Fortress & Seafront
Forte Mare Fortress
Herceg Novi · Bay of Kotor
QUICK INFORMATION
- CATEGORY
- Fortress & Seafront
- COUNTRY
- Montenegro
- REGION
- Herceg Novi · Bay of Kotor
- DURATION
- 1–2 days
ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION
Forte Mare is the sea-facing fortress at the foot of the Herceg Novi old town, the lower counterpart to Kanli Kula above. Built by the Venetians on earlier foundations to command the harbour and the waterfront, it sits directly above the Šetalište Pet Danica promenade, its walls dropping to the sea. Like Kanli Kula it has been given a second life as a venue, used for summer performances, exhibitions and events, and its terrace opens a view along the waterfront and the coast. It is a controlled site: hours, tickets, events and maintenance vary, and entry is never guaranteed.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
The story behind it
Forte Mare was built by the Venetians after they took Herceg Novi in 1687, on the foundations of earlier Ottoman and medieval sea defences, to protect the harbour and the waterfront approach to the town. Its position at the foot of the old town, where the walls meet the sea, made it the seaward anchor of the town’s defensive line, complementing Kanli Kula on the height above. Through the French and Austrian periods it remained part of the town’s fortification system, and in the 20th century its inner space and terrace were adapted as a summer venue for performances and exhibitions, a use that continues today alongside the preserved ramparts.
WHAT TO SEE
What to see here
The sea-facing ramparts — the Venetian walls above the promenade and the water, the seaward anchor of the town’s defences.
The terrace view — the panorama along the waterfront, the coast and the entrance to the bay from the fortress terrace.
The performance and exhibition space — the summer venue within the walls, used for events when the programme allows.
The promenade connection — the direct link between the fortress and the Šetalište Pet Danica waterfront below.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters
Forte Mare is the fortress that ties the old town to the sea — the seaward anchor of Herceg Novi’s defensive line and the place where the fortifications meet the promenade. For a visitor it is the fortress most easily combined with a waterfront walk, and the terrace gives the best sea-level view of any of the town’s fortresses. As a controlled site, the exterior and the promenade setting are the reliable experience; interior access depends on the day.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you go
THROUGH THE LENS
From the road
MAP & LOCATION
Forte Mare Fortress
Forte Mare Fortress, Herceg Novi, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
42.4501, 18.5353
MORE ATTRACTIONS
More to see in Herceg Novi
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Old Town konobas — traditional Montenegrin coastal cooking and bay fish in the stone lanes and squares of the upper town, with seasonal opening and variable reservation needs
Škver and promenade seafood and cafés — seafront restaurants, grill houses and café terraces along the Šetalište Pet Danica for fish, mezze and a relaxed waterfront meal
Bakeries, markets and walker stops — burek, pastries, fruit and quick provisions around the marina and the old-town gates for a light lunch or a picnic on the promenade
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Central and Old Town guesthouses — small, locally run rooms and apartments within walking distance of the fortresses, the squares and the promenade
Promenade and Savina hotels and apartments — seafront accommodation along the Šetalište Pet Danica and toward the Savina side, with bay views and direct waterfront access
Igalo or eastern-riviera accommodation — a quieter, value-oriented base in Igalo or along the eastern riviera, a short drive or bus ride from the centre
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Continue the journey
PART OF
Keep exploring
The atlas goes on — more attractions, destinations and stories from every corner of the world.