojević fought battles against the Turks until 1479, when the fortress fell under Ottoman rule. Traces of ancient churches and mosques from that period are still visible within the walls. The ramparts offer one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire Lake Skadar.
Kom Monastery is one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries on Lake Skadar, founded in 1415. It is situated on an island in the lake and accessible exclusively by boat. Together with the monastery on Beška island — home to the Church of St. Archangel Michael and the Church of St. George — it forms part of the lake's rich cultural and historical heritage, which encompasses 18 historical monuments. Boat tours from Virpazar regularly include a visit to these monasteries alongside a trip to Grmožur.
What to do
The island is a nesting ground for cormorants, herons, and the Dalmatian pelican — bring binoculars.
tap to closeCruise across Lake Skadar to Grmožur with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake's surface.
tap to closeThe Ottoman ruins surrounded by the lake offer exceptional motifs for photographers during the morning hours.
tap to closeTour the remains of the fortress: two entrance gates, defensive towers, and rubble-stone walls.
tap to closeGallery
Plan Your Visit
Website
nparkovi.meAvailable during the tourist season (April–October), depending on the availability of boatmen from Virpazar
5 euros per person (ticket for Skadar Lake NP); children under 15 free; annual pass for all national parks 13.50 euros
Free parking available in Virpazar on the lake shore, from where boats to Grmožur depart
Not adapted for visitors with disabilities — access is exclusively by boat, and the island terrain is an uneven rocky surface with no paved paths
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