Introduction to Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi, often called the "City of Stairs" or the "Botanical Garden of Montenegro," is a coastal town situated at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) in southwestern Montenegro. Known for its abundance of sunshine, with over 200 sunny days per year, and lush Mediterranean vegetation, this charming town cascades down the hillside toward the Adriatic Sea, creating a picturesque terraced landscape. Founded in 1382, Herceg Novi combines rich historical heritage with natural beauty, making it one of Montenegro's most distinctive coastal destinations. The town's name means "New Duke's Town," reflecting its establishment by Bosnian King Tvrtko I Kotromanić, who was also the Duke of Hum (Herceg).
Historical Background
The history of Herceg Novi is characterized by multiple conquests and diverse cultural influences. After its founding in 1382 by Bosnian King Tvrtko I, who named it Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen), the town quickly became an important trading center. Following Tvrtko's death, the town fell under the control of Herceg (Duke) Stjepan Vukčić Kosača in the mid-15th century, from whom it derived its current name. The strategic importance of Herceg Novi made it a coveted possession, and over the centuries, it was ruled by various powers including the Ottoman Empire (1483-1687), the Republic of Venice (1687-1797), Austria-Hungary, France during the Napoleonic period, Russia briefly in 1806-1807, and again by Austria-Hungary until World War I.
Each ruling power left distinct marks on the town's architecture, culture, and traditions. The Ottoman period brought Islamic influences and several structures including the Clock Tower. The Venetian era introduced Mediterranean architectural elements and strengthened the town's maritime connections. This diverse historical tapestry is evident in the multicultural character of Herceg Novi today, with Orthodox and Catholic churches standing alongside remnants of Ottoman architecture. Following World War I, Herceg Novi became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, before ultimately becoming part of independent Montenegro following its separation from Serbia in 2006.
Geography and Climate
Herceg Novi occupies a spectacular position at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The town is built on the slopes of Mount Orjen, with its urban area extending from the sea level up to an elevation of approximately 200 meters. This steep topography has given rise to the town's nickname, "City of Stairs," as numerous staircases connect different levels of the settlement. The surrounding landscape features dramatic limestone mountains that provide a striking backdrop to the azure waters of the Adriatic.
The climate of Herceg Novi is Mediterranean, characterized by mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers. The town boasts over 200 sunny days annually, with an average temperature of around 16°C (61°F) throughout the year. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, while summer temperatures typically range from 25-30°C (77-86°F). This favorable climate has allowed for abundant vegetation, including various subtropical plants, palm trees, agave, and a remarkable variety of flowers and ornamental shrubs. The combination of mild climate and sheltered position has historically made Herceg Novi a popular health resort, particularly for respiratory conditions.
Old Town and Architecture
The heart of Herceg Novi is its Old Town (Stari Grad), a well-preserved historical center that reflects the town's diverse cultural heritage. Characterized by narrow, winding streets, stone houses with red-tiled roofs, and charming squares, the Old Town creates an atmosphere of Mediterranean authenticity. The central square, Trg Nikole Đurkovića, serves as a social hub lined with cafes and restaurants. From this square, various streets and staircases branch out, leading visitors through a labyrinth of historical buildings, passageways, and unexpected viewpoints overlooking the bay.
The architecture of Herceg Novi represents a blend of various styles, including Mediterranean, Ottoman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences. Notable examples include the Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel with its distinctive twin towers, the Catholic Church of St. Jerome, and numerous palaces belonging to noble families. Many buildings feature stone facades with elements such as arched doorways, decorative balconies, and internal courtyards. A distinctive characteristic of Herceg Novi's urban design is the integration of greenery, with many private gardens, climbing plants, and public spaces adorned with flowers and trees, reinforcing the town's reputation as Montenegro's botanical garden.
Fortresses and Defensive Structures
As a strategically important coastal town, Herceg Novi is home to several impressive fortresses that bear witness to its military significance throughout history. Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) stands at the waterfront and was initially built during the Bosnian period, then significantly expanded by the Ottomans and later the Venetians. This fortress now serves as a summer stage for theatrical performances and cinema screenings, offering visitors spectacular views of the bay while enjoying cultural events.
Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower), situated higher up in the town, dates from the Ottoman period and earned its grim name from its use as a prison. Today, this imposing structure hosts a summer theater and various cultural events, its open-air arena providing a dramatic setting against the backdrop of the Adriatic. The third major fortress, Španjola (Spanish Fortress), occupies the highest position above the town. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century during their brief control of the area, it offers panoramic views of Herceg Novi, the Bay of Kotor, and the open sea. These three fortresses, connected by a series of defensive walls and towers, once formed a comprehensive defense system and now serve as the town's most significant historical landmarks.
Beaches and Waterfront
The coastline of Herceg Novi stretches for approximately 25 kilometers, featuring a variety of beaches and bathing areas. Unlike the sandy beaches found elsewhere in Montenegro, most of Herceg Novi's beaches are composed of pebbles or concrete platforms built alongside the crystal-clear waters. The main town beach, Škver, is located near the marina and offers various amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. Other popular beaches in the vicinity include Igalo, known for its therapeutic mud (igaljsko blato) and healing mineral waters, and the beaches of Njivice, Zelenika, and Kumbor, each with its unique character.
The waterfront promenade, known as Pet Danica (Five Danielas), extends for five kilometers from Igalo to Meljine, creating one of the longest and most beautiful seaside promenades in the Adriatic. Lined with restaurants, cafes, and beach bars, this pedestrian pathway allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views of the bay while being shaded by palm trees and pines. The promenade is particularly lively during summer evenings when both tourists and locals participate in the traditional Mediterranean custom of an evening stroll (korzo). The town's marina accommodates various vessels, from small fishing boats to luxury yachts, adding to the maritime atmosphere of Herceg Novi.
Cultural Heritage and Events
Herceg Novi boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. The town has historically been home to numerous artists, writers, and thinkers, attracted by its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Cultural institutions include the Herceg Novi City Museum, housed in a former 19th-century mansion, which displays archaeological artifacts, ethnographic collections, and art exhibitions that trace the town's diverse history. The Heritage Museum "Mirko Komnenović" and the Archives of Herceg Novi further preserve the historical and cultural legacy of the region.
Throughout the year, Herceg Novi hosts various cultural events and festivals that enliven its artistic landscape. The most significant is the Herceg Novi Film Festival, established in 1987, which has evolved into one of the most important film events in the region, showcasing both international and domestic productions. The Mimosa Festival, celebrating the early blooming of mimosa flowers in February, marks the arrival of spring with parades, concerts, and cultural performances. Other notable events include the Guitar Festival, the International Book Fair, and various theatrical and musical performances often held in the atmospheric settings of the town's ancient fortresses during summer months. These cultural activities reflect the town's historical role as a meeting point of different civilizations and continue to foster creative expression and international cultural exchange.
Tourism and Recreation
Tourism forms the backbone of Herceg Novi's modern economy, with the town attracting visitors drawn to its combination of historical interest, natural beauty, and Mediterranean ambiance. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels, such as the Lazure Marina & Hotel housed in a restored 18th-century Venetian shipyard, to private apartments, guesthouses, and camping sites. The tourism season traditionally peaks during July and August, though the mild climate allows for an extended season from April through October.
Beyond beach activities, Herceg Novi offers numerous recreational opportunities. The mountainous hinterland of Mount Orjen provides excellent hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, from gentle walks through olive groves to challenging treks to the mountain's highest peaks exceeding 1,800 meters. The crystal-clear waters of the bay are ideal for various water sports including sailing, kayaking, and diving, with several dive centers offering guided explorations of underwater caves and marine life. The nearby Blue Grotto (Plava Špilja), a sea cave with striking blue light effects, is a popular destination for boat excursions from Herceg Novi. For those interested in wellness tourism, the Igalo Health Spa utilizes natural resources including mineral-rich mud and thermal springs to offer various therapeutic treatments, continuing a tradition of health tourism that dates back to the 19th century.
Surrounding Area and Excursions
Herceg Novi serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Bay of Kotor region and beyond. Boat trips from the town's harbor offer access to the spectacular landscapes of the bay, including visits to the islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George near Perast, and the UNESCO-protected old town of Kotor. The Luštica Peninsula, with its olive groves, traditional villages, and secluded beaches, lies just across the bay and can be reached by boat or car. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Orjen mountain range offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, from Mediterranean maquis to alpine forests.
Day trips to neighboring countries are also popular among visitors to Herceg Novi. The historic city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located just 30 kilometers to the northwest and easily accessible for a day visit. To the south, the town of Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers insights into another cultural dimension of the region, with its old town, monasteries, and vineyards. These excursion possibilities highlight Herceg Novi's strategic position at the crossroads of different countries and cultures, allowing visitors to experience the rich diversity of the Eastern Adriatic region while using the town as their comfortable home base.
Gastronomy and Cuisine
The cuisine of Herceg Novi reflects its coastal location and historical influences, combining Mediterranean flavors with elements of Balkan cooking traditions. Seafood naturally dominates local menus, with freshly caught fish, octopus, squid, and shellfish prepared in various ways – grilled with olive oil and herbs, incorporated into risottos, or stewed in traditional seafood broths. The Bay of Kotor is particularly renowned for its mussels, cultivated in the pristine waters near Herceg Novi and typically prepared buzara-style, in a sauce of white wine, garlic, and parsley.
Beyond seafood, the local culinary repertoire includes distinctive regional specialties such as black risotto colored with cuttlefish ink, seafood pasta, and various meat dishes including the ubiquitous Balkan grilled meats. The influence of continental Montenegrin cuisine is evident in dishes like kačamak (a polenta-like dish) and various mountain cheeses and smoked meats that find their way to coastal menus. Local olive oil, produced from groves that dot the surrounding hillsides, features prominently in cooking, as do herbs such as rosemary, bay leaf, and sage that grow abundantly in the Mediterranean climate. The region also produces excellent wines, particularly the red Vranac and white Krstač varieties, while the local spirit rakija (fruit brandy) serves as both an aperitif and digestif in traditional dining experiences.