Due to its vibrant history, there are a lot of remarkable fortresses in Montenegro. You will notice Venetian, Ottoman or Austro-Hungarian influences in their architecture. They are often located in picturesque places offering awesome views.
St. John Fortress, Kotor
St. John Fortress, also known as Kotor Fortress and San Giovanni Fortress, is probably the most well-known and popular fortress in Montenegro. The fortifications of Kotor together with the Old Town and natural surroundings are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. This place was initially fortified by Illirians, then rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, but the most famous part of its history is related to Venetians. The Venetians built bastions and towers you see nowadays (Kotor was under Venetian rule from 1420 to 1797 and its name was Cattaro at that time).
Hike to the Kotor Fortress is also a very popular tourist attraction, though it can be challenging and takes 1.5-2 hours back and forth. In the summer season, better to do the hike in the morning or in the evening (not so hot and you can enjoy sunrise or sunset together with the Kotor Bay views). There are two official entrance points in the Old Town of Kotor where you pay 15 euros per person and enter the hiking trail (it is a staircase mostly).
Citadel (Citadela), Budva
Budva Citadel is a part of the Old Town in Budva, so you won’t miss it while visiting Budva. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, it aimed to protect the place from sea attacks. Nowadays it is a popular tourist attraction, including the public library and museum. Cultural events and concerts are often held in the Citadel, especially in summer. From the top of the Citadel, you can enjoy great views of the Adriatic Sea, Sveti Nikola island, Mogren beach, and surroundings. The entrance inside the Citadel in 2025 costs 4 euros.
Haj-Nehaj Fortress, Sutomore
The Haj-Nehaj Fortress was initially built in 1542 by the Venetians but later, in the 16th century, the Ottomans took it over and rebuilt it. In the 19th century, the Montenegrin army conquered the fortress, after that the fortress was gradually abandoned since it lost its importance. Haj-Nehaj is located on a hill 231 meters high and it is well visible from the road Budva-Bar. Near Sutomore embankment there is one more fortress, the Tabija Fortress, and there are hiking trails to both of them. If you climb to the top of Tabija or Haj-Nehaj, you’ll get fantastic views of the Adriatic Sea and mountains. The entrance is free.
Forte Mare Fortress, Herceg Novi
Forte Mare (that means Sea Fortress) is one of the three main fortresses in Herceg Novi, the most western town on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast. Initially built by the Bosnian King Tvtko I in 1382, it was reconstructed several times later by Ottomans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. It aimed to protect the entrance of the Kotor Bay from possible invasions. Currently, it is used as a stage for cultural events, an open-air cinema, and a place giving you panoramic views of the Kotor Bay. Forte Mare is located close to the historical centre of Herceg Novi, Pet Danica promenade, Kanli Kula (another interesting fortress here), and the local bus station – so you won’t miss it. The entrance in 2025 costs 4 euros.
Mogren Fortress, Budva
Mogren Fortress was built by the Austrian Empire in 1860 to protect Budva’s western border. Now, it is in a quite ruined state but still worth visiting since from its place, you can enjoy awesome views of Budva Old Town, Sveti Nikola island, and Jaz beach. This fortress is easily reachable from Budva by car or even by foot; there is a path for pedestrians along the Budva-Tivat road to the Mogren Fortress. The entrance to Mogren Fortress is free.
Besac Fortress, Virpazar
Besac fortress, located very close to Virpazar, was initially built by the Ottomans in 1478. It was a quite important fortification for several centuries. Situated at the Ottoman/Montenegrin border, it controlled the trade and military routes near the Lake Skadar. Finally, it was taken by Montenegrins.
Nowadays, it is a tourist attraction. Close location to Virpazar allows combining its visiting with the Lake Skadar boating. After two World Wars and the earthquake of 1979, the fortress was ruined, but in 2013 it was reconstructed. The entrance here costs 2 euros in 2025 (local wine museum visiting and climbing up to the top of the fortress are included in this price). From the top of the fortress you will enjoy scenic views of the Lake Skadar and surrounding mountains.
Castio (Castello) Fortress, Petrovac
Castio or Castello Fortress (also known as Kastel Lastva) is a Venetian fortress built in the 16th century to protect the coast from pirates. Situated at the end of the long and beautiful Petrovac embankment and very easily accessible, it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Petrovac. The entrance here is free.