Budva is surrounded by walls, with the city fortress- The Citadel- being located at the wall’s south section. The Citadel used to serve as a shelter for the locals, and is located at the highest point of the city’s walls. Legend has it that two lovers, whose parents forbade their love, threw themselves into the sea from the Citadel’s walls, promptly transforming into fish. Unfortunately, this is just a legend, but an image of the two fish is now the symbol of the city, being engraved into the wall of the Citadel, just above its entrance.
The fortress also contains the remnants of the foundations of the Church of Saint Mary, after which the fortress itself takes its name, as the locals call it the Saint Mary Fortress, and the city’s guests preferring the name Citadel.
In addition to this, the fortress also houses the city library, a sight you won’t want to miss, as well as a restaurant, from the balcony of which you can enjoy the view of the pier and the whole city. Sometimes enjoying a good book from the library and drinking coffee or wine overlooking the sea is all a person needs.
The entrance to the Citadel is located next to The Square Between Churches.
The Citadel is connected to the town walls which surround the entire city and are 1km long.
According to old images from sketches, Budva once gad six towers which surrounded the city. Unfortunately, a great earthquake struck the area in 1667, destroying the towers, but leaving the walls intact, enabling you to walk along them and explore the city from a different perspective even today. The entrance to the Citadel will also lead you to the city’s walls.
Author of the text:
Marijana Niković licensed tourist guide for Montenegro.
If you are interested in guided tours in English, please contact me at:
(Viber) 00382 68 230 241
