Budva is 2500 years old with the distinction of being one of the oldest settlement on the Adriatic.
The many influences that can still be seen here (in the food, architecture, language) are Greek, Italian, Turkish, Venetian, Serbian, Albanian, Austrian, Russian, French and Hungarian.
The Citadel and wall that encloses the medieval Old Town were built by the Venetian.
The waves that were pounding Herceg Novi were also causing havoc here...thus the sandbags below.
Deb is helping out.
One of the gates, Porto Pizana (possibly) faces the Port of Budva.
Our entrance in today.
The entire walled city is pedestrian only. It is well preserved.
In 1979 there was a catastrophic earthquake that hit near the Montenegrin and Albanian border. The damage was wide spread throughout all the villages we have visited on our trip.
Of the 400 buildings in the Old City of Budva only eight were not damaged.
The city was rebuilt in eight years.
There is still rebuilding happening from the effects of that earthquake in Kotor, Herceg Novi, and along the coast.
The narrow, colourful streets.
Saint Ivan's Church or Sveti Ivan, one of the tallest structures in the Old City. This church is built on the remains of a 7th Century church.
Unfortunately it was closed during our visit.
The Budva Citadel, originally known as the Castle of St. Mary's.
The Holy Trinity Church built in 1804.
The coloured stone, pink and honey, reminds me of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built of the same stone. An Orthodox church.
The glorious entrance to the Holy Trinity Church.
Santa Maria in Punta Church, (below) the oldest church in Budva. Founded in 840 AD by the Benedictines.
Because of many earthquakes this church has been rebuilt several times.
It is on the right in the photo below in a lovely, peaceful courtyard right beside the Adriatic Sea.
Beautiful.
(Below) Between the Holy Trinity Church and the majestic Citadel is the site of the festival 'Grad Theatre' which is used here in the summer.
A side entrance to visit the Citadel.
A view of the Old Town, Stari Grad in Serbian, from on top of the Citadel.
Stunning.
It's a very long way down from the ramparts of the Citadel to the sea. Yikes.
So many nooks and corners to explore in the fortress.
Very well preserved and cared for.
Boat tours still available in the winter to see the city from the sea.
If we swam across this water we would arrive in the village of Bari in the southern part of Italy on the east side. Approximately four and a half hour drive from Rome.
From this perch we can see the Santa Maria in Punta Church, and the red roofed buildings of the Old City and the Plaza Beach.
Looking out over the ramparts to the Montenegro Hawaii island.
Three euros for each of us and we spent probably an hour in the Citidel.
We basically had the entire place to ourselves.
Can you see Debbie waving?
There is almost 160 meters of ramparts that enclose the citadel along the sea side.
Zoomed in shot of the Montenegro Hawaii island.
Incredible rock formations.
With a little more time we might have gone out to visit the island.
Meandering throughout the city.
Lunch....you got it. Fried squid...I cannot get enough of this.
Scenic cafes located everywhere but these two are exceptional.
Your view from your table is of the castle, the sea, or the mountains.
Can you ask for anything more?
The main gate into the Old City is Porta di Terra Ferma (below).
There are two other gates to enter as well.
Old homes in the city.
Reminiscent of the Roman arches.
Art work found randomly at the entrance. People walk by these everyday.
I can't imagine how excellent it would be to live in the Old City.
Towering over the cafes.....very impressive.
We are not done exploring yet. Our next adventure is to find the Dancer of Budva Sculpture.
Here we go......
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