Forte Mare: From a medieval tower to a modern open-air cinema

Montenegro is known for its historic fortresses that witness turbulent times and rich culture, and the city of Herceg Novi stands out as a place where history intertwines with natural beauty. Located at the Bay of Kotor entrance, this city is home to impressive fortifications such as Španjola, Kanli Tower, and Forte Mare.

While Španjola offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop, and Kanli tower delights visitors as a unique combination of historical site and summer stage, the Forte Mare fortress firmly guards its position by the sea. This sea fortress is not only a historical symbol of Herceg Novi, but also an unmissable destination for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the past.

Forte Mare, Photo: fotokon Depositphotos

Forte Mare Fortress, which translates to “Sea Fortress,” is located on the city’s shore, guarding the entrance to the bay. Its construction began in the late 14th century, during the reign of the Bosnian king Tvrtko I Kotromanić, who founded Herceg Novi in ​​1382. Over the following centuries, the fortress underwent numerous upgrades and modifications under various rulers, including the Turks, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians.

During Ottoman rule in the 16th century, the fortress was expanded and strengthened, receiving the then-name “strong tower” or “tower Apasbase”. The Venetians renovated the fortress in the 17th century and gave it its current name, while the Austro-Hungarians made additional modifications in the 19th century, giving it its current appearance.

INTERESTINGLY, CEMENT WAS USED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CONSTRUCTION EXACTLY IN THIS FORTRESS, WHICH WAS LATER USED ON THE FACADES IN THE OLD TOWN.

Forte Mare, Photo: Vera_Petrunina Depositphotos

Today, Forte Mare is more than just a historical landmark – it is the cultural center of Herceg Novi. Since 1952, the fortress has also served as a summer stage, and its walls come to life every year through film screenings as part of an open-air festival. This makes Forte Mare one of the oldest open-air cinemas in Europe, and it offers visitors a unique experience of watching films under the stars, surrounded by historic walls.

In addition to the open-air cinema, visitors to the fortress can enjoy spectacular views of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, the city harbor, Igalo, and the old town. Inside the walls, there is a passage that leads from the shore to the top of the fortress, providing a unique experience of exploring this historic structure. On the upper side of the fortress is the Sea Gate with preserved elements of fortification from the Bosnian period, which represent one of the most beautiful examples of fortification architecture in the region.

Forte Mare, Photo: wildman Depositphotos

For all lovers of history, architecture and beautiful views, a visit to the Forte Mare fortress will certainly be an unforgettable experience. Visit Herceg Novi and through this impressive building enjoy the unique blend of culture and natural beauty that this part of Montenegro offers.