An Austro-Hungarian fortress from 1853 on the rocky island of Lastavica
Mamula Fortress stands on the small rocky island of Lastavica, right at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, between the Prevlaka and Luštica peninsulas. It was built by Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula in 1853 as part of a defensive system guarding the bay's entrance, together with the fortresses of Arza and Prevlaka. The fortress occupies nearly 90% of the island's surface, which has a diameter of 200 metres, and is considered a masterpiece of military construction. During World War II, the fortress was converted into a concentration camp where more than 2,000 people were imprisoned. Since 2023, the building has operated as the luxury boutique hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree, alongside a memorial gallery that preserves the history of the site.
Location
Island of Lastavica, Bay of Kotor
Built
1853
Distance from Herceg Novi
3.5 nautical miles
Island diameter
200 metres
Camp prisoners
More than 2,000
Tourist season
May — October
Highlights
Mamula Fortress was built between 1850 and 1854 and is considered one of the finest examples of Austro-Hungarian military architecture on the Adriatic. The circular form of the fortress perfectly follows the outline of the island, which has a diameter of 200 metres, while its walls of large, precisely hewn stone blocks give it a monumental appearance rising directly from the sea. It was part of a three-fortification system — together with Arza and Prevlaka — that protected the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. According to many experts, the fortress remains a masterpiece of military construction to this day.
From 30 May 1942, Italian fascist forces converted the fortress into a concentration camp where more than 2,000 people were imprisoned, mainly women, children, and men from the Bay of Kotor region. Many of them did not survive their imprisonment. A commemorative plaque at the fortress entrance pays tribute to the victims, and within the hotel a memorial gallery marks the 170-year history of the fortification. The Yugoslav film 'Campo Mamula' from 1959, directed by Velimir Stojanović, depicts the events of that period.
Since 2023, Mamula Fortress has operated as a luxury boutique hotel managed by the Banyan Tree group — the first such hotel of the group in Europe. The hotel features 32 rooms and suites housed in restored casemates and towers of the fortress, three pools, a private beach, a 748 square metre spa centre, three restaurants and four bars. Condé Nast Traveler included it on its list of 'Best New Hotels in the World 2024'. The rooms offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from both sides — towards the open sea and towards the interior of the bay.
Just a few minutes by boat from Mamula Fortress, along the coast of the Luštica peninsula, lies the Blue Cave — a sea cave renowned for the brilliantly blue colour of its water, created by the refraction of light through underwater entrances. The interior of the cave is characterised by enormous rocks bathed in shades of blue, creating a visual experience that is hard to forget. Visitors can swim through the interior of the cave and photograph it from different angles. The Blue Cave is regularly combined with a visit to Mamula Fortress as part of boat tours departing from Herceg Novi.
What to do
The seabed around Lastavica conceals cannons, anchors, and rich marine life — including octopuses and lobsters.
tap to closeExploring the coastal cliffs of the island and surrounding coves by kayak in crystal-clear water.
tap to closeThe sea around the island of Lastavica is renowned for its exceptional clarity and warmth during the summer months.
tap to closeThe circular fortress tower and stone walls rising from the sea offer outstanding shots from a boat or pontoon.
tap to closeA combined boat excursion: Mamula Fortress, Blue Cave, beaches at Mirište and Žanjic — all in one day.
tap to closeGallery
Plan Your Visit
Hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree: season May–October. The memorial gallery is available throughout the year for hotel guests. Outside tour by boat: throughout the entire tourist season.
Access to the island is reserved for hotel guests (overnight stay from 650 EUR). Boat tour around the island from Herceg Novi: around 5 EUR per person (line towards Žanjice).
Parking in Herceg Novi near the Škver port. On the Luštica peninsula there is a parking lot at the Mirište pier from where boat transfers to the island are organized.
The island is inaccessible for persons with limited mobility — access is exclusively by boat, and the interior of the fortress includes stairs and stone corridors.
https://www.banyantree.com/montenegro/mamula-island-by-banyan-tree
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