Herceg Novi

Overview

Herceg Novi is one of the greenest cities in Montenegro, for which it is called the "botanical garden", because a huge number of relict trees and shrubs grow in its park areas.

The history of the city

Archaeological finds from the Vranjache cave and from the Lustica peninsula indicate the origin of civilization in this area back in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Like the entire coast of Montenegro in the III century AD, after the victory over the Illyrians, these lands were captured by the Roman Empire.

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Byzantium dominated these regions for many years. Slavic tribes inhabited these areas in the 7th century, during the period when the first parish states arose on the territory of Byzantium, first dependent on Byzantium, and then gradually gaining independence and political autonomy. The parish of Drachevica is being formed in the area around modern Herceg Novi. Since the 10th century, Drachevica has been losing its independence, becoming the prey of the Zetian princes, followed by the Nemanich period. After the death of Tsar Dusan, Prince Vojislav Voinovich ruled Drachevica for a short time, and then Balshichi.

Wanting Bosnia to gain access to the sea, Bosnian King Tvrtko I Kotromanic captured Drachevica in 1378. He is building a fortification on the mountain with the intention of developing it as a significant commercial, maritime and craft center and giving it the name St. Stepan. As one of the youngest cities in the Adriatic, it is also called Novi, Castrum Novum, Castel Nuovo.

It received its current name during the reign of Duke Stepan Vukcic Kosach, when it experienced the peak of development. Duke Stepan was succeeded by his son Vlatko, but despite strong resistance, he could not resist the Turkish army that conquered Novi in 1482. The Spanish fleet arrived near Herceg Novi in 1538. The Turks surrendered, but 9 months later they conquered it again.

The earthquake of 1667 severely destroyed Herceg Novi. In the same year, the Turks began to rebuild the city, but pressure from the Venetians increased in order to return the city to the hands of Christians. After two centuries of Turkish rule, the city was captured by the Venetians, who ruled until the collapse of the republic. Further, Herceg Novi comes under the rule of Austria. After that, the Russians seize power, then the French. The unification of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes into the Kingdom, and then into Yugoslavia, led Herceg Novi to a new leadership. After the surrender of Yugoslavia, the Italians and Germans occupied the city. Herceg Novi was liberated on October 28, 1944, and this date is celebrated today as the Day of the Liberation of the city.

The sights of Herceg Novi

In addition to the unique natural attractions, Herceg Novi is famous for a large number of Catholic and Orthodox churches and other attractions:

The sea fortress is the same age as the city of Herceg Novi, an architectural monument and the most recognizable symbol of the resort. The fortress was built by King Tvrtko I in 1382, was periodically reconstructed until the XVII century, and in the XIX century the last restoration work was carried out.

The Blue Cave is a natural formation in the rock, famous for the attractions of Herceg Novi. The cave is located in a sheer cliff, its vaults are carved with seawater. The height of the vaults inside the cave is about 25 m. The turquoise glow inside the cave is caused by the penetration of sunlight. Excursions to the cave, which can only be accessed by water, include swimming inside the grotto.

The Museum of Local Lore of Herceg Novi was founded in 1949 and is located in a historic building in the late Baroque style. Prominent public figure Mirko Komnenovich bequeathed this building to the museum.

Clock Tower — built in 1667, the tower is located on the main square of the city. Subsequently, the tower was rebuilt several times. The clock in the tower is working, and through the gates to the towers you can get to the Old Town.

Savina Monastery, an Orthodox monastery located on the shore of the Bay of Kotor in a dense Mediterranean forest, was named after St. Sava, the first Serbian archbishop. The oldest buildings on the territory of the monastery date back to the beginning of the XI century, and the first written mention of the monastery is in the middle of the XVII century.

Hercegnovinskaya Riviera

Hercegnovinska Riviera is a conditionally geographical formation, considered as the main locations of beaches and attractions in the vicinity of Herceg Novi.

So, on the outer part of the Bokokotorsky Bay: there are Rosa, Zhanitsa, Mirishte, Mamula, Blue Cave, Trashte Bay, Bigovo, Lustica peninsula.

The Hercegnovin part itself: Meline, Zelenika, Kumbor, Genovici, Baosici, Bijela and Kamenari.

The interior of the Bokokotorsky Bay presents: Morin, Risan, Perast, islands of St. George and Our Lady of Skrpel, Kotor, Prcanj, Stolow, Lepetani, Tivat.

Beaches of Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi offers all the possibilities for a comfortable beach holiday. Stone, pebble and concrete platform beaches predominate here, and there are several artificial beaches with fine sand.

The main beaches of Herceg Novi:

Kumbor, Dienovici, Baošici, Bijela, Kamenari are the best private beaches of the Herceg Novi coast. These beaches are relatively small, picturesque, surrounded by greenery of olive groves and citrus trees. The beaches of Herceg Novi are very cozy. Usually the entrance to the beaches is paid, umbrellas, sun beds and the entire beach service is provided in full.

Local cuisine and wines

There are many restaurants and eateries along the Herceg Novi embankment, here you can enjoy traditional Montenegrin cuisine, cook everything from fresh local products, a wide selection of seafood, meat dishes and grilled fish, international cuisine.

Purchases

For those who want to combine excursions, beach and wellness holidays in Herceg Novi with shopping, there are small shops and boutiques in the Old Town and in Igalo, where you can buy Italian fashion items of good quality. The choice of souvenirs in the city is not as great as in Kotor or Budva.

Food is worth looking at at the local market near the main square of the Old Town. The market is open on Saturday morning, they sell inexpensive and very tasty fresh vegetables and fruits, olive oil, sheep and goat cheese, dried fruits and locally produced wine.

How to get

The most convenient way to get to Herceg Novi is by plane. The nearest airport is in the city of Tivat, but you can take a taxi or bus from Podgorica Airport. If you have a Croatian or Schengen visa, then Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is available to you.