The medieval fortress Citadela, the most dominant building of the Old Town of Budva, it is certainly one of the most valuable fortifications in this part of the Mediterranean. From a historical perspective, it consists of two buildings. The building from the Middle Ages (15th century), which was built during the Venetian Republic, is certainly older. Within those walls are the remains of the Church of St. Mary. It is an Orthodox church of the Virgin from the Middle Ages. The devastating earthquake of 1667 significantly damaged the old building. The second building of the Citadel dates from the 19th century, this part of the Citadel was built by the Austro-Hungarian military administration on the northern side of the fortress. Today, the Citadel is one of the most representative buildings of the Old City of Budva. It houses a small maritime museum with models of ships, a library with a permanent display of books and maps of old Montenegro and the region. Some of the books are unique, and the library is generally dedicated to the Balkans during the time of Josip Broz Tito. Here you can also see more modern literature in foreign languages from various professional fields.
The symbol of the city of Budva is also located in the old fortress. The famous stone engraving, two fish, with their tails facing each other, is related to the legend about the origin of the city of Budva and the undying love of two young people. Today it is a real tourist attraction of Budva, where couples in love, touching the engraving with their left hand, swear to each other eternal love.
The restaurant on the first floor forms a whole with a spacious terrace on the eastern tower and a stunning view of the island of Sveti Nikola and the open sea. It is an ideal place for intimate gatherings with superb culinary skills and excellent service. At the top of the tower, the viewpoint with a beautiful view of the island, the open sea, the whole of Budva and the beaches is an essential stop for all photography lovers.
The medieval castle has retained the rusticity and originality of the architecture, making it one of the most significant buildings of the Middle Ages on the Montenegrin coast and the most beautiful part of the old town.
On our website you can make a reservation for a tour through this beautiful cultural and historical building. Special benefits for a group tour of this fortress, as well as the possibility of paying with a voucher. Working hours during the upcoming holidays are from 09:00 to 18:00 every day.
