Budva Old Town

Budva Old Town is a historic city located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. The city walls cover an area of ​​approximately 35 hectares and are surrounded by numerous narrow streets and small squares. The Old Town is known for its well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including churches, palaces, and castles. Some of the most notable structures in the Old Town include the 7th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, the 9th-century Church of St. Mary in Punta, and the 13th-century Church of St. Sava. The castle fortress and city walls offer magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The Old Town also has many restaurants, cafes, and shops offering local products and souvenirs. During the summer months, Budva Old Town is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

Buda city walls (Budva Old Town)

The Budva City Walls are a historic fortification surrounding the Old Town of Budva in Montenegro. Here are some details about the history of the wall, its architecture, and what tourists can expect to see when they visit:

History: The Budva City Walls date back to the medieval period and were built by various rulers and conquerors over the centuries. The wall served as a defense against invading armies and pirates, and played an important role in protecting the city’s residents and property.

Architecture: The city walls consist of several layers of walls, towers, and gates surrounding the Old Town of Budva. The wall is made of stone and is up to 2 meters thick in some places. It is approximately 1,600 meters long and contains several gates, including the Sea Gate, the River Gate, and the Mountain Gate.

• • Sea Gate: Also known as the Main Gate, the Sea Gate is the main entrance to the Old Town and is located on the south side of the city. The gate was built in the 16th century and features a round arch decorated with the Lion of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice who ruled Budva in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Sea Gate is the most popular entrance among tourists and leads to the main square of the Old Town.
  • River Gate: The River Gate is located on the north side of the city and overlooks the Budva River. The gate was built in the 15th century and has a smaller arch than the Sea Gate. It was originally used to transport goods into the city by boat. Today, the River Gate is less frequently used by tourists as an entrance, but it does offer a picturesque view of the river and its surroundings.
  • Mountain Gate: The Mountain Gate is located on the east side of the city and overlooks the mountains. It was built in the 17th century as a defense against the invading Ottoman armies. The gate has a triangular shape and a steep staircase leading to the top of the wall. Nowadays the Mountain Gate is less frequently used by tourists, but it offers an excellent view of the city and the mountains.

Overall, the gates of the Budva city wall are an important part of the castle’s history and architecture. Visitors can appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship of the gates, while also learning about the city’s history and its role in defending against invaders. Tourists visiting the Budva city wall can explore the walls and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding area. There are several vantage points along the walls that provide excellent vantage points for taking photos or simply admiring the view.

City wall towers (Budva Old Town)

Tourists can also visit several towers that are part of the walls, including the Holy Trinity Tower, the Women’s Tower, and the Mediterranean Tower. Some of these towers have been converted into museums or art galleries, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the history and culture of the area. The Budva city walls are open to visitors all year round, and there is no entrance fee. However, visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for steep climbs as the terrain of the walls can be challenging in some areas. Overall, the Budva city walls are a must-visit attraction in Budva Old Town, offering visitors the chance to step back in time and explore a fascinating piece of history and architecture.

The city walls of Budva have several towers that served as watchtowers and defensive structures during the medieval period. Here are some details about the three most prominent towers:

• • Holy Trinity Tower: The Holy Trinity Tower is located on the southwest corner of the city wall and was built in the 15th century. The tower is one of the tallest towers in the city and is 16 meters high. It has a triangular shape and consists of three floors, each with a different purpose. The ground floor was used to store weapons and supplies, while the upper floors were used as living quarters for soldiers. The tower also has a roof terrace that offers panoramic views of the sea and the city.
  • Women’s Tower: The Women’s Tower is located on the west side of the city wall and was built in the 15th century. The tower is named after the noblewomen of Budva who were imprisoned in the tower during the Ottoman occupation of the city. The tower has a cylindrical shape and is 7 meters high. It has two floors, the ground floor was used as a prison, while the upper floor was used as living quarters for soldiers. Today, the tower has been converted into an art gallery and hosts exhibitions by local and international artists.
  • Mediterranean Tower: The Mediterranean Tower is located on the northeast corner of the city wall and was built in the 16th century. The tower is named after the Mediterranean Sea it overlooks. The tower has a circular shape and is 10 meters high. It consists of three floors, each serving a different purpose. The ground floor was used to store weapons and supplies, while the upper floors were used as living quarters for soldiers. Today, the tower has been converted into a museum displaying the history and culture of Budva and its surroundings.

Visitors to Budva’s Old Town can explore these towers and learn about its unique history and architectural style. The towers provide an excellent opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

Budva Castle (Budva Old Town)

The Citadel Castle, also known as the Budva Castle, is a historic fortress located in the Old Town of Budva. It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular tourist attraction. The Citadel Castle was built by the Venetians in the 15th century as a defensive structure to protect the city from invasion. Over the centuries, it was occupied by various powers, including the Austrians, French, and Montenegrins. During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the castle was partially destroyed and later restored in the early 20th century. Today, the Citadel Castle features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. It consists of several interconnected buildings, including a castle, a palace, a church, and a prison. Visitors can explore the castle’s narrow passages, stone walls, and towers, which offer panoramic views of the sea and the city. One of the most striking features of the Citadel Castle is the Budva City Museum, located within the castle. The museum showcases Budva’s rich cultural and historical heritage through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Visitors can learn about the city’s ancient origins, the Venetian and Ottoman periods, and its modern development. The castle also hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Budva Theatre City festival, the Budva Carnival, and the Budva Jazz Festival. Visitors to Budva’s Old Town should not miss the opportunity to explore this iconic structure and experience its rich cultural and historical significance.