- Address: I Bokeške Brigade, Herceg Novi, Montenegro
- Opening hours: 9: 00-19: 00
- Ticket price: 2 euros
In the northern part of the old Montenegrin town of Herceg Novi there is a unique castle of Kanli-Kula. It is covered with secrets and legends, and surrounds its picturesque nature.
Description of the fortress
The building reaches 85 m in height, the thickness of the walls reaches 20 m, and the size of the fortification is 60x70 m. This is a powerful and magnificent structure of the time, which still causes respect and reverence today.
The first mention of the castle dates back to the 17th century, when in 1664 the traveler Evlei Celebii described it in his notes. True, the scientists found that the fortress was erected a century earlier, around 1539.
The structure was founded during the reign of the Ottoman Empire as a defensive fortification, and was later used as a prison. The Turks completely surrounded the city with powerful walls, but, unfortunately, many of its sites were destroyed by war and time.
History of the fortress of Kanli Kula
Over the period of its existence, the citadel was rebuilt several times, as it collapsed as a result of earthquakes, natural phenomena and wars. For this reason, its original appearance has not survived. For example, the southern gate of the castle was subsequently built by the Austrians to shorten the road to the main tower.
The history of Fort Kanli Kula is rather gloomy, and its name from the Turkish language is translated as "The Bloody Tower". The name fully justifies itself, because the dungeon had a frightening reputation, and it was simply impossible to escape from it.
In prison there were politicians, freedom fighters of Montenegro and opponents of Ottoman power. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners were brutally tortured and killed here. It is said that the stone walls of the interior are covered with drawings and texts of the unfortunate, but for tourists the entrance to the former chambers is closed.
What is the castle today?
In the middle of the twentieth century, throughout the territory of Kanli, Kula carried out repairs, and in 1966 the fortress was opened to visit. Today it is considered a rather popular place, which is included in many excursions .
This castle is famous for such events:
- Inside the fort there is one of the largest amphitheaters in the country, its capacity is approximately 1500 seats. Due to the medieval atmosphere preserved here, the most frequent plays on the stage are historical works.
- Wedding ceremonies are often held on the territory of Kanli-Kula. Honeymooners are attracted by the ancient architecture and rich history of the castle. They present themselves as real knights and ladies of the heart, very often their outfits correspond to the period of the XVI-XVII century.
- If you want to see the panorama of the city and the Boka-Kotorska bay, then, having risen on the observation deck, you will see simply fantastic landscapes.
- Kanli Kula Fortress is also a historical museum in the open air. Throughout the castle you can see ancient cannons, water cisterns, household items and household utensils. Also, tourists will get acquainted with a variety of loopholes and masonry, demonstrating how the fort has changed over the centuries.
- In summer, films are often shown here, concerts and festivals are held, for example, the famous musical festival of Sunchane Scala.
Features of visit
When planning to visit Kanli Kula in Herceg Novi, be sure to take comfortable clothes and shoes with you so that you can walk comfortably around the fortress. On the territory of the fort there is a souvenir shop and a shop with drinks and ice cream.
The price of admission is 2 euros, and children under 12 years old are free of charge. If you visit the castle in a group of 10 people, then the cost of the visit will be only 1 euro. The fortress is open from 9:00 until 19:00.
How to get there?
You can reach the castle by bus, taxi or car on the road Srbina. From the center of Herceg Novi you will also reach here on foot.