The Kanli Kula Fortress Is Open!!!!

Compliments of Herceg Novi Tourist Information Facebook Page,

an aerial view of the Kanli Kula Fortress.

It....is....huge.....

A repeat visit back to the Kanli Kula Fortress that was closed for the season when we arrived in Herceg Novi.  In celebration of the Mimosa Festival it was open for one week only!  Don't have to ask us twice...we are going exploring.

The Operosa Opera Festival takes place in the summer months here in the Kanli Kula Fortress in this amphitheatre below.

When it was a prison during the Turkish occupation, the prison cells were below.....down treacherous stairs like this.  Not opened to the public.  I've got to be honest....those stairs felt creepy.  I didn't even step on them.  

View from the top.

This fortress sustained heavy damage as a result of the earthquake of 1979.

You can still see a massive crack from top to bottom on the fortress.

And in the inside.....oh ya.

By 1988 it had been restored.  However the scars are still apparent in the above and below photos.

Medieval stage productions are often shown here because of the authentic backdrop of the fortress walls and surroundings.

As well, films are shown here with a projector booth at the back and the screen set up on the stage.

From this spot you can just see the tip of the Forte di Mare (the other fortress at the sea.)

A castle, a fortress, a prison and now a theatre.

Today it hosts an annual Film Festival and the Songchae Scala Music Festival.

Views....views....and more breathtaking views.

Can't get enough of these.

In Turkish, Kanli Kula translates to Bloody Tower.

Only the upper part of this fortress is available to explore.  The inside, where prisoners were kept, is closed for excavation and examination.

Another name that has been used for this fortress was Porta di Terra.  It is no longer used and everyone refers to it as Kanli Kula now.

This is considered to be one of the largest and most original open air summer theatre along the Adriatic Coast.

The seating can accommodate 1000 however 15 thousand patrons can fit in here.

The 'North Gate,' the main entrance to the Fortress.

Hey....the fortress is for sale????  

False alarm....it's the building beside it.

What a great spot that would be.

Fantastic time exploring this incredible structure.