Herceg Novi Map

Description:

Description:

Herceg Novi is a coastal city in Montenegro, located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic Sea. Founded in 1382 by Bosnian King Tvrtko I, the city was initially named Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen). Later, it was renamed Herceg Novi ("New Castle") when it came under the control of Herzog Stjepan Vukčić Kosača in the 15th century.

The city's strategic position has resulted in a turbulent history, with numerous rulers including the Ottomans, Spanish, Venetians, Russians, French, Austro-Hungarians, and various other powers controlling it at different times. This diverse historical background is reflected in the city's architecture and cultural heritage. The population of Herceg Novi is approximately 31,000 residents, making it one of Montenegro's major coastal communities.

Among the city's most notable landmarks are the Forte Mare fortress (built in 1382), Kanli Tower (Kanli Kula) (dating from 1483), and Španjola Fortress (constructed in the 16th century). The Clock Tower in the Old Town, built during the Ottoman period, remains one of the city's most recognizable symbols. The Savina Monastery, located just outside the city, consists of three churches dating from different periods and houses valuable historical artifacts and religious relics.

Herceg Novi is known for its numerous stairs and cascading gardens, earning it the nickname "City of Steps." The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, receiving approximately 200 sunny days per year. The area is also famous for its healing sea mud and mineral water springs, which have contributed to the development of health tourism in the region. The Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation "Dr. Simo Milošević" is one of the largest and most respected facilities of its kind in the Balkans.

The city hosts several important cultural events throughout the year, including the Herceg Novi Film Festival (Montenegro Film Festival) in August, and the Mimosa Festival in February, celebrating the flowering of the mimosa trees that are abundant in the region. The Old Town's architecture features a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences, making it a significant historical and architectural monument.