Deb walking on the 'sidewalk' on our way to see the Fortress Mare. Yikes.
Buses come through here....very impressive skills.
Our view from our front door gives us a great place to see Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) every day. It is a massive Fortress. Built between the 14th and 17th century, but was restored in 1833.
That is definitely Debbie on the bridge.
There was major earthquake in 1979 which did a lot of damage including the loss of the Citadel into the sea which can still be seen today at the promenade. (below)
Unfortunately, we are visiting during the off-season, which means the Fortress is closed. Poop.
Now we head up...up...up...to the second Fortress called Kanli Kula.
A beautiful, quaint orthodox church tucked in a corner on our way up.
Incredible mosiac decorates the exterior.
The views on our way up.
Following the Wall that encloses the Old Town....we are winging it. Not exactly sure where we will end up...but if we keep going up we are bound to find the other Fortress. We can see it. Kind of a maze of streets that is an adventure in itself.
Beautiful little song birds along the way...makes me happy.
The incredible mountain range that are within sight today.
We are located at the base of Orjen Mountain. It consists of limestone which means there are caves there. It is mainly a hiking destination for adventurers.
The photo below is of the Dinaric Alps which run through this area for 25 miles and which we admire from the promenade every day.
Another church that we happen upon...much bigger...newer.....but locked.
The steps turn into a flat pathway...easier on the knees.
So quiet this time of year. Feels like we have the whole town to ourselves.
Within less than a quarter of a kilometer we found three churches.
My newest souvenir from Herceg Novi. An artisan located on the path near the Town Clock. Enjoyed a great conversation with him. He shared with us that by watching movies and listening to music he has mastered the english he knows. Much...much better than our serbian.
After a short rest onward to our destination, Fortress Kanli Kula.
I wonder what Deb is looking at. I'm sure this is the way.
Doesn't look that bad from the photo...but an incredible amount of stairs....but I'm hoping we are getting close.
I can do it!!!!
And voila! We have arrived.
The Fortress Kanli Kula, Turkish for 'The Bloody Tower.' That sounds ominous.
It has a very dark history...as a castle, fortress, theatre and prison.
The Turks occupied this area for over 400 years. To be imprisoned here meant you did not leave.
Built shortly after the Ottoman Empire invaded, archeologist believe it was built as early as the 16th century to imprison the Montenegrins who fought against their invaders.
The view of the Fortress Kanli Kula and Herceg Novi from above (courtesy of google.)
It is located on the top of a mountain in the northern section of Herceg Novi.
Inside, the Fortress measures 70 x 60 meters. Some of the walls measure a thickness of 20 meters....unbelievable.
Today it is one of the largest Amphitheatre on the Adriatic with seats for 1000 and the entire theatre can hold up to 15,000 people.
The Fortress was seriously damaged by the 1979 earthquake. It was rebuilt but you can still see seriously, scary, cracks in the outside walls.
We made it.......all those steps....we got this....
......oh oh.......
Locked doors....
Unfortunately....it is open for visitors from May through September.
Lunch box let down.
Sad face.......
It was a great adventure in any event.
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